English Cottage and Country Gardens

"How many kinds of sweet flowers grow in an English country garden?" The children's song pays tribute to a lovely image, but this tape reminds us that medieval cottage gardens were anything but charming. "For several centuries, cottage life remained a harsh existence of primitive shelter, poor diet and unremitting labor." It was those Romantic Victorians who really elevated the idea of cottage and garden to the lush and picturesque ideal we cherish today. This excellent video shows seven privately owned gardens, which are (with one exception) the work of amateur gardeners. American gardeners who have tried and failed to achieve a similar look may or may not be cheered to hear that these gardens took from 10-45 years to obtain their present appearance. Each homeowner/gardener is interviewed; most stress the importance of hard work, patience, and optimism in achieving their truly beautiful gardens. This tape, with its excellent and unobtrusive production values, will be enjoyed by a wide-ranging audience, from gardeners to artists to Anglophiles. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)