Old Wives Lore For Gardeners

Prepare yourself for a veritable cornucopia of horticultural wisdom, as we delve into the world of “Old Wives Lore For Gardeners” by the unassuming yet delightfully astute duo, Maureen and Bridget Boland. Published in the far-flung year of 1977 by the esteemed Bodley Head—ah, the golden age of bell-bottoms and flower power—this tome offers a curious blend of age-old gardening wisdom, superstitions, and the occasional eyebrow-raising anecdote that only two seasoned matriarchs could conjure.

Quite an old book but looks new. Quite short at 62 pages.

Hardback with good dustcover.

What secrets lie within the pages of this botanical oddity, you may wonder? Well, fret not, for there are no mysterious ingredients to concoct potions of eternal bloom! Instead, prepare for a rollercoaster ride of advice that is both practical and peculiar, tackling everything from the ideal time to plant your parsnips (the answer is evidently a cosmic alignment of Venus and the waning moon) to the most effective way to ward off pesky pests with nothing but a sprig of rosemary and a dash of charisma.

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the Boland sisters’ prose, as they weave together folklore and horticulture with the grace of your great-aunt’s best china, only sprightly enough to remind you that gardening isn’t just about dirt and sunlight—oh no! It is a tapestry of interconnected fables, where each plant has its own history, and every weed tells a story more riveting than your average soap opera. Prepare to be regaled with tales of marigolds warding off evil spirits, and how to properly sing to your seedlings for optimal growth (spoiler alert: they prefer show tunes).

Now, let’s be honest: this isn’t just a book; it’s a delightful rabbit hole of eccentricities that may leave you questioning the sanity of your local garden centre staff. Why would anyone think that wearing a garlic necklace while weeding is a good idea? Is there really a correlation between the waxing of the moon and the success of your tomatoes? The Bolands seem rather convinced, and who are we to argue with the sages of yesteryear?

As you sift through the pages, you might find the glossary of old wives’ tales particularly illuminating—or at least entertaining. It’s a veritable treasure trove of quirky gardening hacks that might just make you the most sought-after guest at the next suburban barbeque. After all, who wouldn’t want to bring the secret to growing the biggest courgette known to mankind? Or perhaps you’d rather share the unproven theory that standing on your left foot while sowing seeds will bring about a bountiful harvest? Whatever your choice, you’ll be the talk of the town—albeit a town that’s a tad off-kilter.

Rumour has it that this book has been flipped through by many a gardener in despair, and perhaps even by some who merely wanted to chuckle at the outlandish advice. It is, after all, hard to resist the charm of a book that seems to straddle the line between wisdom and whimsy with such aplomb. So, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a novice with two black thumbs, there’s something for everyone within these lovingly preserved pages.

Condition: Good. This book has seen the light of many a sunny window and perhaps a few rainy garden parties. While it may bear the lightest of creases and the occasional smudge (because who doesn’t like to garden with a slice of cake in one hand?), its spirit remains intact—just as sprightly as your great-grandmother at a wedding. There’s no fading wisdom here; instead, there’s a wealth of quirky, charming advice waiting for you to take it with a grain of salt and a dash of humour.

If you find yourself amused by the eccentricities of gardening lore, then “Old Wives Lore For Gardeners” will surely tickle your fancy. So why not add it to your collection? After all, at Crappy Old Books, we believe in celebrating the oddities of literature, one quirky title at a time. Happy gardening—or not! Your call.

Keep browsing: See more Gardening books Other books by Maureen & Bridget Boland