Meet the Floret Ducks
Learn how to start your seeds
Home Blog Book Review & Giveaway:  The Flower Farmer’s Year by Georgie Newbery
March 17th 2015

Book Review & Giveaway:  The Flower Farmer’s Year by Georgie Newbery

Written by
Floret

IMG_8738-2The last few months I’ve been fully immersed in writing my first book.  The office is scattered with mud streaked notebooks, half empty coffee cups and piles of dog-eared reference texts.  The writing process has been a pretty tough, and at times I feel like I’m a million miles from where I want to be. Every author I’ve talked to says this is how the process goes though and it’s worth the pain.  Two weeks ago, during a particularly rough patch with my first deadline looming, the mail lady showed up with a copy of the new book, The Flower Farmer’s Year. I took it as a sign and closed down my computer and curled up on the couch for a much need break and read it cover to cover.

Authored by UK-based writer and flower farmer Georgie Newbery of Common Farm (@CommonFarmFlowers on Instagram) The Flower Farmer’s Year:  How to grow cut flowers for pleasure and profit  is a great resource for serious gardeners and beginning flower farmers alike.

Georgie Newbery’s personal story is a fascinating one.  A recent New York Times Magazine article highlighted her previous work for fashion designer John Galliano and American Vogue in Paris and as a writer who penned three fashion-focused novels.  Finding joy—and now a new career—in her Somerset-area farm, Newbery traded in her heels for Wellies and now operates one of the UK’s leading farmer-florist operations.

IMG_8739Newbery’s 255-page book is filled with great advice for small scale production.  Her recommendations on succession sowing and incorporating loads of biennials is great for new growers, as they are details often glossed over by other texts. As she wisely observes, “Making a success of growing cut flowers for profit is so much about planning seasons in advance.”  The planner she includes in the Appendix is a nice overview which you can use and adapt to your own growing season and climate.

The book includes a thoughtful narrative on the pro’s and con’s of dedicating precious real-estate to perennials.  Newbery also does a great job of explaining the differences in how you approach flower production as a gardener and how that differs from that of a flower farmer.  The emphasis on speed and turnaround, efficiency and effective use of space (and time) is one that can’t be emphasized enough to beginning flower farmers and gardeners ready to “scale up.”

I enjoyed Newbery’s description of the “Chelsea Chop,” and other details where her personality really showed. Her efforts to combat slugs was particularly endearing, as was her need for a “bold bulb budget,” a term that I just might borrow in defense of my next overzealous tulip order. I also loved how she encouraged readers to “put aside horticulture snobbery” and consider using certain shrubs and wildflowers.

IMG_8744The Flower Farmer’s Year has a great flow, nice-sized photos and several spectacular illustrations by artist Fabrizio Boccha, who also happens to be Newbery’s husband.  (Note: Boccha’s illustration of a low-cost heated propagation bed is brilliant.  The design is a great option for growers that don’t have access to a heated greenhouse for seed starting purposes).

The Flower Farmer’s Year is a delightful read and a solid reference book that will find a prominent place alongside Lynn Byczynski’s The Flower Farmer, Sarah Raven’s The Cutting Garden and other “bibles” on every farmer-florists’ bookshelf, my own included. It is available at Amazon , Barnes and Noble,  and other retailers.

To celebrate the availability of this book in the U.S. and to toast all the newbie farmer-florists out there starting their first season, I’m offering THREE free copies of The Flower Farmer’s Year.  To enter to win, simply add a comment below.  In your comment, please share your favorite garden or flower-themed book.  Submissions close on midnight PST Wednesday and I’ll announce the winners on the blog on Thursday.  Good luck!

242 Comments

  1. Terese on

    If you are interested in topic: make money runescape members fast – you should read about Bucksflooder first

    Reply
  2. Starla Bork on

    I love Flower Confidential, it has such a great broad outlook on the flower industry on a whole and pushed me to grow organic to balance out all of the flowers outsourced all over the world. It also gives you a great appreciation for our industry and it is so fascinating how far a flower can go till it reaches the consumer! All the best,
    Starla in California

    Reply
  3. Kim Smith on

    I have to admit I am more of a magazine junky when it comes to soaking in the flower gardening knowledge. My bedside and floor are covered in every one possible at this moment, colours galore,. as my head scramble to figure out how to fit it all in and possibly fulfill my dream some day of having my own floral shop and on site cutting gardens for luscious bouquets to be made. I would however love a copy of Georiges book to immerse myself in!
    Dreaming
    Kim

    Reply
  4. Marie on

    Hi Erin, thank you for the review and your generous offer to gift this book! I would be very thrilled to have a copy and would love to throw my hat in the ring :) I’m from Toronto, and a newbie to the field looking for a career change into flower farming. I have been excitedly soaking up resources on sustainable flower cultivation and floral design and have found The Flower Farmer invaluable- it is hands down my favourite; I find it practical, down-to-earth, and full of wonderful tips. I have also recently been enjoying The Cut Flower Patch by Louise Curley.
    Thank you for your lovely blog and sharing your talents with us all.

    Sincerely,
    Marie

    Reply
  5. Shannon on

    I find myself always referencing Specialty Cut Flowers. As a teenager, I was inspired by Plant Spirit Medicine.

    Reply
  6. Laura Timmerman on

    What came to mind was Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White, which help instill in me an early love of farms. I am also a fan of Lynn Byczynski’s The Flower Farmer.

    Reply
  7. Evangeline M on

    Looks like a lovely book! I can’t wait for yours as well!

    Reply
  8. Jenny on

    The titles by all the other entries are awesome. I have read and reread Lynn’s book, the Flower Farmer and am currently pouring through various seed Ontario based catalogs. Favorite? My husband and I just took the day to wander through Canada Blooms in Toronto, being inspired by the simple clean lines of design. This book sounds amazing to read and utilize immediately. It would be an amazing addition to a new library shelf. Congratulations to who ever is blessed with this resource.

    Reply
    • Marie on

      Hi Jenny,
      I’m a fellow Ontarian too :) Loved Canada Blooms!
      All the best,
      Marie

  9. Tammy Ryan on

    I’ve enjoyed reading the many posts and now have an even larger ‘reading’ list. My favorite is The FlowerRecipe Book. I’d be thrilled to add The Flower Farmers Year to my library!

    Reply
  10. Amber Haqu on

    right now my favorite non-fiction gardening book would be Gaia’s Garden as I just finished it and it had some great ideas. As for fiction I love the Utena series, it’s full of stylized roses that I’ve been doodling since I read them.

    Reply
  11. Heather on

    I loved the secret Garden also as a child and it inspired me so much…there are so many amazing new “reference” type gardening books. I have to say although not aesthetically my favorite my Master Gardener training manuals are invaluable for accurate info regarding pruning, fertilizing and all around good general gardening information. One of my favorite new acquisitions is “The Unexpected Houseplant” and I am always referring to Allan Armitage books.

    Reply
  12. Tanis Clifton on

    My favorite flower related book is always the one I am reading right now, so it is ever changing! So my current read is Cool Flowers by Lisa Ziegler.

    Reply
  13. Amy Kampfe on

    I live in Omaha, Nebraska. I have been blessed to have a sister who has traveled to England many times. She introduced me to the gardens of Gertrude Jekyll. I love reading all I can get my hands on covering her gardens. Thank you for your beautiful blog!

    Reply
  14. Taylor Hutchison on

    Oh I loved The Language of Flowers, and for my own planning for the farm, I can’t live without The Gardner’s A-Z Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed to Bloom by Eileen Powell. It’s laid out for perfect use as a quick and thorough reference.

    Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

    Reply
  15. Darcanne Nixon on

    How delightful to read through the lists of people’s favorite garden books. For me I cherish Mr. Beverley Nichols – Down the Garden Path.
    An Old school British “gentleman farmer” full of splendid fun and solid horticultural wisdom.

    Reply
  16. Killoran Moore on

    I love when you do book-related posts! My library hold list grows so much.

    I think is be a tie between the Beatrix Potter books (really, any of her books, but the Peter Rabit ones specifically) and Monty Don’s The Complete Gardener, about so much more than gardening. I wish he would narrate books to me. Or my life.

