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compassrose's review
I enjoyed More Was Lost so much I had to order this; besides, I have a thing for quirky gardening books, despite myself being not more than an indifferent gardener. This did not disappoint. Perenyi is chatty, opinionated, crotchety, and informative by turns in this series of alphabetically arranged short essays on such garden-related subjects as Herbs, Longevity, Tomato, and Failures. I don't always agree with her, and again, there is the occasional tinge of Period-Typical Racism (she definitely holds a certain amount of anti-Asian prejudice, combined with something of an exotifying Orientalist gaze), and I think it's a crying shame she's dead and I can't introduce her to Lee Valley, which judging by the section on Tools she would like. A very nice read during this unseasonable early spring cold snap, and if I ever do really garden, holds some useful tips (like journalling, and serious mulching).
kristidurbs's review
3.0
Enjoyable read on a variety of gardening topics. At times, the writing is fun, opinionated, and quirky; at other times, simply informational. A good balance.
gwynne104's review
5.0
Charming, funny, sharply opinionated, well researched, pro-environment, pro-pragmatism. Wish I'd been Eleanor's neighbor.
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