As with everything else Martha does, her gardens are on a grand scale and ambitious. What I like about this book are several things: she gardens in a similar climate zone to mine; her gardens are generally unpretentious, and her English-inspired style is one I enjoy. Each month, she lays out the work needing to be done for the various flower and vegetable gardens, then focuses on a seasonal aspect of her garden. The book is lavishly illustrated, and for those of us who are visual people--what gardener isn't?--the ideas are inspiring.

The information is fairly basic, but actually useful to those who are beginning to garden on a more serious scale. She does not seem to depend heavily on chemical warfare and emphasizes such basics as good soil preparation and the other down and dirty aspects of good gardening. If your gardening budget can afford it and you find inspiration from good garden design photos, this book is worth your time and money.

25 of 28 found the following review helpful:

Good student, but could try harder  May 19, 2000
By Mr Andrew Carey
Over here in England, we are just beginning to be included in the Martha Stewart 'empire'. (Of cousre we have our own home grown lifestyle gurus, but I think a toughie like Martha could wipe the floor with the lot of them!) As a keen gardener I was eager to get my hands on this book to learn more about American gardening plants and styles, and ideas; to my surprise this book is in essence a rehash of the work of the very English Penelope Hobhouse, Rosemary Verey and Christopher Lloyd! Still, a good book, and a good read, despite the photographic quality not being up to the usual standards for garden books.

Basically, it's good for inspiring beginners; however, if you want to garden in 'le style anglais' go to straight Penelope Hobhouse. As I believe they say in the States - she's got it going on!

13 of 14 found the following review helpful:

Great book-super pictures, good advice, nice recipes  Jul 03, 1999

Once again, Martha has inspired us with her advice and illustrations. This book follows Martha month to month in her (and her staff's) preparations of flower and vegetable gardens, the trees and shrubs at Turkey Hill.It helps one to understand the layout of her gardens there. Some recipes using items from her garden are included. It does not give as much advice as one might expect, but inspires all the same. Martha does have much for all of us to learn, men and women!Yes, there are some things we wouldn't use in day to day living, but, almost everything she covers in her books and on her shows(from climbing trees to beekeeping to cooking and gardening) are very pragmatic.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

My Favorite Gardening Book  Feb 18, 2008
By Tiddledeewinks "Jeannie"
Martha knows a lot about gardening, which she learned a great deal of from her father. Her book," Martha Stewart's Gardening Month By Month" is my favorite gardening book to return to again and again. In this book, she goes through each step of the gardening process in a month by month format, explaining what to do during each month of the year, as she shows you how she created her beautiful gardens at Turkey Hill Farm in Connecticut. You will learn how to plan your garden,about soil preparation,what and where to plant,all with gorgeous color photos. You'll learn about growing vegetables,fruits, flowers and herbs. She's even included some recipes! There is a handy index, bibliography and source guide in the back of this large 360 page book.

5 of 6 found the following review helpful:

Great Pictures and very motivating  Jun 17, 1998

I was motivated to plant everything and anything, especially sweet peas and a vegetable garden; however, she tends to go overboard on planting everything and anything, and it may become overwhelming and/or confusing to the weekend gardener. I reccommend the book for the pictures and the creative ideas for everyone.

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