I liked this book. It made a fair case for the kind of knowledge and skills the regular person seems to have "lost," and our disconnect with nature. I think the themes and knowledge this book possesses are important to remember and share, not only in the U.S. where The Heirloom Gardener keeps its focus, but all across the world. There is for sure some information I will make use of when I tend to my own garden this year and in the future.

However, I wished some chapters were longer and gave more practical information than historical or personal. Then I feel like it would be easier to apply this knowledge to a regular garden\household.

Layout-wise, I loved the drawings. They added quite an atmosphere to the book.

This is definitely a book to preview before buying, as it's not really what you'd guess from the title. It's more along the lines of essays about a range of old garden wisdom, arranged alphabetically. While I agreed with the author about most of what he said (okay, maybe all), I didn't really learn anything new and didn't feel that inspired. I'm not sure who the best audience is, perhaps someone new to old fashioned environmental wisdom? It's a lovely read with sort of woodcut two-color illustrations, but not really a book that will teach you skills.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

Not exactly what I thought it was going to be, but I was drawn to this pub due to a good history with the publisher. I enjoy the cover, it’s attractive and modern. The subject matter conveyed by the title is helpful, but the content deviated from what I believed it would be. At the same time, the book as it is is good! A lot of info for gardening beginners or enthusiasts.

While interesting, this wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I thought it would have more information on different varieties of heirloom plants, maybe where to buy them, how to take care of, and preserve them for future generations. However, this book is an A-Z style guide of different plants, gardening and horticultural practices, and traditional goods and skills. Each section, about their individual topic, contains enough information to fire up someone's interest in the topic, but personally leaves me wanting more. I loved the woodblock illustrations, though. It really gave the whole book a more traditional vibe.

Overall, I would recommend this more as a primer for people just starting to dip their toes into the world of heirloom gardening and traditional crafts. It gives some valuable information about what types of herbs, flowers, and trees could be found in an heirloom garden, but also some ideas on how to arrange and upkeep it in a traditional way. There is a lot of information in this book that I can see being lost for future generations without people writing books such as this one. So, even if it isn't quite what I thought it was, it contains a lot of valuable information.

Thank you to Timber Press and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book. However, all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Not what I thought it was. I supposed I should have looked closer because I assumed this would have information on how to be an heirloom gardener. Instead its a series of short essays on heirloom plants, history, and actions related to heirloom gardening. Its a fun read and I did learn a lot, even though it doesn't help me with my tomatoes or apples.

I am an avid gardener and love using heirloom plants interspersed throughout my garden. With this longtime enthusiasm I excitedly perused The Heirloom Gardener by John Fort. This was not my traditionally styled garden guide. It was done in the style of pen and ink sketches, as a mode to share advice and tips for all gardeners that love heirloom gardening. It gave useful tips regarding plant placement and spacing that will be easily implemented .

John Forti’s love for the environment and encouraging readers to take more notice of the garden and countryside around them is endearing. This is in many ways an introductory book for those dipping their toes in to a wider awareness of heirloom / heritage plants and skills- often everyday items taken for granted. The introduction is heartfelt and a gentle call to arms against the world of consumerism. The book is presented as an A-Z selection of ; environmental / eco terminology , heirloom skills , plants and flowers. The illustrations are presented in the style of woodblock / pen and ink designs which add to the feeling of country crafts. Sections provide a good basic introduction to the various selected items with useful advice and information. It would have been good to have a few recipes in detail for the uninitiated. Ultimately, this book is a lovely taster to direct individuals to more closely consider the natural world around them and hopefully encourage them to undertake or research skills through further avenues.