Wherever you live--in a big-city apartment with a blank slate for a balcony, or a new subdivision with no grass or fences, or a mature neighbourhood with a neglected yard--there are simple things you can do to create a successful and wonderful garden space. In this book, author and professional gardener A.H. Jackson shares a lifetime of experience to help you achieve your own vision of the perfect garden: * Practical advice to get started * The basics: soil, plant location, watering and sunlight * Expert-tested lists of the best trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vines, grasses and more for Canada * Step-by-step instructions on: lawns, vegetable gardens and container gardens; fertilizers, mulches and composting; greenhouses and other structures; how to handle pest and disease problems * "How-to" sidebars, illustrations and colour photos throughout. Even if it's been a long time since you helped your parents or grandparents maintain their lawn or weed their vegetable patch, this handy guide is all you'll need to get started.

Born in Simcoe, Ontario, to a family of food processors, A. H. JACKSON has always been fascinated by the skies above our heads. He flew his first plane at 14 and left home at 17 to continue his atmospheric exploration. Jackson believes that, in the twine of life, there are two special genes unique to humankind—hope and humour—and thinks we should all turn to the funny side of life in the face of adversity. He must have quite the sense of humour, then, since he’s been struck by lightning five times! Alan has co-authored a mystery—Pretty Maids all in a Row—and has several adventure books for young adults in the wings.

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