Tab Article

Genre: Gardening / Landscape Design / Home Improvement
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Book Review:
John Brookes' ''The Small Garden'' is a timeless and empowering guide that demystifies garden design for the everyday homeowner. Its greatest strength is its logical, start-to-finish structure—it literally begins with measuring your plot and progresses through every major decision and task. Brookes' expertise shines through in his practical advice on construction (paths, terraces, fences) and his thoughtful planting combinations. The book is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a usable, livable space. While some of the photographic examples may feel a bit dated, the principles of good design, proportion, and plant selection are universal and perfectly explained. It's particularly brilliant for those who feel overwhelmed by a blank canvas of a backyard. This isn't a book of fleeting trends; it's a manual for building a garden with good bones that you can enjoy for years. Highly recommended for first-time gardeners and anyone with a small space they want to make the most of.