A History Of The Garden In Fifty Tools

Author : Bill Laws
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
ISBN 13 : 022613993X
Total Pages : 225 pages
Book Rating : 4.37/5 ( download)

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Download or read book A History of the Garden in Fifty Tools written by Bill Laws and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2014-06-19 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A green thumb is not the only tool one needs to garden well—at least that’s what the makers of gardening catalogs and the designers of the dizzying aisle displays in lawn- and-garden stores would have us believe. Need to plant a bulb, aerate some soil, or keep out a hungry critter? Well, there’s a specific tool for almost everything. But this isn’t just a product of today’s consumer era, since the very earliest gardens, people have been developing tools to make planting and harvesting more efficient and to make flora more beautiful and trees more fruitful. In A History of the Garden in Fifty Tools, Bill Laws offers entertaining and colorful anecdotes of implements that have shaped our gardening experience since the beginning. As Laws reveals, gardening tools have coevolved with human society, and the story of these fifty individual tools presents an innovative history of humans and the garden over time. Laws takes us back to the Neolithic age, when the microlith, the first “all-in-one” tool was invented. Consisting of a small sharp stone blade that was set into a handle made of wood, bone, or antler, it was a small spade that could be used to dig, clip, and cut plant material. We find out that wheelbarrows originated in China in the second century BC, and their basic form has not changed much since. He also describes how early images of a pruning knife appear in Roman art, in the form of a scythe that could cut through herbs, vegetables, fruits, and nuts and was believed to be able to tell the gardener when and what to harvest. Organized into five thematic chapters relating to different types of gardens: the flower garden, the kitchen garden, the orchard, the lawn, and ornamental gardens, the book includes a mix of horticulture and history, in addition to stories featuring well-known characters—we learn about Henry David Thoreau’s favorite hoe, for example. A History of the Garden in Fifty Tools will be a beautiful gift for any home gardener and a reassuring reminder that gardeners have always struggled with the same quandaries.

Author : Bill Laws
Publisher : Crows Nest
ISBN 13 : 9781743317969
Total Pages : 224 pages
Book Rating : 4.64/5 ( download)

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Download or read book The History of the Garden in Fifty Tools written by Bill Laws and published by Crows Nest. This book was released on 2014 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Every tool has a tale to tell. The garden shed shelters some improbable stories, from the Mayan and Mediterranean clay pot makers to the tale of the tailor, trimming the uniforms of English Redcoats, who invented the lawn mower; from the manic evolution of the seventeenth-century Dutch bulb planter to the plant container that created a movable orchard at Versailles; from the back story of Henry David Thoreau's favorite hoe to Gertrude Jekyll's homemade daisy digger...'A History of the Garden in Fifty Tools' is a historical, horticultural journey, told through fifty pieces of garden gear, which also provides some useful and curious insights into their care and preservation.

Author : Bill Laws
Publisher : Mitchell Beazley
ISBN 13 : 9781845338848
Total Pages : 224 pages
Book Rating : 4.47/5 ( download)

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Download or read book RHS Tales from the Tool Shed written by Bill Laws and published by Mitchell Beazley. This book was released on 2014-04-07 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: RHS Tales from the Tool Shed is an historical, horticultural journey told through fifty pieces of garden gear. A treasure trove of garden paraphernalia, it explores the roots and evolution of objects, names and places, covering everything from the humble spade to architectural ornaments. Practical insights into the usage and maintenance of each tool appear throughout, along with dozens of attractive photographs, etchings and botanical illustrations. Written by the author of the bestselling Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History, this is a book to cherish for all gardeners and garden lovers.

Author : George Drower
Publisher : The History Press
ISBN 13 : 0750991887
Total Pages : 329 pages
Book Rating : 4.89/5 ( download)

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Download or read book A History of Gardening in 50 Objects written by George Drower and published by The History Press. This book was released on 2019-07-04 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The earliest record of an enclosed space around a homestead come from 10,000 BC and since then gardens of varying types and ambition have been popular throughout the ages. Whether ornamental patches surrounding wild cottages, container gardens blooming over unforgiving concrete or those turned over for growing produce, gardens exist in all shapes and sizes, in all manner of styles. Today we benefit from centuries of development, be it in the cultivation of desirable blossom or larger fruits, in the technology to keep weeds and lawn at bay or even in the visionaries who tore up rulebooks and cultivated pure creativity in their green spaces. George Drower takes fifty objects that have helped create the gardening scene we know today and explores the history outside spaces in a truly unique fashion. With stunning botanical and archive images, this lavish volume is essential for garden lovers.

