The Water Gardener S Bible

Whether it is a small container of water on a deck or patio serving as home to a few plants and water creatures or a more elaborate mix of waterfalls, fountains, rockwork, and lighting, the water garden can be a lovely, spirit-soothing addition to one's property—a place to unwind, relax, and escape the cares of the world. But while water has been a prominent feature in garden designs for thousands of years, it is only recently—with the availability of preformed kits at the local home improvement center—that installing a beautiful water garden has become a feasible undertaking for the average homeowner. And now, with the extremely clear and complete instructions in this practical, hands-on guide, a backyard water garden is easier than ever to build and maintain. Water Gardener's Bible by Ben Helm and Kelly Billing is a true bible on the subject—with comprehensive information on everything from choosing the right site and selecting aquatic plants and fish to pond management and problem solving. The pages are crammed with specifics about pond biology and chemistry, beneficial bacteria, fish health, nuisance algae, and electrical and child safety—all that is necessary to duplicate the sights, sounds, and sanctuary of a babbling brook, splashing fountain, or cascading waterfall right in the backyard.

A reference for all water gardeners, whether amateur or professional. From building a wall fountain or installing a pond to replanting a stream, it features technical advice and drawings, steering the reader around the pitfalls. Areas covered include: designing a full range of water features, including fountains, ponds, bog gardens, streams and leisure pools; preparing the site, whether flat, sloping, wet or dry, on sand or on rock; construction methods and materials; special effects with lighting, stepping stones and islands; safety and maintenance measures; stocking a pond with fish and attracting wildlife; planting techniques; and a full catalogue of floating, emergent and marginal plants, marsh and water-loving plants, as well as waterside trees and shrubs.

Renowned American vegetable gardener Ed Smith, works according to four principles. He explains these principles: wide rows, organic methods, raised beds and deep soil, to show how to grow high yield crops and produce better quality food.

Sets the standard for indoor gardening with lights worldwide. Van Patten unlocks the world of indoor gardneing under fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, both of which help seedlings and low-light plants start earlier and grow stronger. Combining the basics of gardening and electrical lighting know-how in one easy-to-use volume, he shows readers of all levels how to get the most out of hydroponics.

The NIV God s Word for Gardeners Bible is a hardcover devotional Bible designed to highlight the many ways God speaks to his people using the language of seeds, cultivation, growth and gardens. Put down your roots and let the Ultimate Gardener tend to your soul."

God will meet you personally in your garden . . . and in his. Throughout the Scriptures God has revealed spiritual truth in the language of growing things. This Bible will take you into a deeper relationship with God through the contemplation of soil and soul. The NIV God’s Word for Gardeners Bible will inspire you to seek God in a personal way through informative essays, devotional readings and prayers that explore the nature of the gardener’s work, the rewards of gardening, the influence of seasons and weather, and the joy of the harvest. In this Bible you will also find botanical-themed pages containing horticultural information for the prominent plants noted in Scripture and landscape-themed pages highlighting the main gardens and regions in which the events in the Bible took place. Draw near to the One whose garden is planted with delight—in you! Features: 260 daily devotions and 52 weekend readings arranged in weekly themes and placed near relevant passages in the text to explore the biblical metaphors of gardens and gardening Topical Index (for 52 weeks) Special sections on the Garden of Eden, the garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus the Vine.

Date palm and almond tree, cypress and pomegranate, wheat and cucumbers: these are just a few of the familiar plants mentioned in the Holy Bible. Shrubs, trees, vines, flowers, and food-bearing plants appear throughout the pages of the Scriptures, often used to emphasize a message in a Bible story. Now the gardener in the city or the countryside can become better acquainted with these very special plants by growing and tending them. Gardening with Biblical Plants, by Wilma James, is a complete guide to Scriptural plants and how and where to grow them. "Whether you garden indoors or out, you experience a sense of God's presence while working with plants that kept company with biblical people and become more aware of the important role plants played in the stories of the Scriptures," writes Ms. James. Gardening with Biblical Plants covers over 100 trees, shrubs, herbs, spices, water plants, flowers, and food plants. Ms. James prefaces her instructions for growing each plant with a discussion of habitats, the purpose it served in the Bible, and ways the plant was valued in biblical times. Bible verse that mention each plant are specified, and one verse is directly quoted. In addition to instructions for growing biblical plants indoors or out, Ms. James offers ideas for groupings in keeping with the Scriptures. Carefully prepared line drawings, by Arla Lippsmeyer, aid in identification. Experienced and beginning gardeners alike will not only find that Gardening with Biblical Plants enhances their appreciation of God's Word, but also provides concrete help in planting.

From the earliest of times people have sought to grow and nurture plants in a garden area. Gardens and Gardeners of the Ancient World traces the beginning of gardening and garden history, from Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, to the Minoans and Mycenaeans, Greeks, Etruscans and Romans, through Byzantine, Islamic and Persian gardens right up to the Middle Ages. It shows how gardens in each period were designed and cultivated. Evidence for garden art and horticulture is gathered from surviving examples of ancient art, literature, archaeology, actual period gardens that have survived the centuries and the wealth of garden myths associated with certain plants. These sources bring ancient gardens and their gardeners back to life, and provide information on which plants were chosen as garden worthy, their setting and the design and appearance of ancient gardens. Deities associated with aspects of gardens and the garden's fertility are featured - everyone wanted a fertile garden. Different forms of public and domestic gardens are explored, and the features that you would find there; whether paths, pools, arbors and arches, seating or decorative sculpture. The ideal garden could be like the Greek groves of the Academy in Athens, a garden so fine that it was comparable with that of the mythical king Alcinoos, the paradise contemplated by the Islamic world, or a personal version of a garden of Eden that Early Christians could create for themselves or in the forecourt of their churches. In general books on garden history cover all periods up to the present, often placing all ancient gardens in one chapter at the beginning. But there is so much of interest to be found in these early millennia. Generously illustrated with 150 images, with plant lists for each period, this is essential reading for everyone interested in garden history and ancient societies.