Rock Gardens – How to Plan and Plant Them by A. Edwards

Rock Gardens: How to Plan and Plant Them by A. Edwards is a substantial classic guide to the design, construction and planting of rock gardens, written by a gardener who was formerly in charge of the Rock Garden at Kew. Originally published in 1929, this copy is the July 1942 reprint of the New Edition of 1937, published by Ward, Lock & Co. Limited of London and Melbourne.

Extending to approximately 320 pages, Rock Gardens provides an extensive practical treatment of rock gardening and associated forms of specialised garden design. Edwards discusses the planning and construction of rock gardens as well as the selection and cultivation of suitable plants. Importantly, the scope extends beyond conventional rockeries to include dedicated sections on wall gardens, paved gardens, marsh gardens and water gardens, making this a particularly comprehensive period gardening reference.

Rock Gardens is generously illustrated with eight colour plates and fifty photographs and diagrams, combining practical instruction with attractive examples of plants and established gardens. Edwards draws on his professional experience at Kew to offer guidance on suitable plants, their arrangement and cultivation, and the principles involved in creating convincing naturalistic displays.

Published during the Second World War, this 1942 printing Rock Gardens also has additional period interest. It will appeal to collectors of vintage gardening books, horticultural literature and Kew-related material, as well as gardeners interested in traditional rockeries, alpine plants and historic garden design.

Condition – Very Good

Very good 1942 hardcover. The original green cloth boards show general shelf wear, rubbing and scattered marks consistent with age. An inscription is present on the endpaper. The pages show age-related discolouration and some spotting. Binding remains presentable and the illustrated contents retain considerable appeal.