    Reply
  17. Agnes on

    “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney
    “…to make the world more beautiful” is a good message for young and old

    Reply
  18. chris baynham on

    What a wonderful way to see what other like minded flower loving folks are reading, will go through the list and make note of books I haven’t read yet. So I will add an older book that my mother gave me “Best Borders” by Tony Lord. British gardens with beautiful photographs, and I love the sense of antiquity England offers in it’s landscape.

    Reply
  19. Margaret on

    One of my favorite flower books is “Flowers Rediscovered New Ideas for Using and Enjoying Flowers” by Madderlake, Tom Pritchard, Billy Jarecki, and Alan Boehmer. Another is “The Wonder Book of Flowers” by Cynthia Iliff Koehler. It’s an illustrated childrens’ book from 1961, and shows kids appreciating flowers.

    Reply
  20. Linda VanApeldoorn on

    My latest favorite is “Cool Flowers” by Lisa Mason Ziegler. It has changed the way I think and plan my fall planting.

    Reply
  21. Abhaya Thomas on

    Stumbled upon Beverley Nichols book Merry Hall sometime back and totally succumbed to his tales and trials of the restoration of old Edwardian gardens and homes. I could get lost in Tasha Tudors garden for hours as well.

    Reply
  22. Ashley Williams on

    So far, the best book I have read (cover to cover) that has inspired me the most to dive into the Cut Flower business (and love of flowers) is Lynn Byczynski’s infamous “The Flower Farmer”, especially in the winter, it keeps me going through the cold months, yearning to get back into the dirt.

    Reply
  23. Kailla Platt on

    I love to read anything by the late Christopher Lloyd. He combines such deep knowledge with irreverence and wit. His color combinations remain an amazing influence in design. When he talks about plants you feel like you are hearing someone who knows them personally.

    Reply
  24. Kyle v on

    I thoroughly enjoy your blog and Instagram posts, they keep me dreaming through the 3ft of snow on my garden beds. My favorite garden book right now is The Year Round Vegetable Gardener by: Niki Jabbour

    Reply
  25. Marina on

    I like to listen to the Secret Garden on audio book each February when I get going in the hoop house. It reminds me that the lush wildness of summer is on its way.

    Reply
  26. Viv on

    Over the years……my floral journey has bloomed and evolved into many different things. I’ve designed gardens, weddings, hosted garden walks,—- my paths have been very diverse. Freeze drying wedding bouquets, putting a studio in my home, floral designer in a local shop, and a flower/landscaper at our state park. All of my books on my shelf are as varied as my journey. I too, have some books, as mentioned before. The “Seed Starter” was one of my first. I’ve run the gammot, and returned to my gardens here at home(Sweetbriar)–and my last path I plan to take is growing for market. Last year was my first try, and I love it. I have no books on flower farming or just for cutting. They are all on garden design, and weddings. Floret gave me the incentive to try this. Thanks Erin!!!!!!!! I’m on a new journey of flower love.

    Reply
  27. Erin Mc on

    There are so many great flower books. But for me, I have always loved the Flower Fairies books by Cicely Mary Barker. I just am in love with the whimsy :)

    Reply
  28. Jacquie on

    An Island Garden by Celia Thaxter, the last book she wrote 1894 has beautiful painted illustrations by Childe Hassan it’s the progress of thaxters garden on Appledore thru the gardeners year. My dream to have a garden by the sea! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  29. Aline on

    Theme Gardens by Barbara Damrosch

    Reply
  30. Ruth on

    So many books to choose from… my go-to book is any of the Better Homes and Gardens books, but I especially enjoy the Container Gardening and I’m always looking for unusual containers to decorate my yard.

    Reply
  31. Karen T. on

    Slowly, our growers library is shifting from vegetable to flower-dedicated books. Thanks for sharing your impressions on Newbery’s contribution. Armitage’s Specialty Cut Flowers bible has come through for me during tense moments of uncertainty, and I always draw well-timed inspiration from the flower column in Lynn B.’s Growing for Market newsletter .

    Reply
  32. monica on

    I just started gardening and my favourite book to read at the moment to guide me is Get Growing by Frankie Flowers.

    Reply
  33. Michele on

    I am dreaming of Spring and getting inspired by the beautiful arrangements in The Flower Recipe Book by the gals at Studio Choo.

    Reply
  34. Christa Stosiek (Markristo Farm) on

    ..coming off one of the hardest winters in memory… the glory of those incredible blooms, herald such joy:)…and inspire the rolling up of sleeves and the digging in!!

    Reply
  35. DaNae Smith on

    I can tell there are a whole bunch of wonderful gardening books that I will need to be getting! I love my copy of the ’50 mile bouquet’ for inspiration…looking forward to adding a few more to my shelves.

    Reply
  36. Diana Westcott on

    So hoping this book will motivate me to plan my segue into a farmer-florist career. Paula Prykes books have been a design inspiration. And I have a new “Pink Frost” Hellebore plant from Whole Foods – it’s a monster!

    Reply
  37. Lisa on

    One Man’s Garden by Henry Mitchell – actually, all of his books inspire, inform, and entertain. I also love delving into An American Cutting Garden – I always learn about a new flower that way. I hope you write a book, too! Thank you for sharing such beauty.

    Reply
  38. Michele deRose on

    I have so many loved gardening books, but current favorite is The 50 mile Bouquet by Debra Prinzig

    Reply
  39. kelly preslar on

    I love Legends in Garden by Armitage….it’s lovely light read that tells the back story on some famous garden plants and how they got their names! Learning how and why plants are given special names is so fun, I am such a nerd!!! PS You have been giving me Hellebore fever lately, I love it!!

    Reply
  40. Laura Thorne on

    This may sound silly, but I just really love Martha Stewart’s original Gardening book. I have learned so much from her and I truly believe that the current interest in gardening across the globe is due to her book, magazine and TV shows. Her ingenuity in designing the garden at her precious Turkey Hill home was so inspiring to me. Where else would I have learned about the importance of starting with good soil and how to go about doing that? I learned about not only design, but also alliums, lady’s mantle, compost tea, roses, caring for my garden, etc all from her.

    Reply
  41. Lindsey on

    Besides Lynn’s book, past issues of Growing for Market, and a couple of Elliot Coleman book’s….my go to book of lately has been by Tom MacCubbin, “Month by Month Gardening”. He’s a local Floridian and garden nerd who’s writing style is excellent! It’s been a huge help in trying to time these seasons in Zone 9.

    Reply
  42. Holly Talbot Shiach on

    Jackie French’s “The Wilderness Garden” is a long-time favorite that has had me growing wild groves for many years! Its refreshing, very handy and fun.

    Reply
  43. Jonathan Leiss on

    The Flower Farmer is the book that set me on my course and I keep turning back to it but Cool Flowers by Lisa Mason Ziegler is my currant favorite.

    Reply
  44. maria on

    So many delicious flowers, so many essential books, just I would like practicing with yours The Flowers Farmer`s years here in Spain. Love for you and your blosson team

    Reply
  45. Yasmina on

    Es difícil hablar hacer la reseña de un sólo libro de jardinería pero me decanto por “Gravel Garden” de Beth Chatto. Gracias por compartir tantas cosas interesantes con nosotros y por darnos la oportunidad de participar en este sorteo.

    Reply
  46. Brooke on

    I am in the middle of reading “How to grow more vegetables ” by John Jeavons! Instead of veggies I am applying his method to flowers!

    Reply
  47. sophie on

    Sarah Raven’s book Vita Sackville Wests Sissinghurst. It is the most beautiful garden in the world. When i visited last year, the bulbs where coming out and i burst into tears it was so beautiful!!!

    Reply
  48. Kathryn Fay on

    I seriously drool over this BEAUTIFUL new book (2014): “The English Country House Garden” by George Plumptre
    Someday, I will get to England to simply garden tour…Sarah Raven’s estate and Highgrove Gardens are on the list:)
    No matter how many rows of cut flowers a farm maintains, a theme garden or two are mandatory!!

    Reply
  49. Sally on

    I have many favorite garden and flower books, but EARTH ON HER HANDS, by Starr Ockenga and FLOWERS, by Carolyne Roehm are at the top of the list.

