A modern Graham Stewart Thomas

I use Graham Stewart Thomas's books on shrubs and perennials all the time. But they must be getting very old fashioned now: I bet I'm missing some fabulous modern varieties.

Are there modern substitutes?

 

Have a look at Graham Rice's books. I've got his RHS Encyclopedia of Perennials which is pretty good.

 

Without doubt. There is no end to learning from books, especially for us, to be able to read and learn from the writings of of other gardeners. Not wishing to boast but, I love books. My library of gardening and associated books is very large. I also have several CD's of books from way back.

Much of what we might read in one book, probably is old hat. This is due to methods, accounts etc being handed dow. Then we come across something new to us. This is good and nodoubt in some way or other, we perhaps make a mental note of where we learned this or that point.

The invention of the internet has really speeded research up. For many of us this is an aid, but when time permits. To pick up the book and become engrossed. Only a book can do that.

 

I'm after a variety of cat mint to use as an underplanting in an orchard, so I thought I'd check RHS AGM ones. The online plant finder functions, but I miss the anecdotes and strong opinions you get in Graham Stewart Thomas. The Plant Finder is a bit too objective.

Here's the Plant Finder on Nepeta Govaniana

And GST

 

Strong opinions; try Christopher Lloyds writings.

 

Yes, love Christopher Lloyd (I met him once.)