I'm a big fan of old gardening books. And one of the biggest reasons why is that they give me good inspiration for an older style of landscape design.
These books are invaluable to me as I dream and begin to design the landscape around our new home because I don't want what's trendy. I want classic.
I've never paid more than a couple of dollars for a book, and have had great luck finding them at my local thrift shops and estate sales. And the bonus? They smell like old books (because they are), one of the best smells on earth.
* * * *
Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.
* * * *
Me too. I tend to look in my old books before looking in my new ones when I have a question. I always wonder what gardener has them before me, where they lived, and what their garden looked like. Ah, day dreaming in the garden.
Posted by: Julia | May 18, 2010 at 08:40 AM
That's one of my favorite smells on earth. I always breath in the book scent before I read it. New books have a great smell too, but old is best.
Posted by: Kristy Lawrensen | May 18, 2010 at 08:45 AM
oh wow i love these pictures
everyone please check out and follow my blog!
sunnypeaches.blogspot.com
Posted by: sophie | May 18, 2010 at 09:32 AM
You've inspired me to go take another look at my old gardening books. It's so easy to get caught up in the colorful pictures of the new books. But the black and whites and line drawings in the old ones have such charm.
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | May 18, 2010 at 09:34 AM
I feel the same way about old cookbooks. I collect them and love the old stains that come when they were actually used. Those pages have great recipes!
Posted by: tracy | May 18, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Finaly!!! someone who loves old gardens! You need to look at the gardens of Gertrude Jekyll, books about her gardens are breath taking!!!! You will love it! Also check out my new blog, I have no fans and a wealth of info to share! Love your site!
Steph,
My Move To Small Town USA blog
Posted by: Steph | May 18, 2010 at 06:10 PM
I agree...classic and timeless over trendy for me! I have some of my grandma's old gardening books...she was a wonderful gardener and did a lot with very little and always had beautiful results!
Posted by: Kathleen | May 19, 2010 at 04:17 AM
oh, i collect old plan books, but trendy landscaping drives me nutty!
i need to keep my eyes peeled for old landscape, etc. books too.
thanks for sharing--love this!
{& wishing you all the best for this year's FC's show----you're a busy bee-}
hugs,
kara
Posted by: Kara | May 19, 2010 at 04:35 AM
I have a gardening book that belonged to my grandmother and I use it all the time. The plants are listed alphabetically and I can easily read about a particular plant. It is fabulous! I love books, and old books are wonderful.
Connie
Posted by: connie | May 19, 2010 at 06:08 AM
You are going to have so much fun designing your new landscaping. How exciting! And you are sooo right about the smell of old books. I LOVE my local library . . .
Posted by: Shelly Pagliai | May 19, 2010 at 08:10 AM
I love old gardening books. Two of my favorites are my 1950's Organic Gardening and an old New England gardening book. They are some of my treasures.
Posted by: April~Living The Sweet Life | May 19, 2010 at 09:18 AM
I so love old gardening books...the graphics and pictures and vintage covers make me happy! What a great idea to use old books to plan new yards!
Love,
Hollie
funkyjunkantiqueshow
Posted by: Hollie Eastman | May 19, 2010 at 08:44 PM
Wow, I was looking to get rid of my vintage books, but after reading the comments I may think twice.
Posted by: Patti k | January 25, 2011 at 04:25 PM