Recently, I was approached by the generous folks at Firefly Books. They asked if they might send me three different books on the subject of gardening that I would review and share with you. Being an avid gardener, I immediately said yes! In the next couple of weeks, I am going to highlight and review each of the books and give you the chance to win a copy.
First up: Big Ideas for Small Spaces: Creative Ideas and 30 Projects for Balconies, Roof Gardens, Windowsills andTerraces – written by Kay Maguire and Tony Woods.
This book is so inventive and, at the same time, so practical. It’s set up in five sections: Garden Anywhere which gives information about microclimates, wind, shade, community; Where Does Your Garden Grow? where raised beds, container gardening, windowsills, and more are explored; Think Outside the Box, covering color and lighting and focal points; The Projects – 30 projects you can make on your own; and Get Growing, all about supplies and plants and problems and solutions. There’s also a Glossary and list of Resources at the end.
I so enjoy seeing all the creative ideas for gardening in a small space. I’ve lived in my share of small spaces over my lifetime – some minuscule, some on the larger end of small. When I was an apartment dweller, I had many houseplants and I loved them, but this book shows me I could have done even more to bring plants into my apartment-dwelling life.
What if you are limited to a small balcony or terrace? Maybe only a windowsill (been there)? You’ll find lots of ideas here.
Gutter planters – such a great idea! As with every project, there is a list of materials needed, the steps are clearly outlined, there’s always a tip and the photography is beautiful and highlights the project steps perfectly.
I love this idea – a hanging screen! If my porch wasn’t subject to so much wind, I’d do this in a second! But think about defining a space, whether it’s a balcony or a terrace, with this ‘screen’ of thriving plants. Isn’t that a neat idea?
There’s so much more: a succulent picture frame, pocket planters, balcony rail planters, pond in a pot, green roof, paving-slab garden and lots more – 30 in total.
I’m living vicariously through this book as there is 22 inches of snow on the ground outside my little cottage. It’s inspiring. It will inspire you. It comes to you via the authors and The Royal Horticultural Society – and Firefly Books, of course.
I recommend it highly – anytime, of course – but especially as we wait for Spring to arrive!
One of you will win a copy of this book! Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winner’s name on Saturday evening. Good luck!
Thank you to Firefly Books for generously donating these books!
Happy Thursday.
Thank you Claudia for the chance to win this book. My daughter has a new apartment and would love to get ideas from a book like this.
So tired of the cold and snow (though we didn’t get the amount that you did). I hope that Don gets out ok on Saturday for his big trip.
Julie
Although I have plenty of in-ground space to garden, I also enjoy pots full of color. This book would help me!
Remember, spring is just days away, and you can make it!
Now this kind of gardening would suit me so well. The book looks lovely and what fun to have window gardens. Thank you for the chance to win this book. I got 2 new bird feeders yesterday, one for me and one for Mom. I think she will enjoy seeing birds out her window as much as I do. Now if it would just warm up (although I shouldn’t complain to you of all people with 22″ of snow). Resting today after my dentist visit yesterday. Not too bad but a bit of a headache. Hugs!
I think this book would work for anyone. Even though my yard is about a third of an acre, I have small beds everywhere and a deck filled with containers.
I wanted to thank you for the recent recommendation of Rules of Civility. The writing was wonderful. I finished it two days ago and needed to have some space to savor and reflect before starting A Gentleman in Moscow. I hope it is as well written.
I hope you’ve dug yourselves out ok! Maybe we are heading into the real spring.
Since moving to my new cottage I had all of the very old shrubbery removed and have a small blank space in the front that is challenging me. This book would would be really helpful!
You had me at gutter gardening…..what a neat idea! Although I have a yard, I primarily grow flowers in pots, rather than in ground. So I’m always ready for new ideas! Thanks for the opportunity!
Your snow will melt shortly….Spring is on it’s way…promise! ;)
As you know, I am in the midst of a huge garden project and would welcome any ideas! About 35 years ago I made a gutter planter for an apt railing. It worked beautifully.
Looks like lots of great ideas here Claudia – I’m intrigued by the screen and also the succulent picture frame.