    Reply
  50. Rachel Shapiro on

    I really enjoy Perfect Plant Perfect Place by Roy Lancaster, it has a wonderful variety of imagery and descriptions of plants!

    Reply
  51. monica d. on

    I was never much of a gardener as a kid from my fear of worms, nor did i ever think I would consider a career in horticulture and floristry. However, I’ve always had an underlying intrigue with botany and every natural. So now that I’m older, I’ve decided to come to face with my plague of worms and start gardening. Being new to the practice, Get Growing by Frankie Flowers has helped me one baby step at a time. Hopefully with more knowledge, one day I may have my own flower farm.
    P.S. Thanks for being such an inspiration!

    Reply
  52. Rebecca on

    Today it’s the Farmer’s Almanac, but any other day it would be one of Constance Spry’s books.

    Reply
  53. Marina Hinkle on

    My favorite garden is the garden of the Shanandoah Valley that is located here in my home town , Winchester , Va . It is a beautiful and diverse garden . From the Rose garden to the tranquil Chinese Garden , which is my particular favorite due to the tall stalks of bamboo that grows. This garden is unique due to its path of different themes and fun little houses to go along to the stunning walk ways of which many decide to marry in . The Shanandoah Valley Garden is also a historical place . James Wood had donated a great amount of money to the town of Winchester , and he also had his home located along side the garden. People may come and visit not only the diverse garden but also the historically restored home of James Wood himself . It was his close friend who had landscaped this garden originally . It is full of history and diversity . I find myself at peace when I stroll along the pathway of the wonderful blooms . You may even find a gardening club by day , or even a night lit garden by night . One thing I have decided is that the best way to get to know the flowers that you portray and use to create is by growing them yourselves . I feel like for someone like myself that aspires to get to know the gardening life this book would benefit me a great deal . I also brelieve that Newberys book could help take that to the next level . To be a Famer -Florist takes so much more than what meets the eye. I am looking forward into reading into these skills to truly have what it takes to start a lush garden of my own .

    Reply
  54. Shelley Yoshiwara on

    I’m so new to all of this flower growing, but we bought an acre of land 2 years ago and each year I grow a few more flowers and this year I want to sell bouquets at our little organic market! I just bought the Cool Flowers book, found you to follow and am loving this small flower farm movement I’m being turned on to. We even bought a greenhouse last year from a local nursery for veggies, but growing flowers in there is exciting idea! I love looking out and seeing my greenhouse! And seriously going to expand my flower growing! Glad I found your blog !!

    Reply
  55. Michelle on

    One of my favorite books I read was “An Island Garden” by Celia Thaxter, I couldn’t stop reading it, I was transported back in time and now have my favorite quote for my new blog I’m starting. I highly recommend this book to everyone, it was even free on the nook. An amazing writer, gardener and woman.

    Reply
  56. Yuliya on

    My favorite would be The Cutting Garden by Sarah Raven. My dream job would be to grow and sell flowers. I hope I will someday be able to achieve my dream. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  57. Terry on

    Enjoyed reading everyone’s favorites. The Secret Garden is a favorite fiction book. Just read through and enjoyed a book called “The wreath recipe book” – lots of great photos and ideas.

    Reply
  58. Waverly School Farm on

    I started as a rose geek. The incredible, lush bouquets in “David Austin’s English Roses” seduced me completely. I still love them, despite the short vase life. I can’t wait to see what you put in your new rose beds. (Kordes, maybe?) I’d better score the Georgie Newbury book, because I’m going to go broke buying all of the other favorites mentioned in the comments!

    Reply
  59. Sadie Beauregard on

    The Flower Farmer by Lynn Byczynsk first flipped into my mind that farming flowers was possible and beautiful. Sarah Raven’s Grow Your Own Cut Flowers heightened my senses to staple crops and beautiful arranging. Speciality Cut Flowers by Armitage & Laushman has become an invaluable reference for details and necessities that pop into my mind throughout the day. But, if I have to pick one – Grow Your Own Cut Flowers by Sarah Raven, because it’s both inspiring and beautiful while answering practical questions.

    Reply
  60. Kirsten on

    Oh, my favourite gardening inspiration book is ‘Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening’ by Fran Sorin. I read this one every January t get me in the creative zone.

    Reply
  61. LindaQ on

    I love it when you ‘throw out a request’ and reading all the responses! I have some of the books that others have listed especially the essential reference ones specific to flower farming such as the Flower Farmer. ‘The Well-Tended Perennial Garden’ by Tracy DiSabato-Aust is another excellent reference tool. One of my favorite books that I have had for many years is ‘Theme Gardens’ by Barbara Damrosch. I have a children’s garden, a fairy garden and a hummingbird garden due to the inspiration from this book! Another oldie is ‘Passalong Plants’ by Steve Bender and Felder Rushing. This one is a purely fun read about heirloom plants.

    Reply
  62. Molly on

    The most often reached-for book in our library is Specialty Cut Flowers by Allan Armitage and Judy Laushman. We reference it for germination requirements, pests, varieties, stage of harvest tips… Great to have in your collection!

    Reply
  63. Stephanie on

    I love “The Language of Flowers” by Kate Greenaway.

    Reply
  64. Jill on

    I am just considering the possibility of turning my love of growing flowers into a possible business. I have the Flowers Farmer by Lynn Byczynski on my book table to read. I help with a local children’s garden at the YWCA and my favorite children’s book is A Rainbow garden by Lois Ehlert. This new book sounds like it would be an amazing addition to my collection.

    Reply
  65. Lorrie on

    Oh, so many books! Probably the first was “The Secret Garden” by Francis Hodgson Burnett, but also Eleanor Perenyi’s “Green Thoughts”, and Celia Thaxter’s “An Island Gardwn” are among many of my favorites.

    I love your posts and luscious photography–thank you!

    Reply
  66. Caity Flanagan on

    Hi there, I’m a young farmer who is taking the bold leap to start my own one-woman operation this season. I have fallen in love with flowers and am planning on growing an acre of cut flower this season, as well as, an acre of organic produce. I could use all the help I can get! And your farm and blog have been such an inspiration. I hope to come out for your farmer workshop this year!

    Reply
  67. Meme on

    Morgs, my Blos is at the start of her new adventure in flower production, with me as her silent but helpful offsider. We stumbled across Floret and constantly, I mean daily constantly check on your own delightfully inspiring flower farm daily…even been know to check in hourly wearing your beautiful tool belts when a little encouragement is need.
    Rosemary Verey…The Life and Lessons of a Legendary Gardener, authored by Barbara Paul Robinson inspired both Morgs and I to not only dream of having a flower garden but of having a flower farm. Rosemary is a, for want of a better word, teacher that instills confidence in a warm and disciplined matter. We are daring to dream big…
    The Flower Farmer’s Year will find its way to our little but growing collection of books…may whoever receives your three copies enjoy delightful moments reading
    Meme

    Reply
  68. Wanda Fox on

    I love reading & rereading about the garden that God created in the Bible in the beginning of time. That is where he place Adam & Eve, in a garden created by the God of all living things! Can you imagine how beatiful that garden would have been. Love what someone said about God loving color, otherwise everything would be just black & white. I am amazed over & over again at the beauty of flowers and wonder what God was thinking as He created each one. King Solomon also loved gardens. His gardens had no lack of beauty. His love speaks of being brought into his banqueting house & his banner over me was love. Can you imagine a more beautiful, peaceful surroundings. I have loved walled gardens forever and someday want to create my own!

    Reply
  69. KATIE on

    I have been hoping to find a book about flower farming. After studying horticulture in college, I spent years in the greenhouse and garden center business. My passion for design recently led me to FlowerSchoolNY where I am taking the professional series. I am hoping to combine my passion for floral design and horticulture knowledge to cultivate a few flower fields on my 56 acre farm in Pennsylvania!

    Reply
  70. Danielle on

    Oh, the list of cherished flower and farming books is long however The Flower Farmer most definitely tops the list for me as it’s the one that first tied everything together for me. I once had two copies around the house as I hadn’t yet returned the library copy by the time the one I purchased arrived in the mail!

    Reply
  71. Corinne on

    The Market Gardener by Jean Martin Fortier is my current most quoted garden/farm book. He really knows how to pack it in and make a profit in a short season. Though his book is about veg farming, very helpful for flower farmers, too!

