The Complete Book of Garden Magic

I recently finished reading The Complete Book of Garden Magic, by Roy E. Biles (1887-1941). Garden Magic was published in 1935 and 1940, and then republished by M.E. Biles and J. G. Ferguson in 1941 and 1947. My copy of the book has some history, which I mentioned in Field Notes for January. The book may have an additional story, in that the inscription reads Hoping that this will prove helpful at Beaumont. With our good wishes, "The Hollands". 'Xmas 1954. Perhaps one of the sisters had lived in Beaumont, CA for a time, or perhaps one of them had picked up the book at a rummage sale while working on their Japanese style garden in Garden Grove. A mystery (and reminds me how much an inscription adds to a book)!

The front matter provides a Forward by the Horticulture Editor for The American Home, E.L.D. Seymour, and the original Preface by the author. Biles recommends reading the first three chapters in their entirety to learn about planning, soil, and lawns and gardens, and then to read the chapters that most interest the reader. Chapters are provided for specific plant groups, such trees and shrubs, coniferous evergreens, hedges, flowers, roses, and bulbs.

Other chapters include basic garden care, plant diseases, equipment, plant propagation, garden construction and operation, and keeping garden records. Additional chapters cover appealing topics such as flower arranging, window boxes, and house plants. The book is augmented with line drawings, infographics and color plates. Biles is very knowledgeable and a gifted writer and teacher of his subject. A Supplement was added 10 years later that surveys horticultural development during the previous decade.

Garden design with hardscape 
(the artist is most likely Joseph Ebertz, according to the Preface)

An infographic for mixing concrete and forming hardscape

I was surprised how contemporary much of the information remains after nearly 90 years. One major shift is that the lawn is no longer the center focus of the landscape (at least here in the West where water is so dear). I was also interested to learn about the history of foundation planting. Apparently the tradition started in Victorian times, when houses were built on a high foundation. Planting shrubs and plants around the house helped hide this eye sore. Interesting! I was impressed how knowledgeable Biles was about drainage and mitigating drainage problems, stemming from his agricultural experience. I was also intrigued with his recipes for mixing soil, fertilizer, pesticides, and concrete (now we typically just buy what we need, premixed). I was a little appalled with the casual use of rat poison and later, DDT, but overall Biles supported organic and earth-friendly garden techniques. 

Houseplants with a view to the garden
(photographer unknown)

I recommend this book for anyone interested in gardens and garden history. Later editions are available with updated information, but the earlier editions have a nostalgic charm.