I am impressed with the creative ideas. Since being diagnosed with RA recently this would be ideal and make my life easier. Thanks for your delightful feature.
Thank you for the give-away, Claudia! How nice to get lost in the photos and dream of gardening weather…
Hi Claudia,I have to comment here beside loving to have this book.I watched a show once, I don’t even remember if it was a movie or Tv or what ever. But this family celebrated Vernal Equinox Eve, and to me that is just that Big of an occasion.March 20 6:29 Your time
4: 29 my time! xoxo -Judy A-
This looks like a book that I’d enjoy, and would love to add it to my collection!
I am so glad you are doing this type of review too!
This book looks like it can be a good book for all of us who enjoy growing flowers (and veggies) in our garden.
This is great.
I am going to check this book out as soon as possible!
How are things? Is the sun shinning up that way?
Hello Claudia: Oh yes a new gardening book would be lovely to win. I’m always looking for new ideas. Once I went to the Doris Duke estate in NJ and my father and I were so impressed with some ideas that we came home and tried some that very year so I hope this book gives me some easy to try ideas!thank you
Looks like a good book with a lot of great ideas.
I went to the Flower Show in Philadelphia yesterday so totally in the mood for gardening ideas, would love to receive a copy.
I would enjoy this book. My garden is a small arrangement at my side door, and gets brought inside for the winter.
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway. I’m sure it is especially exciting for you to read due to all of the snow on the ground! LOL
Stay warm and safe!
Judy
I love a good book with projects that have steps you can follow and inspiring pictures. I’ve limited my gardening to containers on the deck and porch and could use some new ideas!
I have always lived in small spaces (intentionally), and love to garden, so this book sounds like the best of both worlds! Thanks for the chance.
I would love the chance to win this book! I’m always keen for some new garden ideas. Thanks, Claudia!
What lovely ideas. Thanks for sharing!
I. NEED.MY.GARDEN…….NOW
That book looks like the perfect inspiration!
Take care,
Luanne
I’d love to win this book. I am literally green with envy. I can’t seem to grow anything and any help at all would be appreciated. I love to see everyone’s gardens. I only wish I could do a better job myself.
I’d love this book! I’ve been exploring ideas for turning my little patio into a prettier, and more relaxing area for this spring/summer.
I love to garden and have found that container and small space gardens work best for me. The gutter garden sounds like something I would like to try.
We actually had a light freeze early this morning in north Florida but that’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through. I did have to cover new tender plantings of pentas, cosmos and zinnias and they all survived. The book you reviewed seems like a great one, thanks for the review. Jen
“Big Ideas for Small Areas”….what a wonderful idea for a read! Thank you for sharing your reviews and other books on here. I have always been an avid reader and looking for suggestion.
Stay warm and safe up there from down here in FL.
This book looks interesting and informative. I am going to send for some garden supplies on line soon. I do not have a car so shopping for large and heavy items,potting soil,grass seed ,etc is the only thing for me. Thank you for the giveaway.
Marilyn
That is a lot of snow. I need all the help I can get with gardening, so would like to win this..
Naomi
Sounds like a delightful book. We also have 22 inches of snow and it was fun to read about innovative garden ideas. l enjoyed the review.
I LOVE the ideas in this book. We are in a townhouse and I can never figure out how to garden on my decks.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Looks like a fun book!!fun like your cute little cottage!!!love your blog!!
Well, you’re a terrific reviewer, always, making us want to buy any book you EVER review, Claudia!
I have a small space to garden although when weeding it seems waayyyyy bigger!
I love to garden and have plenty of space, but my daughter and granddaughter have limited spaces. I am sure they would love the ideas in this book.
Thank you Claudia and Firefly books. Gardening books are so inspirational and always leave a person happy. Just what a girl needs right now!
We downsized from a home on three acres to a condo. I miss my flowers! Would love to get some ideas from this book.
Thank you for the giveaway. Hope the snow melts fast!
Claudia, this sounds like a great gardening book! I have been saving a piece of gutter, for way too long, in order to create a gutter garden on my fence. Maybe this would motivate me to get moving on it!