    Reply
  72. Cindy Curtis on

    Martha Stewart’s Gardening! It is a beautiful book that fed my love of gardening which started when I was a little girl with my Grandmother and her peonies. My children share that love and we are starting a local flower farm this summer! Hope to win this reference book. Your blog is so inspirational!

    Reply
  73. Elissa on

    Thanks for sharing The Flower Farmer’s Year with all. Sounds like an awesome
    read and a definite addition to my library.
    Molly Dannenmaier’s A Child’s Garden, is a keeper as well.
    HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!!

    Reply
  74. Alyssa Ferguson on

    My favorite book is Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees by Ernst and Johanna Lehner. I have always been fascinated by the mythology and origination of plants and flowers. I am searching at the moment to find the best book to explain the language of flowers.

    Thanks to my grandmother who used to tell me stories about Holly hocks that sparked this passion.

    Reply
  75. Jenny Rae on

    I’m already itching to get my hands on this book! Can’t wait to read yours as well when it is ready to go!

    Reply
  76. Brooke on

    In the beginning “The Secret Garden” later “Creating Eden” M. Barrett, “French Dirt”, R. Goodman, “The Flower Arranger’s Garden” R. Verey.
    Then a trip to New York in the 80’s and stumbling into a florist shop selling “Queen Anne’s Lace” for a dollar per stem…which grew wild along the road near our home in Kansas. My parents went to the Kansas City Art Institute and grew and drew flowers.
    I grew up a seed saver, before we had such catalogs as rareseeds…my current book of choice.

    Reply
  77. LJ on

    “Down the Garden Path,” by Beverley Nichols, which he (a Brit) wrote in 1932, and tells of his newbie’s garden with wisdom and beauty. And Margaret Roach’s “and I shall have some peace there” which, along with her website, has taught me to pay closer attention and to think of every garden as a complex ecosystem–in which I am only one species–capable of providing profit of many kinds.

    Reply
  78. Erinelizabeth on

    I have enjoyed all of their books, but often give away Our Life in Gardens by Wayne Winterrowd & Joe Eck, to my gardening friends. Their piece of property in Vermont, North Hill, is so lovely & it made me feel I had made the right decision in leaving my teaching career for my own ‘life in gardens’. There really is no better way to spend the day then working amongst the flowers & trees…

    Reply
  79. Kim Anspach on

    The Language of Flowers is a work of fiction, but it inspired me to learn more about the Victorian flower language. It’s also inspired me to search out more heirloom flowers. The book is not guide to growing but it speaks to the feelings that flowers convey.

    Reply
  80. CheyAnne Sexton on

    I loved the secret garden too. I adored that and Anne of Green Gables.

    Reply
  81. Julia on

    I have read THE FLOWER FARMER from front to back and enjoyed it so much. Lots of practical advice packed into that one!

    Reply
  82. Tracy on

    One of my favorite go to books is Jerry Baker’s Flower Power! A sweet birthday gift from my mom many years ago (2001). She was the best flower farmer in her area! We just thought it was all about the row crops and cattle but it was the flowers that really stole the show on our farm in middle TN.

    Reply
  83. Melissa on

    My current favorite garden book is Essential Perennials. My list of wants is growing longer and longer!

    Reply
  84. Carolyn Camp on

    This winter I’ve read The Flower Farmer, and An American Cutting Garden, both full of great information. I’m ready for another good read as spring is very slow coming here.

    Reply
  85. Sandy Figel on

    The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is a fun fiction read. My new favorite bouquet book is Bella Bouquets by Alicia Schwede. It’s organized by color and great about listing the specific varieties of flowers in the bouquets.

    Reply
  86. Kate on

    this would be inspiring! Tasha Tudor’s Garden is my most inspirational garden book ever!

    Reply
  87. Ryan Godbout on

    I love ‘The Flower Farmer: An Organic Grower’s Guide to Raising and Selling Cut Flowers’. Such a useful book!!

    Reply
  88. Melody Cap on

    The Flower Farmer by Lynn Byczynski has been sooo helpful as I started to sell flowers at our local market last year. I am ready for new inspiration and ideas, and The Flower Farmer’s Year sounds perfect.

    Reply
  89. Helen on

    I would have to say “The Botany of Desire” by Michael Pollan. Changed my perspective on plants for sure!

    Reply
  90. Mj on

    Here’s to hoping this is MY flower farmer year of 2105! Maybe this will be the year it all comes together..

    Reply
  91. Gail Wynne on

    Monet’s Garden by Elizabeth Murray inspired me to try perennials. Years later I discovered she led days of creativity at her home in Monterry CA. Treated myself and friends to it for my birthday. What a joy!

    Reply
  92. Cyndee stusiak on

    Oh my…this book looks delightful and perfect for a first year flower farmer florist! I am reading The Flower Farmer and I am learning so much! I love reading your blog Erin. Thank you so much for your generously you to us all!!

    Reply
  93. Allison on

    Oh, what a wonderful Giveaway idea! My first love is a tattered but beautiful, slip-covered, intoxicatingly scented book of my mother’s, ‘The Language of Flowers: Penhaligon’s Scented Treasury of Verse and Prose’. It’s Victorian romance captivated me as a young girl, and it contains so many of my loves; flowers, poetry, and art. Though it’s long since lost it’s scent, I still love that book, and refer to it often.

    Reply
  94. Tamara on

    My current favorite floral book is The Flower Recipe Book by Studio Choo. Each page is filled with such floral whimsy and enchantment. I can’t help but be wrapped up in the beauty of its pages. I feel so inspired to begin my own flower farmer adventure!

    Reply
  95. michelle on

    Love following your blog. I think my favorite book is The Flower Farmer. It is followed by the 50 Mile Bouquet. I grow and use the flowers for weddings and summer bouquets.
    I am older (62)than you and most of your followers and I am still at it. I rely quite heavily on the German Nana’s lessons that were taught to me when i was a young girl.
    Thanks for all you do!

    Reply
  96. Emeline on

    The flower farmer, of course! :)

    Reply
  97. Michelle on

    I love Tasha Tudors Garden. Her wild style entranced me at an early age! I adore farming memoirs and read every single one I found.

    Reply
  98. Laurie Parkison on

    I’m currently reading “Fresh from the Field Wedding Flowers” and studying your videos, Erin! I’m learning so much!

    Reply
  99. linda on

    I am currently reading Church Flowers by Judith Blacklock :)

    Reply
  100. Corinne on

    “Cool Flowers” by Lisa Mason Ziegler  is one of my book reads of the month, learning at lot from the book. My go to book is “Specialty Cut Flowers: The Preoduction of Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs and Woody Plants for Fresh and Dried Cut Flower” by Allan M. Armitage

    Reply
  101. kristin burrello on

    favorite book: the gardener, by sarah stewart. I can’t read it through without tearing up. my oldest son pats my arm and says, “it’s ok, mama.”

    Reply
  102. dawna on

    Oh it would be IMPOSSIBLE to pick only one favorite flower book, just like picking one favorite flower! But…if there were a gun to my head, I’d probably say sweet peas, Flower Recipes, The Language of Flowers, anything by Gertrude Jekyll, The Secret Garden, The Orchid Thief, & pinkola Estes’ The Faithful Gardener. But that’s only under duress! My list is really ten times this long. :)

    Reply
  103. Carlee Lingerfelt on

    To be honest, I’m so new to flower growing that I don’t even have a book about flowers yet. Last summer I visited my boyfriend in downeast Maine, and there, I saw my first dinnerplate dahlias- I now know that one of them was a Kelvin Floodlight. I was captivated by it in a way I’d never been captivated by a flower before. I went back home to South Carolina and over the winter months, I kept thinking about those enormous flowers. When it came time to think about my little backyard garden and what I wanted to grow this year, I started to investigate those huge dahlias and obsess over them. I ordered 3 tubers- all I can afford right now- and I am on pins and needles waiting for them to arrive. If I had a larger budget, my backyard would be covered in dahlias this year, I promise you.

    Reply
  104. Lea on

    Presently on the night stand are Writing the Garden by Elizabeth Barow Rogers and Second Nature by Michael Pollan.

