Down to Earth: Gardening Wisdom - Monty Don (Book)

Title: Down to Earth: Gardening Wisdom

Author: Monty Don

Publisher: Dorling Kindersley (DK)

Publication Date: October 5, 2017 (UK); February 25, 2020 (US)

Category: Non-fiction / Gardening / Memoir

Down to Earth is a reflective and practical guide by renowned British horticulturist Monty Don, distilling over 50 years of gardening experience. Written in his characteristic conversational style, the book offers insights into Monty’s personal gardening philosophy, emphasizing the “why” behind gardening practices alongside the “how.”

The book covers a range of topics, including garden design, seasonal planting, color theory, pest management, and the cultivation of various plants such as flowering shrubs and vegetables. Monty shares month-by-month tasks he undertakes in his own garden, Longmeadow, providing readers with a seasonal roadmap for their gardening endeavors. His approach is organic and wildlife-friendly, encouraging gardeners to work in harmony with nature.

Accompanied by photographs of his garden, many of which showcase areas not typically seen on television, Down to Earth serves as both an informative manual and an intimate glimpse into Monty’s gardening life. It’s suitable for both novice gardeners seeking guidance and experienced enthusiasts looking for inspiration.

For those interested in an auditory experience, an unabridged audiobook version narrated by Monty Don himself is available, offering an enriching listen for any gardener.