The Dry Garden

by Beth Chatto
The Dry Garden cover
Good Books rating 4.49
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4753
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781399604666
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2022-02-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Beth Chatto's 'The Dry Garden' is a classic guide for gardeners seeking to create a stunning, all-year-round garden with minimal care. Drawing from her extensive experience, Chatto provides valuable insights into plants that naturally flourish in dry conditions, offering a year-round display of beautiful foliage and flowers. The book is praised by gardening experts like Monty Don for its invaluable advice on soil types, design principles, and plant characteristics, making it an essential read for both novice and experienced gardeners. In today's climate of hot summers and dry winters, 'The Dry Garden' offers practical solutions for creating a trouble-free garden. Chatto's detailed list of plants, along with notes on their characteristics, ensures that readers can make informed choices for their own gardens. This book is not just a guide but a lifelong companion for those who want to embrace sustainable gardening practices.

Reviews
Foxed Quarterly · 2025-10-03
inspiring 4.40

This book is a classic guide to creating beautiful gardens in dry conditions, offering practical advice and inspiring plant choices. It's a must-read for gardeners of all levels.

Beth Chatto's 'The Dry Garden' is a classic that continues to inspire gardeners today. The book focuses on plants that thrive in dry conditions, making it perfect for those looking to create a low-maintenance garden. With its clear advice and beautiful descriptions, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in gardening, regardless of their experience level.

Quick quotes

    uses plants that need very little attention and have naturally adapted to flourish in dry conditions

    Invaluable to those who want to plant a trouble-free, all-year-round garden with minimum care

    revolutionised the understanding of the problems involved and opened up many opportunities

Montgomery Robbins · 2024-01-19
influential 4.75

The book is celebrated for its influence on drought-tolerant gardening. It is considered one of the most influential guides in the field.

This review discusses the enduring influence of Beth Chatto's book on modern gardening practices. The reviewer notes that the book, published in 1978, remains one of the most influential guides to drought-tolerant gardening today. The book is praised for its practical advice and the opportunities it opens up for gardeners. The reviewer highlights the book's lasting impact and its relevance to contemporary gardening challenges.

Quick quotes

    Her first book, The Dry Garden, was published in 1978 and is still one of the most influential guides to drought-tolerant gardening today.

    The Dry Garden has revolutionised the understanding of the problems involved and opened up many opportunities that wait to be exploited.

    The book is a classic that continues to inspire and guide gardeners.

Waterstones · 2018-09-06
timeless 4.30

This book is a timeless resource for gardeners, offering practical advice and inspiration for creating beautiful, low-maintenance gardens. It's a must-have for both experienced gardeners and newcomers.

Beth Chatto's 'The Dry Garden' is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone looking to create a stunning garden with minimal watering. The book is filled with expert tips and plant recommendations that make it easy to adapt your garden to dry conditions. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book will inspire you to think differently about your outdoor space.

Quick quotes

    I return to Beth Chatto's books constantly

    Invaluable to those who want to plant a trouble-free, all-year-round garden with minimum care

    For those who are new to her work, you are entering into a life-long relationship

Weidenfeld & Nicolson · 2018-09-06
inspiring 4.50

The book is praised for its practical advice on creating a low-maintenance garden. It is seen as a valuable resource for both novice and experienced gardeners.

This book is a treasure trove for anyone looking to create a beautiful garden with minimal effort. The focus on plants that thrive in dry conditions is both innovative and practical. Gardeners of all levels will find useful tips and inspiring ideas. The author's expertise shines through, making it a go-to guide for sustainable gardening. It's not just a book; it's a lifelong companion for those who love their gardens but want to spend less time maintaining them.

Quick quotes

    Invaluable to those who want to plant a trouble-free, all-year-round garden with minimum care - or watering.

    I return to Beth Chatto's books constantly.

    For those who are new to her work, you are entering into a life-long relationship.

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