    Reply
  105. Kathy on

    I’m currently reading The Morville Hours by Katherine Swift, about how the author restored a beautiful formal garden. The good writing and interesting tidbits about English history are wonderful. It’s sparked my imagination for re-invigorating my own garden this year.

    Reply
  106. Kate S. on

    Flower Confidential by Amy Stewart. Essential to thinking about the intersections of beauty and profit, nature and business. When working with flowers, it’s easy find your appreciation moment by moment, but this book gives context to the culture of flowers and the massive, frequently dark industry built upon it.

    Reply
  107. Renee Arcand on

    Hello Erin, love the idea of ‘this week on the farm’! My most helpful book was ‘the flower farmer’ by lynn bzynski (I don’t think I’m spelling her name correctly). Great info on growing flowers from seed and cutting garden flowers to sell.

    Reply
  108. Rachel Detweiler on

    Lynn Byczynski’s The Flower Farmer remains one of the most helpful books I’ve read!

    Reply
  109. Mckenzie on

    My favorite book about flowers is actually a children’s book called “The Gardner.” It’s set during the Great Depression and the narrator, a young girl, uses flower seeds to brighten her uncles apartment and building with some much needed sunshine and cheer. Love the review :)

    Reply
  110. Rachel Meriwether on

    Mandy by Julie Edwards, such a beautiful book!! Just started a flower farm in NC and love reading your blog and articles in Growing for Market, thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  111. Mary Solbreken on

    Specialty Cut Flowers is my “go to book” right now! I am always looking for new books that provide advice on flower farming!

    Reply
  112. Emma V on

    I am a budding florist taking strides towards my big dream of having my own flower farm! It kind of cheating because it isn’t really a book but I drool/daydream over the Baker Creek heirloom seed catologue. They have beautiful flowers and the most amazing vegetables! I cant wait to check this book off of my list!

    Reply
  113. Betina on

    Kew Garden outside of London. There is a water lily exhibit that is magical!

    Reply
  114. Lynn Stroud on

    One of my favorite books on flowers & gardens — there are so many! — is MONASTIC GARDENS, by Mick Hales. There is something infinitely peaceful and lovely about those gardens that really speaks to me.

    Reply
  115. Andrea on

    When I was young one of my favorite books was called When the Sun Rose, and in it the sun was a big yellow rose and a girl wore a dress of all roses; looking back I guess that was the beginning of my love for flowers. I don’t have many gardening or flower books now, but am eager to grow my collection after reading all these great suggestions!

    Reply
  116. Laurie Garza (Fleurie) on

    I love all of Sharon Lovejoy’s books, but most of all I like her Sunflower Houses book, as my daughter loved looking through it and touring her former garden in California when she was little.

    Reply
  117. anonymouse on

    I love garden books too much to choose a single favorite, but right now I’m enjoying Noel Kingsbury’s ‘Daffodil’…and hoping to see some actual daffodils soon, here in the snowy Northeast.

    Reply
  118. Kari on

    You know what popped into my head? The Peter Rabbit books. Love that Peter couldn’t resist the garden and all the excitement, deliciousness and mischief he found there :)

    Reply
  119. Suzanne Cheverie-Pugh on

    My favorite garden book is The Seed Underground by Janisse Ray. I’m in the slow process of moving from professional gardener to flower farmer here on Cape Cod, after changing careers from art director to gardener. We’re always growing and changing aren’t we, just like flowers. So inspired by your work and the life/business you’ve been able to create, lots of hard work and it shows. Very excited to read your book once it comes out!

    Reply
  120. Teresa Biagi Hazelfield Farm on

    My most used and favorites are oldies but goodies Fritz Bahr’s Commercial Floriculture and Florist Crop production by Kenneth Post(just leave out any chemical suggestions they might have!)

    Reply
  121. Louise on

    I love the HEALING GARDEN by Romy Rawlings. It is my reference for all my flower gardening endeavors.

    Reply
  122. Kristin Nicholas on

    I am an author of several books and I know what you are going through! This book looks lovely. Although my husband and I are farmers, we farm sheep, not flowers and sell through our farmers markets here in western Massachusetts. I do grow a very large cutting garden though for my own use and for friends. I would love to have this book as I know I would learn some good new techniques.

    Reply
  123. aubrey on

    my severely dog-eared copy of ‘the flower recipe’ by the lovely ladies of studio choo! i hope i can add this one to my library :)

    Reply
  124. Elissa on

    though I have been visiting the cut flower section of the Boston Public Library routinely, I have yet to fall for a favorite. win or lose this post will surely come in handy! thank you for sharing*

    Reply
  125. Rachel on

    That sounds like such a good book! My current favorite garden books are “The American Meadow Garden” by John Greenlee and anything by Piet Oudolf

    Reply
  126. Nancy on

    The Flower Recipe book is nice and one I enjoy. I am going to have to take a look at some of these others.
    I am always eager to learn more.

    Reply
  127. Sarah on

    Oh my. Not sure I can wait until the end of this raffle to get one but I will try!!! Fingers crossed!

    Reply
  128. Katie on

    It’s so tough to pick a favorite, but mine might be “The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady” by Edith Holden. The illustrations are exquisite, the book is like a portal through time! Thanks for the great book review Erin, & I’m glad to see the blooms cranking full-steam ahead on your farm.

    Reply
  129. Mollie on

    I love the flower recipe book! And “A passion for Flowers”~

    Reply
  130. Tina M on

    Thanks for the review and giveaway! I have good memories of reading Judy Glattstein’s Bulbs for Garden Habitats back in middle school, and it was one of the books that first got me interested in gardens and remains a favorite to this day.

    Reply
  131. Hillary on

    It’s not quite a gardening book and its definitely not a flower book, but Epitaph for a Peach is one that sticks with me. There is a lot in there about farming, family, nature, the sensual pleasure of the natural world, and on and on. It doesn’t inspire my designs or my day to day chore list, but it’s always there deep down.

    Reply
  132. Carol Sunborn on

    The first garden writer who inspired me was Ruth Stout, a formidible woman who wrote my forever motto, ” When house and garden clash let the house go smash!” and I always have.

    Reply
  133. Tali Hamel on

    Wow! what a lot of comments, i thought i would take 5 minutes to read them, then saw how long the list was!! My mom gave me a little Flower Fairies series of books when i was little by Cilcely Mary Barker. I still have those little books with tattered edges and dirty fingerprints. The magical world of nature is still a part of me.

    Reply
  134. Mary Beth Brown on

    Great giveaway! I can’t wait to curl up with your new book, too! My favorite is an oldie but a goodie: Lee Bailey’s Country Flowers. Continued good luck in all your endeavors!

    Reply
  135. Mindy on

    I have been a floral designer for many years and one of my favorite books is East x West by Daniel Ost. I am a new farmer florist and still expanding my collection of gardening books!

    Reply
  136. Erin Kim on

    Flower Power: Fresh, Fabulous Arrangements by Rebecca Cole!!! :)

    Reply
  137. Sarah P on

    Not for its beauty but for the sheer, unparalleled value of its content, I LOVE Allan Armitage’s Specialty Cut Flowers.
    As a child in Central Florida, reading anything I could get my hands on by L.M. Montgomery, I was entranced by her descriptions of lilacs in the Canadian Maritime climate… and now I’m blessed to live in the PNW with so many similar plants!

    Reply
  138. Sammy Go on

    “Epitaph for a Peach” by David Masumoto…a year in the life of a man who takes a whack at his family’s small organic peach farm :)

    Reply
  139. Sarah c on

    Really enjoying Lynn Byczynski’s The Flower Farmer! I’m cherishing a bundle of old flower reference books given to me by my grandmother before she passed away. She made notes and marks in ‘Rock Gardens’ by EB Anderson…sweet little rock garden plants that she loved dearly. I plan to grow as many as I can..

    Reply
  140. Ariana salvo on

    They may not be traditional farming or gardening books, but I love ‘The Language of Flowers’ and ‘The Signature of All Things’.

    Reply
  141. Tonya on

    I already bought this one and devoured it!

    Reply
  142. Theresa on

    Turns out I haven’t read many garden books! My all-time favorite book is “The Seed Underground” by Janisse Ray. If that doesn’t inspire you to live and grow sustainably, then I don’t know what will!