Author : Zachiah Murray
Publisher : Parallax Press
ISBN 13 : 1937006166
Total Pages : 161 pages
Book Rating : 4.67/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Mindfulness in the Garden written by Zachiah Murray and published by Parallax Press. This book was released on 2012-07-30 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mindfulness in the Garden offers simple mindfulness verses (gathas) composed to connect the mind and body and to bring the reader/gardener’s awareness to the details of the present moment as they work in the garden. These gathas are signposts leading to nature, to the present, and ultimately to one’s self through the love and understanding they evoke. The gathas offered with each gardening activity serves to water the seeds of mindfulness within us, and softening and preparing the ground for our ability to be present. Mindfulness in the Garden values weeds as important messengers seeking to bring into close communion our spiritual nature with that of the environment. It likens spiritual practice to cultivating a garden and inspires each person to accept themselves and start where they are, weeds and all. Through the practice of mindful gardening, we invite not only the thriving of the natural world but also the flowering and beauty of the pure land of our true self to emerge. Features black and white botanical illustrations throughout. Introduction by Thich Nhat Hanh, author of Present Moment Wonderful Moment Foreword by Wendy Johnson,author of Gardening at the Dragon's Gate

Author : Dr. C. Swaminathan
Publisher : EduPedia Publications Pvt Ltd
ISBN 13 : 9392585713
Total Pages : 252 pages
Book Rating : 4.15/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Farming at Home written by Dr. C. Swaminathan and published by EduPedia Publications Pvt Ltd. This book was released on 2024-04-13 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to "Farming at Home". In today's fast-paced world, where urbanization is on the rise and environmental concerns loom large, reconnecting with nature and integrating it into our living spaces has become more crucial than ever. This book is a comprehensive guide to help you embark on a journey of creating vibrant greenery within the confines of your home, whether it's a cozy apartment, a suburban house, or a bustling urban rooftop. The book help to explore the diverse range of topics we'll explore together. From unraveling the intricate relationships between plants and people to understanding the benefits of indoor plants in purifying the air we breathe, from combatting pollution with green solutions to harnessing the power of sustainable water management and alternative energy sources, this book covers it all. We delve into practical advice on setting up your own mini gardens, whether it's a nutritional kitchen garden brimming with fresh herbs and vegetables or a rooftop oasis flourishing with vibrant blooms. We also explore innovative techniques like vertical farming and soil-less food production, revolutionizing the way we think about agriculture and food sustainability. Moreover, we provide insights into how you can incorporate backyard poultry rearing for a steady supply of protein and explore homemade recipes to nurture your indoor plants and gardens. We even guide you through the process of fixing your own water utilities, ensuring that every drop is utilized efficiently. Our aim with this book is not just to provide information but to inspire action. We want to empower you to transform your living spaces into green sanctuaries that promote not only your well-being but also contribute positively to the environment. So, whether you're a seasoned gardener looking to expand your horizons or a novice eager to embark on your green journey, "Farming at Home" has something for everyone. Let's embark together on this enriching and rewarding adventure of cultivating green spaces for a healthier, happier home.

Author : Bill Laws
Publisher : Firefly Books
ISBN 13 : 9781770855885
Total Pages : 224 pages
Book Rating : 4.82/5 ( download)

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Download or read book Fifty Plants That Changed the Course of History written by Bill Laws and published by Firefly Books. This book was released on 2015-08-18 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fascinating stories of the plants that changed civilizations.

