The Flower Yard in Containers & Pots - by Arthur Parkinson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This lushly photographed idea book proves that it is possible to create a glamorous outdoor space of ever-changing color, teeming with life, in the smallest of spaces, whether a patio, terrace, or front porch. This inspirational guide demonstrates how a glorious outdoor space is possible, even with only a small patio and a few pots. Featuring detailed photos and text by Parkinson who has been named a rising gardening star by Architectural Digest, this new book is the key to success with container gardening. Parkinson shows how to create a veritable paradise in pots with aspirational season-by-season ideas that are easy to replicate in any situation. The emphasis is on creating a small haven for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife--from flowers for pollinators to small fruiting shrubs that provide winter sustenance for birds. Even an upturned pot can create a welcoming space for a mosquito-eating frog. The book is filled with planting and propagating advice, tips on improving soil, seasonal tasks, and suggested planting ideas that include both flowering and edible plants for a vibrant backyard oasis. This is container gardening at its most romantic and stylish." --

Book Synopsis

This lushly photographed idea book proves that it is possible to create a glamorous outdoor space of ever-changing color, teeming with life, in the smallest of spaces, whether a patio, terrace, or front porch.

This inspirational guide demonstrates how a glorious outdoor space is possible, even with only a small patio and a few pots. Featuring detailed photos and text by Parkinson who has been named a rising gardening star by Architectural Digest, this new book is the key to success with container gardening.

Parkinson shows how to create a veritable paradise in pots with aspirational season-by-season ideas that are easy to replicate in any situation. The emphasis is on creating a small haven for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife--from flowers for pollinators to small fruiting shrubs that provide winter sustenance for birds. Even an upturned pot can create a welcoming space for a mosquito-eating frog.

The book is filled with planting and propagating advice, tips on improving soil, seasonal tasks, and suggested planting ideas that include both flowering and edible plants for a vibrant backyard oasis. This is container gardening at its most romantic and stylish.

Review Quotes

"Gardener Arthur Parkinson shows readers how to create their own bountiful garden, no matter how much outdoor space you have, in his new book. Parkinson specifically focuses on container gardening with planting and propagating advice for each season." -- VERANDA

"Apple cheeks and a lazily pruned head of curls have scored British gardener Arthur Parkinson, 31, some Instagram likes. But he's found more lasting success with his intimate, lushly photographed guides to organic gardening, hen-keeping and life in rural Nottinghamshire. His latest, out this spring, is The Flower Yard in Containers and Pots (Rizzoli), and it's a romp around the terrace. The new book explains which flowers have the "clout and glamour" to thrive in containers when spaceis at a premium (tulips, poppies, cosmos, dahlias) and how to make apotted "bulb lasagne" of different flowering varieties for longer overall bloom times." -- WALL STREET JOURNAL

"Arthur's calling card is a touch of whimsy; he believes in dramatic colors and often fills a space with a brood of feather-footed hens prancing among the florae. The author believes a romp amid the verdure is a sanctuary for people and wildlife alike. In the book, he expresses a passion for sustainable practices and yearly rhythms to cultivate healthy vegetation. The thrill of birdsong and sweet-scented petals gently bouncing in the breeze pair together for a full sensory treat." -- VICTORIA

"In his new book, The Flower Yard in Containers and Pots, (Rizzoli, 2024), he shows you that you can have a luscious garden on a small front porch, a doorstep, a roof or a balcony if you don't have enough room elsewhere. And in the back, there's a very useful list of mail-order suppliers of bulbs, plants, seeds, pots and much more. If you didn't think you had room for a garden, Parkinson will prove you wrong." -- GARDEN DESIGN ONLINE

About the Author

Arthur Parkinson trained at Kew Gardens and later worked for Sarah Raven before becoming head gardener for potter Emma Bridgewater. Based in Nottinghamshire, he continues to assist Sarah Raven. His work has been featured in Gardens Illustrated, The English Garden, Gardenista, The Guardian, and the Financial Times.