    Reply
  143. Jill Bower on

    Alan Stevens- Field Grown Cut Flowers….great reference book!

    Reply
  144. Mary Anne on

    Excellent review! can’t wait to get a copy of this book.
    There are so many beautiful gardens out there but since I haven’t seen most of them, I’ll settle with the Gardens of the Isabella Gartner Museum. Simple but classic.

    Reply
  145. Janis Harris on

    I read and re-read ‘The Flower Farmer” and “Specialty Cut Flowers” They are my bibles.

    Reply
  146. Lucy Gorman on

    Thank you for the book review. I love Paula Prykes Books. Flower Celebrations, Living Color, and Flower School are the three on my shelf right now. If instragram was a book, I “read” your posts.

    Reply
  147. Nanc on

    Mrs. Whaley and her Charleston Garden. Have been to it and loved it.

    Reply
  148. Margaret Thorson on

    I’m eager to read this. Our PNW climate being closer to most of England than most of this country I think that the advice in this book would be particularly useful as w ell as inspiring.

    Reply
  149. Maureen on

    Excellent review! It’s an older book (1999) but We’re Gonna Be Rich!: Growing Specialty Cut Flowers for Market by Frank and Pamela Arnosky is a favorite of mine.

    Reply
  150. Erin Dalton on

    The Gardener’s Garden (Madison Cox/Toby Musgrave/Bill Noble/Lindsey Taylor)

    I was recently handed this book to look over during the monotony of waiting for computer projects to load. I sat there with it in my hands for far longer than expected, long after the projects no longer needed to be monitored. My heart and imagination just went wild with the inspiration of landscape design all over the world. I rediscovered my love of Japanese gardens and began researching ones that I could visit in the near future. This book is a visual and cultural dream.

    Reply
  151. Heather O on

    I read The Flower Farmer earlier this year and am currently reading Flower Confidential by Amy Stewart, and I would love to add The Flower Farmer’s Year to my ever-growing book pile.

    Reply
  152. Vivienne Lowe on

    The book I am about to by would maybe be most most favorite flower themed book would be the to be announced new book by Floret.
    I would love, LOVE, love, to win a copy of The Flower Farmers Year, by George Newberry.
    Thank you for putting my name in the hat!
    Cheers,
    Vivienne Lowe.
    Organic Girl Flowers and Events.

    Reply
  153. Janis Dolacky Jacobs on

    Erin, thank you for creating such an inspirational site! Your photos gorgeous, your tips invaluable … when I’m having a gloomy day, I simply pull up your website, gaze amongst the photos, read your uplifting words … I cannot thank you enough! My husband & I moved to the country to create a healthier life. We share our “Gentleman’s Farm” with horses, chickens, lambs, parrots & my best friend, our full of life & joy Newfoundland! And I’m extremely excited, as my husband built me my first set of flower boxes! The simple things in life, truly are the best! One of my favorite books, Sharon Lovejoy’s “A Blessing of Toads” … A Gardener’s Guide to Living with Nature. And of course, Beatrix Potter’s “Gardening Life!” Keeps alive the child inside. Thank you for all that you share & for continuing to inspire! I love your comment of Georgie Newbery, “trading in her heels for Wellies” as I have done the same! What a healthy & life fulfilling choice it was!

    Reply
  154. Lori on

    I love anything written by Christopher Lloyd. What a character!

    Reply
  155. Autumn on

    The 50 Mile Bouquet is by far my most favorite and inspirational flower farming book. Thanks for being a part of it!

    Reply
  156. Pauline on

    The cutting garden ofcourse! Because I love flowers, but who doesn’t

    Reply
  157. Andrea Heffernan on

    The Cutting Garden and the Flower Recipe Book are my first garden books based on your recommendation. I love them both and would love to pore through the Flower Farmer’s Year. Having just moved to the PNW from LA, I am eager and so excited to start my own gardens and flower farming here in our tiny farm. Back home (oops, in LA!) I grew mostly dahlias and zinnias in our 6,000 SF of yard space. Now, I feel like our flower growing possibilities are endless and my dreams are just beginning to come true! Woot woot! and I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy writing!

    Reply
  158. Katie Ovechkin on

    My favorite gardening books might not be that practical. Instead they feel like you’re spending time with old friends. “Garden People: The Photographs of Valerie Finnis” and “The Private World of Tasha Tudor” are the books that I can look at over and over again. Always inspiring

    Reply
  159. Loren on

    Great giveaway :) My go to gardening book is the Western Garden Book. I have two editions as well as the Western Garden Book of Edibles.

    Reply
  160. Roxane Beth Johnson on

    I loved Virginia Wool’s Garden: The Story of the Garden at Monk’s House. This book was SO wonderful, to read and to look at. My favorite garden was my grandmother’s: gladioli and dahlias galore.

    Reply
  161. Gretchen on

    JUST finished “Flowers for the Table” by Ariella Chezar – I got it from the library, but now I want a copy of my own! I can’t wait to get my hands on some flowers again. Do you suppose my hyacinths, muscari and narcissus can feel me hovering over them everyday? :-P

    Reply
  162. Kristen L on

    Just finishing up Sarah Raven’s Grow Your Own Cut Flowers – love it! I keep referencing it for my newly sprouted sweet peas. Also hoping to pick up Constance Spry’s Encyclopedia of Flower Arranging at the library this evening… I have no idea what to expect!

    Reply
  163. Caitlin | Our Natural Heritage on

    I hadn’t heard of this new title, thanks for letting us know! So far, my favorite garden themed book is Stephen Orr’s, Tomorrow Garden :) But it is hard to choose! Ok, I also LOVED Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life, by Marta McDowell.

    Reply
  164. Bibiane on

    Hi Erin,
    I’ve been really enjoying your blog and information as we are in B.C. Canada and presently grow berries and bring them to Farmer’s Markets but really wanted to also include cut flowers so we’ve been really soaking up all your information on growing. So far the only book we have studied is The Flower Farmer by Lynn Byczynski – really has helped but I’d really like the Flower Farmer’s Year book as it covers their planter system of growing. Thanks for all the great info.

    Reply
  165. Zoe McNair on

    Ariella Chezar ‘ s inspiring ‘Flowers for the Table’. First flower book, then flew from Australia to work with her. Now wanting to grow my own flowers! So exciting!

    Reply
  166. Annalisa on

    My favorite garden book is The Virgin Gardener by Laetitia Maklouf.
    Every time I happen to browse smile, looking at his picture

    Reply
  167. Shari D on

    The Flower Recipe Book by Studio Choo. Also just requested The Wreath Recipe Book from the library as well!

    Reply
  168. morning glory acres - drea on

    My most favorite flower reading material is YOUR BLOG!! I am so anxiously waiting for your book! It will be like a bible to me, you can be sure! And since you highly recommend this new book, I instantly want it badly! We are just a beginning little flower farm, with high hopes and high dreams for this, our second season! In almost every flower based decision I make, I consult your website!! Some days I get insecure and wonder what in creation I think I’m doing, thinking I can grow flowers that florists will want to buy! And then, times like this afternoon, when I walk out the front door to view our first ever order of lily bulbs, piled in overwhelming heaps.. Well it just makes me feel small.. But thrilled!! And then I think of you, and take courage! Surely you had insecure moments at first?! I hope there is hope ahead for us, even tho I don’t think of striving to rise to your levels! Love you Erin!!

    Reply
  169. Katie on

    This sounds absolutely wonderful and just the kind of bible reference that I need for my new adventure! My favorite garden theme book is probably Garden Anywhere by Alys Fowler. It’s more geared toward vegetable growing, but it was a big inspiration for this city dweller to start growing and gardening in all the places I could.

    Reply
  170. Ashley on

    Must say that I LOVE seeing everyone’s favorite books. I have added many to my must-read list! ;)

    Reply
  171. Chelsey C. on

    Cool Flowers by Lisa Zeigler has been really helpful for me this year.

    Reply
  172. Marguerite Bonniwell on

    I am a new flower farmer, so any “flower” book I am currently reading is my favorite! I have The Flower Farmer and Taming Wildflowers on my nightstand. I would love to add this one!

