The sun has got its hat on

At last, a true taste of an English summer - what joy! The roses are smiling and blooming - what a difference the sun makes to an English garden. Let's hope it continues awhile yet.

We have got quite a few book reviews lined up over the next few weeks so don't forget to check out the website. The National Trust has just produced two new books: 'Allotments' by Jane Eastoe - inspiration and practical advice for would-be smallholders and 'Ponds', Creating and maintaining ponds for wildlife, by Chris McLaren.

Jane's book is full of useful information on how to plan an allotment, crop rotation, how to store your harvest plus some of the best recipes so you can enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Chris invites us to create a wildlife haven in our gardens or plot with a pond - he introduces us to the world of ponds, how to create one and maintain it - how to introduce wilflife to this idyllic pool and help it thrive.

Both books are priced at £7.99 and published by National Trust Books, an imprint of Anova Books. For information log onto www.anovabooks.com

Also on our bookshelf at the moment is "A year in the Life of Greenwich Park" by Anthony Quiney. Published by Frances Lincoln Ltd., - www.franceslincoln.com - this is a delighful pictorial diary of one of London's most popular parks.

Notably the grounds of Henry VIII's favourite royal palace and latterly home to the great dome of the Royal Observatory, the park has recently found itself in the spotlight of a bitterly fought dispute betwen local residents and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games over the staging of equestrian events in the park. The park itself is host to herds of deer, noble avenues of trees and huge expanses of grass - a favourite haunt of South Londoners looking for fresh air and open spaces.

I first encountered Greenwich Park when my daughter did the London Marathon and started in the park, indeed there is a picture of the marathon in the book. The book contains excellent photography which capture the magic and essence of the park throughout the year.

Scotts & lovethegarden.com are launching a big online competition with 1000 Miracle-Gro Liquafeed Starter Kit prizes up for grabs. The comp. runs from 1st to 30th June. The kits comprise an ergonmically designed triple-spray pattern hose and sprayer and one refill bottle of concentrated Liquafeed All Purpose Plant Food. To take part in the competition go to:
www.lovethegarden.com/competitions/09-06-liquafeed.html

Look out for our books reviews on the Gardens of Frank Lloyd Wright, Hidcote and Thomas Mawson, his life. gardens and landscapes on the website in the next few weeks.