The Gardener's Year (Modern Library Gardening)

Five stars are not nearly enough to convey how highly I recommend this little volume. I LOVE the essays in this book! They are beautifully written with style, droll humor, an understanding of human quirks and foibles, and an appreciation for nature in general and gardening in particular. The illustrations (by the author's brother, and reminiscent of James Thurber) are witty and enhance the reading experience. This charmer was first published in 1929, but it's truly timeless - a classic. It would be a perfect gift for gardeners, and for anyone who is young at heart. I know I will read and re-read and re-read, etc.!

I bought this book for a friend, as a gift upon her achieving Master Gardener certification. I expected something a bit different, a bit more practical, perhaps, but after leafing through the pages, I read the entire book before I gave it to her. Written by the man known to most of us as a European author of the early 20th century on more weighty subjects, this man's witty description of himself as the sometimes manic master of his small domestic garden both amuses and somehow comforts those of us who share his enthusiasm. I laughed long and loudly at Capek's description of what ensued from his planting of the seeds from just one packet, at the many dozens of little plants in little pots, all of which became bigger and bigger, and had to be taken outdoors, finally, to find places in a tiny garden patch. This is a short book, with short chapters, just right for picking up in odd moments during the winter months when we are only dreaming about the coming of gardening season once again.

Back when I was 10-12 years old I maintained our tomato plants, and also strawberry plants in a rock garden, as well as a rose bush or two, all with rather poor results. That was about 45 years ago. I haven't bothered with gardening ever since, and these days my wife and son take care of all the gardening, composting, etc. That said, I enjoyed Čapek's little book. One need not be a gardener to appreciate both his insights and his humor. 4 stars.

A favorite quote - ‘I tell you, there is no death; not even sleep. We only pass from one season to another. We must be patient with life, for it is eternal.’

The book itself is absolutely charming. I admit I expected the "drawings" to be more of the garden or plants, they are mostly large and (to my eye) clumsy cartoon depictions of people, but the writing itself is a pleasure. The author turns a wry eye on gardeners and their obsessive ways, and he clearly knows and loves gardening-- I doubt anyone who gardens will fail to recognize and to smile at his descriptions of trying to garden during the slightest thaw etc.The book is another thing, however. For the price I expected better. The binding is a cheap glue binding that was giving way before I finished the first 30 pages and the paper is flimsy as well-- unfortunately the thick line drawings show through a bit to the back of the page. Again, for the price, and how slender the book is, I expected an edition at least at the level of a standard paperback in this price range.

Being a gardener myself, I really enjoyed Karel Capceks observations of the gardener and the garden life. From page to page, it is like looking into a mirror. For someone less interested in the topic, there might be a little too many names of species, but his humor and philosophy should make up for it and give the reader some hours' joyful reading. His thoughts about spring beginning in the autumn brings sunshine and hope to me on a dark, cold and wet October day!

I love this book! Hysterical! Hard to believe it was written nearly a century ago. I still encounter the same garden issues today. I may be biased as I have Czech grandparents. I am so glad my friend introduced me to Karel. I've gotten other books he's written and enjoy them as well.I can imagine reading this book over and over. At least once a year.

Love all the modern gardening series, this was a great winter read to get me through the months of no green!

Bought this for a friend who is a professional gardener, so she is ALWAYS being given gardening books. But she really loved this as a light diversion in an old fashioned style. Not a manual, but an enjoyable read for keen gardeners.

Good book in good condition

Buy this for a keen gardener even if they are the armchair sort but read it yourself first. It will make you smile.

A must read for any gardener. Written with great humour who relates to most experiences that gardeners face.

Lovely.