    Reply
  173. Christin on

    A book I return to, again and again, is Colour by Design by Nori and Sandra Pope. As gardeners at Hadspen they developed a spectrum of colour in a continuous herbaceous border, paying close attention to tone and variation in single colours. Their work was remarkable (and sadly lost), but the book is a great reminder of how we respond to colour in plants, and how flowers and foliage might ‘play’ with one another.

    Reply
  174. Ruth on

    ‘The flower farmer’ by Lynn Byczynski made me dream but also helped me making the dream real. But besides the professional books, I also love ‘The orchid thief’ by Susan Orlean. A story about the history of orchids and a man who is obsessed by them. (Belgium/Europe)

    Reply
  175. Gloria Jean on

    A good life encompasses the ability to reinvent oneself. I’ve had several interesting lives, but none so rewarding as my journey to become a flower farmer. I’m an urban “A train” women who has been embraced by the Hudson River Valley. I should have know that this community is open and transparent. I am the lucky one – not only do I get to work among like minded people, but I get to live amongst friends . . . .

    Reply
  176. Kelly G. on

    The Cutting Garden by Sarah Raven has been at my side this winter in preparation for my first attempt at flower farming. The Flower Farmer Year sounds like just what I need to plan for succession gardening, can’t wait to dive in this book!

    Reply
  177. rachel on

    My favorite garden book has to be Martha Stewart’s Gardening: Month by Month. It is so gorgeous and inspiring!

    Reply
  178. Lieve on

    I love flower arts manual by Pim Van Den Akker.
    http://pimvandenakker.com/work/

    I live in Belgium where your great book is not availebel. I want to start an flowerfarm so iT would be fantastic to win!!
    Greetings,
    Lieve

    Reply
  179. Maribeth Singleton on

    The only flower book I own is the 1954 “The Macmillan Wild Flower Book” by Clarence J. Hylander.. I know.. i know .. lame right? I don’t even know if that is considered a flower/gardening book especially since the only reason I bought it at a thrift shop was for its beautiful flower illustrations. Girl if my garden could speak it would say “Please, Please, oh Please pick my owner.. she needs all the gardening wisdom she can get her hands on” haha xoxo kindly, mb

    Reply
  180. Ali on

    My favorite flower book is called Alison’s Zinnias. It is a children’s illustrated abc book with a different flower for each letter of the alphabet. There are gorgeous illustrations and I can’t help but think reading this book as a child has led me to growing my own Zinnias!

    Reply
  181. Jean S on

    some great recommendations here!

    I too love Celia Thaxter’s Island Garden. It is a window on another time and place…

    Reply
  182. Maureen deBruyn on

    A Passion for Flowers by Carolyne Roehm. Love the pretty photos, nice seasonal arrangements in great containers! It is just starting to be spring in MN snow is gone and pussy willow is blooming, hoping to see crocus, Scilla, and dafodils soon! I bought my first helebores, can’t wait to plant them!

    Reply
  183. Ashley Malcolm on

    That looks like a great book. For a purely practical book to have on hand, I use ‘The New Seed-Starter Handbook’ a lot. Thanks.

    Reply
  184. Brennan Marie on

    Just getting into gardening, so excited to finally have space to grow. Dreaming of growing fresh cuts for our new floral business, overgrowthfloral.com
    Currently enjoying The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener by Niki Jabbour
    Excited to look into everyones favorites!

    Reply
  185. Ashley on

    One of my favorites is Monet’s Passion: Ideas, Inspirations and Insights from the Painter’s Garden. Giverny is simply a magical place, that helped solidify my desire to be a flower farmer.

    Reply
  186. Barbara on

    I am currently immersed in Flower Confidential by Amy Stewart. A good reminder why I am in the flower-farmer business. I just added The Flower Farmer’s Year is my must read list. Thanks for the review and give-away.

    Reply
  187. Beth S on

    My copy of The Flower Farmer is getting rather dog-eared and it’s only a matter of time until it is covered in water stains like so many of my books that make it into the greenhouse with me. Looking forward to reading this one & the Floret book when it arrives!

    Reply
  188. Jillian McFadyen on

    Where to begin?? All books on the subject mark my fancy! The first one I ever read was The Flower Farmer, revisited issue! This book more so than any other book is highlighted underlined and post-it-Ed all over it! I have several of Sarah Ravens books and I love Debra Prinzings 50 mile bouquet—its small size is the perfect coffee table book to get the conversation going!!! Love love getting, trading and receiving as much information as possible in regards to growing!!—knowledge is power & in this case beauty that soothes the soul!!

    Reply
  189. Lieve craps on

    Hi Erin,

    My favorit is floral design manual by Pim van den akker.
    http://pimvandenakker.com/work/
    I live in Belgium and follow you on instagram. Because your great book is not availebel in Europe and I want to create à flowerfarm, iT would be fantastic to winn !!
    Gretigst,
    lieve

    Reply
  190. Stephanie on

    Tasha Tudor’s Garden is a favorite of ours even our 2 yr. old loves it! the flower farmer’s year looks Gorgeous!

    Reply
  191. Melissa on

    Tasha Tudor’s Garden is my favorite!

    Reply
  192. Jana on

    Hurray, I was thinking if you are ever going to write a book Erin, because you are my favourite flower farmer, together with Green&Gorgeous from England. I wish to grow flowers in Czech republich, where i come from, one day. I already study Flower farmer from Byczinski, but my favourite plant book is for example Designing with plants by Piet Oudolf, it inspired me to look at flower/planting design as to painting. Best wishes from Prague, Jana

    Reply
  193. Rachel on

    This book needs to be added to expanding flower my library, I’d love to win a copy!

    Reply
  194. Sheri on

    I am just a home gardener… who is mesmerized with beautiful cut flowers! My favorite book is a childrens’ book called The Gardener by Sarah Stewart. I can’t get through reading it to my 3 daughters without tears. Flowers are used in it to bridge so many beautiful relationships.

    Reply
  195. Liz on

    Cool Flowers by Lisa Mason Ziegler just arrived in my mailbox a couple weeks ago and I adore it! Just the right size with very succinct information that is practical and timely for the flower farmers amongst us!

    Reply
  196. Amelia on

    My favorite flower-themed book is Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh!

    Reply
  197. Sas on

    Right now I’m immersed in Woody Cut Stems for Growers and Florists but picking a favourite is too hard. I just got Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally which is a really cool book from the 80s about permaculture and growing naturally.

    Reply
  198. Lynne Thompson on

    I have many, but an all time favourite is the story of the creation of the Peace Rose.. For Love of a Rose by Antonia Ridge. I keep lending, losing, buying the lending again.. It’s the sort of book you want to keep so I get that!! .. Beautiful little cameo piece.

    Reply
  199. Heather on

    I love The 50 Mile Bouquet!

    Reply
  200. Alesa DeJager on

    I love all these book suggestions. I think the first books that made me want my own cutting garden were Carolyne Roehm’s Winter, Spring, Summer, & Autumn Notebooks, copyright 1999. I love the format, though perhaps slightly dated now, they are a great celebration of the seasons – with gardening, floristry, and recipes.

    Reply
  201. Gail C. Keiser on

    Can’t wait to have this in my hands, I’m old fashioned and” passionate” about holding and reading “up close” one of my go to floral books, so I would say I love” A Passion for Flowers”, by Carolyn Roehm. We in this column all have that PASSION!

    Reply
  202. Terri on

    The very best garden book ever, in good times and in bad, is “The Faithful Gardener” by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. No woman should be without this book – it’s the finest of small treasure.

    Reply
  203. Katelyn on

    My current favorite book I have been referencing as I am planning for the upcoming season is The Flower Farmer. I am hoping to add to my collection, as soon as I can bring myself to stop buying every new seed I come across instead!

    Reply
  204. Rachel Lord on

    Specialty Cut Flowers is my most thumbed through book (especially this time of the year!). But an old favorite is ‘Linnea in Monet’s Garden’. (inspired by this book, I dressed up as Claude Monet in 4th grade for a constume party at school!)
    Thanks, Erin!

