The Art of French Vegetable Gardening Author:Louisa Jones The French, who are known for their style in all things, have long brought their artistry to bear on vegetable gardening, turning plots that could be merely utilitarian into gardens of real beauty. The Art of French Vegetable Gardening is an original look at the most beautiful French vegetable gardens, from their strict geometries of form... more »al tradition to the happy intermingling of vegetables with flowers, herbs, and fruit trees beloved by organic gardeners. Each chapter offers useful advice and suggestions--applicable to gardens anywhere--while evoking the rich cultural context of the French potager, or vegetable garden, as lovingly described by Colette, Proust, Gertrude Stein, and many others. Elements of garden design--including layout, hedging or walls, benches, and vertical accents--are detailed, as are specific vegetables that can provide both beauty and flavor. Other topics include companion planting using herbs and flowers, heirloom and collectors' varieties, and even the vegetable garden in winter. Specific gardens are cited as examples throughout. An extensive appendix offers eighty classic French recipe ideas, lists of plants, American seed sources, and French vegetable gardens open to the public. Practical as well as beautiful, The Art of French Vegetable Gardening is an invaluable sourcebook to return to again and again.« less