Inspirational projects and ideas created by Adam during lockdown
If you want to start a garden project but are struggling with ideas, dip into RHS The Creative Gardener by Adam Frost for inspiration. The BBC Gardeners’ World presenter shares more than 25 projects, from making furniture to creating wildlife habitats. As well as learning new skills, the emphasis is very much on enjoying the creative journey, not just the finished project.
Projects to choose from in RHS The Creative Gardener include:
- Creating and upcycling furniture – log seats, coffee table planters
- Developing wildlife habitats – sparrow terrace nest box
- Making planters, water features and a hazel ladder plant support
- Hard landscaping ideas – pond, sleeper steps
- More complex projects – a fire pit, green roof, log store and carved bird bath.
Adam translates his award-winning design knowledge and ideas into achievable projects, even for beginners. After an initial flick-through, I thought that many of the projects were way beyond me, although I am hopeless. However, each item has very clear step-by-step photography and easy-to-follow instructions.
It’s very much a ‘garden hardware’ book, apart from creating seasonal pots (very helpful). I think that’s where its beauty lies – it falls between the usual volumes about plants or landscaping. This is a book where you can actually do things yourself and not get a professional involved.
RHS The Creative Gardener’s strength
Apart from gardening tools, I have little idea which are the correct tools to use for landscaping projects. Fortunately, there’s a complete guide and advice on how to calculate materials and mark out your site. RHS The Creative Gardener isn’t all about slavishly following one project. It shows you how to personalise your ideas, recycle and upcycle what you have and gain inspiration from things around you.
Adam said: “Through the process of writing this book, I’ve come to realise something important: whatever you’re making, be it big or small, complicated or easy, there’s as much pleasure to be had from the process as from the result. I also realised I get a deep sense of calm and satisfaction when I use my hands to make something.
“These days, it seems that we live in a world where it’s all about the end goal, the destination. I want this book to celebrate the benefits of taking your time to enjoy the journey and making the connection to the simple pleasures of learning new skills, using your hands, and spending time productively.
“It doesn’t matter if it takes you a weekend or three years to finish it; when you make something, you also create memories, and this is what gives your garden personality and soul.”
Adam Frost has won seven RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals. The 256-page hardback, with pictures by Jason Ingram, costs £20 from shop.rhs.org.uk.
Read more horticultural book reviews you might like – The Thoughtful Gardener and Good Soil; Urban Flowers; The Salad Garden; The Jam Maker’s Garden and Charles Dowding’s latest No-Dig volume.
