Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal

I was delighted when I was asked if I'd like to review Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal which has been published by Frances Lincoln, ( www.franceslincoln.com , @Frances_Lincoln ), and is due to be released on the 4th of September. I'm even more delighted that I'm able to give one of you the chance to win a copy for yourself and for those of you who aren't lucky enough to win, there's also a reader offer so that you can buy the book at a discounted price.

This book is a journal format of Sarah Raven's first ever book, The Cutting Garden, which was published nearly twenty years ago. The help and advice it contains is as relevant now as it was then. It's split in to months and each month is divided up in to various sections.

There are flowers suggested for each month and I like that as well as giving information on how best to grow each particular plant, certain varieties which are good for cutting are recommended.

Jobs are split up month by month so that you know what you should be getting on with, and there's space to jot down any notes you want to make.

I'm rubbish when it comes to flower arranging so the project of the month section is great for me. It tells you the equipment and plants you'll need and also the method to get a stunning arrangement. These aren't just vase displays but also such things as a winter medallion or a corn sheaf, so something a little different too.

As you'd expect, the book contains lots of other useful and interesting information such as the planning of the garden, cultivating plants, growing shrubs, trees and year round foliage and growing in a mixed garden if you don't have room for a separate area to devote to cut flowers.

There's even advice on choosing the right vase. I can see how the look of an arrangement can change according to what it's placed in.

I think this is a great book if you're thinking of growing flowers for cutting. I shall be reading through it and making notes ready for the start of the next growing season.

The publishers are offering a copy of this book as a giveaway prize, so if you'd like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal, just leave a comment on this post by twelve noon on Thursday the 11th of September 2014. A name will be drawn at random soon after. Please note that this giveaway is open to UK/EU only and that I will be passing on the winner's name and address details to the publishing company in order for them to send out your prize.

If you're not lucky enough to win, you could always treat yourself to a copy as the publishers are offering Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal at a discounted price.

To order Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal at the discounted price of £11.99 including p&p* (RRP: £14.99), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk and quote the offer code APG200. 

*UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.