RHS Gardening Through the Year

Month-by-month planning instructions and inspiration By Ian Spence (£20.00)

THIS updated edition of an RHS stalwart takes you through the year, one month at a time. At the start of each month there’s a handy ‘Things to do’ list, along with ‘Last chance’ reminders and ‘Get ahead’ tips. There’s an overview of the month’s tasks, followed by a selection of ‘star plants’ (including those with an Award of Garden Merit), with the rest of each chapter packed with advice on how to care for trees, shrubs, perennials, fruit, vegetables and lawns, to name just a few.

However, a subject that isn’t covered in detail is the pond. There are a couple of brief references, and these are found in the index under ‘water features’.

Each month also has illustrated step-by-step projects and there’s a photographic A-Z directory at the back of nearly 350 plants with detailed descriptions and growing information.

This book is packed with information, and is an invaluable resource.