Gardener's Folklore: The ancient secrets for gardening magic -Hardcover

Ever wondered if there's any truth behind planting by the moon? Or why wassailing is still a common folk practice in some parts of the world? In Gardener's Folklore, the record of these practices is unveiled, with plenty of tips and tricks to try in your own 21st-century garden for blooming bushes and plentiful potatoes.

A Collection of Gardening Magic and Myth

First published in 1976, Gardener's Folklore collects the little bits of magic and myth to be found in the gardens of Britain and North America. Compiled from letters sent by gardeners to the author Margaret Baker, it unravels and documents the mysterious sayings and scraps of knowledge that are passed down through generations, while exploring the science of the time that backed up—or in some cases, didn't—the claims that were made.

What You'll Discover

This delightfully written book shows just what people have believed—and still believe—will help their plants to grow. Topics discussed include:

• Observance of lunar and astrological conditions when planting
• Ways of encouraging fruit-bearing and discouraging pests
• Beliefs about the effects of climate and calendar
• Spells and the influence (good and bad) of certain plants
• Links between owners and trees

These are only a few of the fascinating aspects of gardening lore explored in this book.

A Treasure of Rural Knowledge

Gleaned from the people who grew up with these traditions, Gardener's Folklore offers insights into our rural origins while occasionally hinting at implications for our future. Capturing the knowledge that old-time gardeners used to achieve remarkable successes, it shares the ancient secrets of a happy, healthy garden with a new generation of green-fingered plant-lovers.