Maintaining a beautiful garden is as simple as following each month's "to do" list in this handy book. Geared to zones 3 to 6, Garden Almanac provides inspiration with color photographs and historic botanical illustrations, and the tools to keep gardens flourishing: easy-to-use monthly overviews, calendars, and task lists.

Within each month's section, activities are organized by four categories: The Whole Garden; Trees and Shrubs; Flowers and Grasses; and Fruits and Vegetables. Basics such as dealing with soil, compost, and tools are covered. Special features and sidebars appear in the appropriate months, providing detailed information on topics such as garden pests and diseases, creating pleasing color schemes, tips for better growth results, and how insects and birds interact with gardens during different times of the year. All of this is relayed in the form of friendly, personal advice from an experienced gardener as she addresses problems encountered and ways to solve them. A beautiful book.