Every so often a book comes along and you think "yes, love it. Inspirational" and Growing Stuff, An Alternative Guide to Gardening is one of those.
It might seem that every book I buy or review gets a thumbs up. Maybe I am not hugely fussy (although I think, actually, that I am) or maybe I'm just good at picking wonderful books!
For a start, they have to be a visual feast and Growing Stuff ticks this box. It's a bit like a recipe book full of fun, funky gardening ideas complete with pictures of the finished project.
Some of my favourite ideas include a recipe for courgette fudge cake, a winter window box (where do people find these wonderful old boxes, where?) and flowering teacups.
I loved that there were lots of contributors to the book, it made it more interesting somehow (and has highlighted some new-to-me blogs so a bit of a buy-one-get-one-free benefit there).
I do think it is aimed more at people who are just dipping their fingers into soil for the first time, but even if you have been digging for years there will be, I reckon something you'll love in this book.
As for me, very very far from being expert in just about all areas of my life, but not a complete beginner either, it's inspired me to become a bit more creative and fun in the garden.
Which means I shall have to buy my own copy of Growing Stuff because my review copy is up for grabs! This is my first ever giveaway (I am very excited, can you tell). Just leave a comment and we'll pick a winner (by that I mean get one of the little ones to put a finger on a comment) next Monday. So you have until August 24.
And if you don't get picked you can get a whopping 40% discount by sending an email to jess at blackdogonline dot com quoting "Carrots and Kids Offer". I'm spreading the birthday love (yes, now on the other side of the hill).
