Five Books For Garden Inspiration
I've always loved gardens, but now that I have my own outdoor space my interest has been piqued. This goes hand-in-hand with another of my passions - books. Over the years I've built up quite a collection of them, and many about gardens and gardening. Even though I've never really had the chance to create my own garden, I was keen to build my taste and gain a lot of inspiration for the time when I would be able to have a place outside that was mine.
Today I wanted to share with you five books about gardening that have inspired me. From practical guides that have been so useful for a complete beginner like me, to lavish coffee-table books that simply provide a place to daydream. These books provide the perfect dose of inspiration whether you have acres of land, or like me, looking for help with small garden ideas.
GARDEN INSPIRATIONS - CHARLOTTE MOSS
This is one of my favourite books about gardens of all time. It not only celebrates the beauty of the garden, but also how they can intersperse throughout every area of our home and lifestyle so that we can get maximum pleasure from them.
Charlotte Moss has written countless books on style and entertaining, each one more beautiful than the last. If you are looking to be deeply inspired - this is the one for you.
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THE FLOWER YARD - ARTHUR PARKINSON
This book by Arthur Parkinson focuses on growing flamboyant flowers in containers - perfect for someone like me who has a courtyard garden and can only use pots and containers to add colour and life to my space.
Arthur became famous on Instagram by sharing his small but beautiful garden which was abundant with containers of all different flowers - it proved that even if you are limited on space, you can still have your own garden.
This is a new read for me and I'm excited to learn more about gardening in containers and how I'll be able to have beauty to look forward to throughout the year with a variety of blooms even though I only have a small patio garden. 
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QUIET CORNERS OF PARIS - JEAN CHRISTOPHE NAPIAS
This is another book that I discovered when looking for inspiration for my courtyard garden. I've visited Paris on a number of occasions and have fond memories of the charming courtyard gardens that the city is littered with.
I chose this one for some ideas of how I could add some formal elegance to my space. Although I do love cottage-style country gardens, living in the city means that I have to think about my surroundings and environment - a cottage garden would perhaps look a little odd amongst the Georgian architecture of my city.
This book is filled with glorious photographs of the most chic and beautiful Parisian gardens, public parks, arboretums, galleries, and shops - places that you might never have discovered even if you're a local. 
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HOW TO GARDEN WHEN YOU RENT - MATTHEW POTTAGE
This book from the RHS is a great choice if you want to enjoy the pleasures of gardening but don't own your home. There is often the dilemma when renting of whether to 'waste' money investing in a property that is not yours - this book solves this problem and advises how to create your own garden whilst keeping the landlord happy.
Filled with handy tips and knowledge for garden design ideas that won't break the bank or be too permanent, from small patios, to more substantial gardens - this is a useful and practical garden book for the age of the renter!
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THE COMPLETE GARDENER - MONTY DON
I'm a real fan of Monty Don - I love his relaxed but elegant approach to gardening and could spend hours watching his TV show, Gardeners World.
In this book, Monty provides the reader with his knowledge of gardening, covering every aspect of gardening so that everything you need to know is in one place. The advice is practical, imaginative, and inspiring - helping you to create gardens that are not only beautiful, but also sound.
Filled with glorious photographs, this is the gardening bible you have been looking for!
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Comments on this post (6)
I have just discovered you on You Tube and I am a huge fan! You bring a wonderful light and radiance to this world! Sending blessings!!
— Claudia Gleeson Ritchey
Another great post! Charlotte Moss is fabulous – I came across her from the Quintessence blog and her YT film about setting a beautiful table. I would add Patina Farms and all their books for other-worldly gardens and beautiful interiors. I could watch their home tour for hours. More French country but this could bring new inspiration if you enjoy the courtyards of Paris. Yes to adding containers to your courtyard – ferns and a simple colour palette of roses and hydrangeas would look glorious with spring bulbs for a pop of colour in the spring. Good luck!
— Natasha Jackson
Hi Nicolas, years ago I discovered the books of Beverley Nichols and I think you would enjoy this mid 20th century writer/gardener. He tells the stories of the many homes and gardens he cultivated and shared often with the public. His writing style is witty…I think of him as Noel Coward in the garden! Enjoy!
— Allegra Bridges
Thank you, Nicolas, for sharing your research. We have a large wrap around porch on our home on an acreage in Western Canada. We decorate with a few hanging pots and a couple planters. I must admit, we could do more with our acres, but now it is expansive space devoted to lawn. We’re thinking of improving some soil for gardening purposes, but it will take all this year and several workings to get something ready for next year. With food prices being what they are; growing your own makes so much sense.
We await to enjoy your Edinburgh garden!
Good Luck!
Andrew Gabert; B.A., RMT.
— Andrew Gabert
I have a number of Charlotte Moss books including the above. Carolyne Roehm has a similar style. Her books are masterpieces. My favourite gardening book is Arabella Lennox-Boyd Gardens in my life which is exquisite & full of useful information.
— Sharon Wright
Dear Nicholas,
Lovely list, yes, I have Monti’s book and plan to get Arthur Parkinson’s. There’s a bible for Garden Design by John Brooks, very helpful for all size spaces.. best of luck with your courtyard. Tomás
— Tomás Kenny