Gardener'S Folklore

First published in 1976, Gardener's Folklore collects the little bits of magic and myth found in the gardens of Britain and North America. Compiled from letters sent by gardeners to the author Margaret Baker, it unravels and documents mysterious sayings and scraps of knowledge passed down through generations, while exploring the science of the time that backed up—or in some cases, didn't—the claims that were made.

This delightfully written book shows just what people have believed and still believe will help their plants to grow. The observance of lunar and astrological conditions when planting, ways of encouraging fruit-bearing and discouraging pests, beliefs about the effects of climate and calendar, spells, the influence for good and bad of certain plants, the links between owners and trees—these are only a few aspects of gardening lore that are discussed.

Gleaned from the people who grew up with them, these insights say much about our rural origins and have, here and there, implications for our future. Capturing the knowledge that old-time gardeners used to have remarkable successes, the ancient secrets of a happy, healthy garden are shared for a new generation of green-fingered plant-lovers.

Author: Margaret Baker was an author known for her focus on the folklore and customs of rural communities in the United Kingdom and United States.