    Reply
  205. Lynn on

    Hi Erin! So exciting to see that you and your family business is doing so well. All that hard work is paying off, I hope!
    I live in Québec City, so our growing season is so very short. I’ve been growing a ‘potager’ (vegetable garden) for many years now (and loving it!), but in the past couple of years, I’ve started to lean more and more towards growing my own cut garden (I’m a freelance florist). Finding your blog about a year ago has really inspired me to start my cut garden, which I will be doing this spring/summer! I only have one book to date on cutting gardens, so I guess it’s my favourite! It’s Sarah Raven’s – Grow your own cut flowers.
    Thanks so much for the chance to win and good luck to all!

    Reply
  206. Cindy Creps on

    Oh so many amazing books and more on the way! I guess my favorite is my first from long ago. It was a Martha Stewart book simply titled Gardening which I read from cover to cover repeatedly. I fell back in love with the outdoors, with gardens, with flowers. It pulled me away from the 9 to 5, the office life. It started my journey back and I couldn’t be happier that I have landed squarely in the middle of the flower farmer / florist movement. So proud to be a part of it all.

    Reply
  207. Deborah Svenson on

    My recent favorite garden book is Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life by Marta McDowell. Beautiful gardens, a bit of history, and of course….Peter Rabbit.

    Reply
  208. Kim Spears on

    What a great contest idea !! Love seeing everyone’s favourites, and adding them to my reading list. Lynn Byczynski’s The Flower Farmer is currently on my bedside table and I am really enjoying it. Thanks :)

    Reply
  209. Laura Winslow on

    This is so exciting…just to read everyone’s favorite book…Mine is , Tasha Tudors Garden, by Tovah Martin,… the Photos make me want to paint… and grow forget-me-nots every where!!

    Reply
  210. George Orser on

    what fun thanks my fav is the new sunset western garden guide. fingers crossed..

    Reply
  211. Sandra Porterfield on

    would love to get a copy of this beauty! a great addition to my “flower library!”

    Reply
  212. Elisabeth from Ontario on

    Hi Erin, I would love a copy of the Flower Farmer’s Year. My favorite book right now is “Cool Flowers” by Lisa Mason Ziegler because it has opened my eyes to better ways of getting those spring flowers. I knew about biennials before, but hadn’t really understood hardy annuals….you can plant annuals in the fall? Hmmm…what a concept!

    Reply
  213. Jane Berry on

    This sounds like a wonderful book! I am just starting out as a flower farmer and I was at the Athens, GA conference and have been thinking about flowers ever since. Planning layouts, deciding on which seeds to buy, wondering where the best place to get all the tools I will need and other such wonderful things! I have cleared out my garden shed and am converting it into a flower studio. I don’t really have a favorite book yet but this one looks like a good one. I met some wonderful people at the conference and cant wait to get digging!!

    Reply
  214. Vicki Hebert on

    Personally, I’m in a little lull and stressed with kids and a very sick pet. Just seeing your posts, flowers and success is inspiring. So you are my link right now.

    Reply
  215. Megan on

    One of my very favorite garden books is An Island Garden, by Celia Thaxter.

    Reply
  216. Erin Hasler on

    It may seem sacrilegious to say but I love Sunset’s “Western Landscaping”. I love perusing the pages, daydreaming of our future garden.

    Reply
  217. may on

    While not exactly a flower book per say, my husband brought home Hal Borland’s Twelve Moons of the Year that he found at a church fair. Every day of the first year that we lived on our farm I would read an entry out loud to him. They are an assortment of brief outdoor essays and always talk about flora and fauna

    Reply
  218. flora brown on

    Just finished The Seed Underground by Janisse Ray and LOVED it. Not about flowers per se, but the stories and ideas related to saving seed are so inspiring and connected to so many things both inside the garden/farm and out.

    Reply
  219. Maria on

    Very nice review! I love that the book forced you to close down your computer and read it. My favorite flower book is The Flower Recipe Book by the ladies at Studio Choo.

    Reply
  220. Hannah Meeler on

    Onward and Upward in the Garden by Katherine S. White (currently) also, Bringing Nature Home by Douglas W. Tallamy (we have a lot of problems with invasive plant species in the southeastern U.S.-this book encourages planting native species)

    Reply
  221. Lauren Brown on

    As most flower farmer, I have read Lynn Byczynski’s The Flower Farmer cover to cover and cherish the knowledge it offers. But I have to say that at the moment my favorite flower bible is Lisa Mason Ziegler’s Cool Flowers! It may be due to the time of the year, but I find it has valuable info about how to extend my growing season in turn growing my business.

    Reply
  222. Andrea Clemens on

    “The Magic of Findhorn” was the very first book that sparked my interest in the magic and healing of a garden.

    Reply
  223. Tara on

    Right now I’m reading the 50 mile bouquet. Reading as many books on the subject that I can in hopes of making the transition from professional gardener to flower farmer. Erin you are so inspiring thank you for all the information you so graciously share with the rest if us.

    Reply
  224. Kim on

    I have “The Cutting Garden” on my nightstand right now!!! My 4 year old (Ella) & I started our 1st cutting flower garden last year & we are hooked! Still very much amateurs-trying to learn as much as we can!!! Your blog has helped us along! Thanks!

    Reply
  225. Yelena on

    Wonderful Review! Can’t wait to read the book!

    I’ve read this one from cover to cover ” One Writer’s Garden: Eudora Welty’s Home Place”. It beautifully correlates how the author’s garden and tutelage by her mother of the various flowers and gardening topics reflects in all of her literary works.

    Reply
  226. Shay David on

    My favorite is Tasha Tudor’s Garden by Tovah Martin and Richard W. Brown. Never makes it back on the shelf!

    Reply
  227. Kimberly Skogan on

    My favorite garden book is Garden to Vase by Linda Beutler, one of my mentors!

    Reply
  228. Vikki Baird on

    Wednesday is my birthday – What a fabulous gift this would be. Thank you!

    Reply
  229. Cayla dittenhoffer on

    Canadian based florist obsessed & greatly inspired by your success. Favourite garden book at the moment is The Cutting Garden.

    Reply
  230. Paula on

    My favorite garden themed book is the language of flowers! Highly recommend.

    Reply
  231. Oksana Petrik on

    My favorite garden book is Highgrove: an English country garden :) GORGEOUS photos and good tips.

    Reply
  232. Hannah on

    Thank you for the lovely review and giveaway! The article actually mentions my current favorite cut-flower reading, Sarah Raven’s Cutting Garden Journal. Wether I win the giveaway or not, The Flower Farmer’s Year is going on my must-read list!

    Reply
  233. Erika winkler on

    The Secret Garden – it made me fall in love with gardens and made me wish I had a similar beautiful place go hideaway in. I still love reading it 20 years later every so often!

    Reply
    • Pearl Taylor on

      One of my favourites is The Jewel Garden by Monty Don – similar to the colours chosen by Sarah Raven in her gorgeous tulip collections – quite simply stunning.

      I’d love the book as our daughter is getting married and it would make economic sense not to mention acquiring the title Domestic Goddess if I could grow and arrange all her flowers. Each time you handle a flower you’d be remembering little moments from the first daisy chains together to decorating her hair for her prom and then finally her Special Day. Sounds like I haven’t researched enough I hadn’t thought about maximising space and efficiencies. Thanks for reviewing it. By the way our Chelsea chop is Newton Chop (our farm name) same effect but usually a week after Chelsea as I sit glued to the TV during Chelsea week! Country Gardener in Herefordshire

    • Anna Ball Hodge on

      Hi,
      From Raleigh, North Carolina where it is 64 degrees and sunny. Yesterday, I moved four more varieties of hellebores from my father’s garden to mine. Fun time with him since his memory is gone. The Layered Garden Design Lessons for Year-Round Beauty from Brandywine Cottage has lots of photos and info on hellebores. David Culp spoke in Philly last year.
      A more local, homegrown farm flower gardener is Lisa Mason Ziegler, Cool Flower books are terrific from the Newport News Va. area.

      Thank you for all your posts and encouragement. Anna Ball
      Hope to win!

Leave a Comment

Floret Farm's Small Plot: Big Impact

Small Plot: Big Impact

Inspiring stories, profiles & advice from 45 flower growers from around the world

Stay in the loop with our updates

Close

Join Us

Join the Floret newsletter and stay in the loop on all the exciting happenings here on the farm

Close