Author : Suzanne Staubach
Publisher : Timber Press
ISBN 13 : 1604698810
Total Pages : 221 pages
Book Rating : 4.17/5 ( download)

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Download or read book A Garden Miscellany written by Suzanne Staubach and published by Timber Press. This book was released on 2019-10-29 with total page 221 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: See the garden in a whole new way! Gardens across the globe come in many sizes and styles, but they share a remarkable number of similar components. Suzanne Staubach revels in this connection in A Garden Miscellany. In short essays meant to be dipped in and out of, Staubach shares the history, evolution, and contemporary use of all the parts and pieces that make up a home garden—from borders, compost bins, and decks to pergolas, roof gardens, statues, and troughs. You’ll learn that fairy gardens have their roots in the Tang dynasty, the difference between an arbor and a pergola, how geometry plays a role in garden design, what a ha-ha is, and much more. Featuring bold and whimsical illustrations by Julia Yellow and filled with interesting facts and anecdotes, A Garden Miscellany is a must-have for gardeners, plant lovers, and the naturally curious everywhere.

Author : Jonathan Silvertown
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
ISBN 13 : 022607210X
Total Pages : 203 pages
Book Rating : 4.04/5 ( download)

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Download or read book The Long and the Short of It written by Jonathan Silvertown and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2013-11-01 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “[A] whimsical book on aging . . . the author mixes art, science, and humor to brew a highly readable concoction, presenting one aging theory after another.” —Publishers Weekly Everything that lives will die. That’s the fundamental fact of life. But not everyone dies at the same age: people vary wildly in their patterns of aging and their life spans—and that variation is nothing compared to what’s found in other animal and plant species. With The Long and the Short of It, biologist and writer Jonathan Silvertown offers readers a witty and fascinating tour through the scientific study of longevity and aging. Dividing his daunting subject by theme—death, life span, aging, heredity, evolution, and more—Silvertown draws on the latest scientific developments to paint a picture of what we know about how life span, senescence, and death vary within and across species. At every turn, he addresses fascinating questions that have far-reaching implications: What causes aging, and what determines the length of an individual life? What changes have caused the average human life span to increase so dramatically—fifteen minutes per hour—in the past two centuries? If evolution favors those who leave the most descendants, why haven’t we evolved to be immortal? The answers to these puzzles and more emerge from close examination of the whole natural history of life span and aging, from fruit flies, nematodes, redwoods, and much more. The Long and the Short of It pairs a perpetually fascinating topic with a wholly engaging writer, and the result is a supremely accessible book that will reward curious readers of all ages. “Captivating and enlightening.” —The New York Times Well Blog

Author : Maxine N. Lurie
Publisher : Rutgers University Press
ISBN 13 : 0813554101
Total Pages : 335 pages
Book Rating : 4.05/5 ( download)

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Download or read book New Jersey written by Maxine N. Lurie and published by Rutgers University Press. This book was released on 2012-11-07 with total page 335 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: New Jersey: A History of the Garden State presents a fresh, comprehensive overview of New Jersey’s history from the prehistoric era to the present. The findings of archaeologists, political, social, and economic historians provide a new look at how the Garden State has evolved. The state has a rich Native American heritage and complex colonial history. It played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, early industrialization, and technological developments in transportation, including turnpikes, canals, and railroads. The nineteenth century saw major debates over slavery. While no Civil War battles were fought in New Jersey, most residents supported it while questioning the policies of the federal government. Next, the contributors turn to industry, urbanization, and the growth of shore communities. A destination for immigrants, New Jersey continued to be one of the most diverse states in the nation. Many of these changes created a host of social problems that reformers tried to minimize during the Progressive Era. Settlement houses were established, educational institutions grew, and utopian communities were founded. Most notably, women gained the right to vote in 1920. In the decades leading up to World War II, New Jersey benefited from back-to-work projects, but the rise of the local Ku Klux Klan and the German American Bund were sad episodes during this period. The story then moves to the rise of suburbs, the concomitant decline of the state’s cities, growing population density, and changing patterns of wealth. Deep-seated racial inequities led to urban unrest as well as political change, including such landmark legislation as the Mount Laurel decision. Today, immigration continues to shape the state, as does the tension between the needs of the suburbs, cities, and modest amounts of remaining farmland. Well-known personalities, such as Jonathan Edwards, George Washington, Woodrow Wilson, Dorothea Dix, Thomas Edison, Frank Hague, and Albert Einstein appear in the narrative. Contributors also mine new and existing sources to incorporate fully scholarship on women, minorities, and immigrants. All chapters are set in the context of the history of the United States as a whole, illustrating how New Jersey is often a bellwether for the nation..