George Schenk. Gardening on Pavement, Tables, and Hard Surfaces. Timber Press. 2003.

Have you inherited a former cement patio in your backyard? This happened to a friend of mine this past summer. I am excited about this book because it clearly explains how to garden on top of the cement rather than having to dig the cement out. It also talks about gardening on top of a table - something that would make the garden accessible to a wheelchair bound gardener. Among the unusual garden ideas illustrated and discussed is planting in tufa rock for plants needing excellent drainage. This is common among rock gardeners but can easily be used by any style gardener.

Recommendation

This book is easy to read and illustrated with photographs of gardens illustrating the methods discussed in the text. I find the pictures challenging to recreate because I am seeking a way to make my own gardening less strenuous.

I am convinced that any gardener will find ideas to enhance their own gardening practices. George Schenk is one of my favorite garden authors because he writes in an easy to follow style and uses appropriate illustrations. I sense his deep love of gardening from his writing.