gardening and horticulture

If you enjoyed Jackson McCrae's THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD-A Tour of Southern Homes and Gardens, you will LOVE this book. More than just some self-indulgent look at "her" problems, Browning has created a wonderful and witty account of what it's like, and what it takes to live in the suburbs. This well written and imaginative account will be in print for years to come.

I had read a review of her book in the NYTimes and am a fan of the magazine she edits, so I bought the book. I fell in love with the story of collapse, confusion and renewal. Frankly the metaphor of the garden served as many a problem in one's own life. Wrap it all up in gorgeous prose and a compelling (yes! she makes a garden wall collapse and the ensuing drama exciting!) story and I had a book , I couldn't put down. Romantic and sometimes funny it's a good read for the gardener and non-gardener alike.

Sure, there's some great gardening advice in here, but mostly it's a charming story. The neighbors, the kids, the fix-it men, the romantic crush. I got sucked right in. You're bound to recognize your own plot of land, as well as your own suburban existence. And Dominique Browning is a gorgeous writer, with a great sense of humor. You don't need to know a thing about gardening to enjoy this terrific book.