A handful of topics this week:
First, I recently received a query from a reader, asking if I could recommend a good book on container gardening. Surprisingly, for all the gardening books I’ve collected over the years, I have none dealing with containers. So, I asked if any of you had a favorite to recommend. Jean, from Paoli, responded:
“Having previously lived in a townhome for 18 years, I have experience with container gardening and can recommend an excellent book . . . which I hope is still in print. It is ‘The Container Garden,’ by Thomasina Tarling from the Wayside Gardens Collection. It was published in 1994 by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc in New York. The original edition was published in 1993 in Great Britain.
“The cover page describes it as a practical guide to planning and planting, but it is so much more. It is a beautiful reference book, full of exquisite color photographs as well as color hand-drawn illustrations, and covers all aspects of container gardening, including window boxes. Even for one who is not a gardener, I believe it is inspirational.”
I checked and found that the book is still in print and passed on the information. Thank you, Jean!
Second, in last week’s column about the Philadelphia Flower Show, which opens this Saturday, February 28, I forgot to mention that when you visit the Show this year, don’t worry when you walk onto the floor of the Convention Center and don’t see any vendors. The Flower Show Marketplace is moving to a new street-level location directly beneath the main exhibition hall, making it easier to browse and shop. The Makers Market will also be at this location.
While I’m on the topic of the Flower Show, there’s a little more I want to add. If you’ve ever attended the Show, you know that there’s so much more to do than be an observer and getting that lovely advance peek at spring. It’s also a place to learn. Check out the Know to Grow offerings, featuring daily, free educational talks on topics like heirloom gardening, native bees, and orchid cultivation. Check out the complete list at https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show/experience-the-show/know-to-grow
The show is also a place for hands-on making and learning, for instance Potting Parties—interactive, ticketed workshops to create container gardens with designer Tu Bloom. Take a look at the list of possibilities at Artisan Row and see what activities you might want to include in your visit. (Google PHS Flower Show 2026 Artisan Row to access a list of the make-and-takes and their cost.)
Third, as I mentioned last week, I will be speaking about my book, “Listening to Nature’s Voice,” at the Phoenixville Public Library on Monday, March 2, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. You can attend in person or via Zoom. There is no charge, but registration is required for both in-person and online. Details at: https://ccls.libcal.com/event/15666288
Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Pam’s books, including Listening to Nature’s Voice, are available via her website pamelabaxterbooks.com. You can also sign up for “Rambles,” her monthly newsletter.
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