Adam Caplin

The front part of the book is gardening with edible plants. It is visually beautiful with plentiful photos. Adam Caplin emphasizes the beauty of the garden and how plants look next to other plants, contrasting textures and colours. At least once he confesses to growing a vegetable he does not eat because it is too pretty to resist. This isn't my approach to gardening at all. But for those who want the best looking edible garden, especially on a small urban lot, this could be just what they want. I also found that the vegetables he discusses are same old, same old. This is partly because he's in Britain and can't grow some things that flourish in Canada, like tomatillos. But he could grow more heritage British vegetables out of history, if he cared to -- quinces are mentioned. Props for that.

The second part of the book is recipes. Again, I found the emphasis to be on appearance and presentation. The photography is exquisite. But I am not going to be making chamomile sorbet or roasted chile jam anytime soon.

Not my cup of tea at all, but I can see how someone more posh or more trendy than I might absolutely love it.… (meer)