The Common-Sense Gardener

Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to make sense. As gardeners head into a new season, internationally respected horticulturist and educator Dr. Allan Armitage offers a timely reminder: the best gardens aren’t built by chasing trends or doing everything “perfectly”—they’re grown through observation, patience, curiosity, and a little humility. In The Common-Sense Gardener, Armitage blends decades of hands-on experience with storytelling, humor, and practical wisdom that brings readers back to what matters most. Written as a guided walk through the garden, the book pairs short, engaging narrative chapters with clear “Common-Sense Lessons” on the topics gardeners worry about most—sun and shade, soil care, planting, pruning, pests, deer management, container gardening, and more. Along the way, Armitage reassures readers that mistakes aren’t failures—they’re part of the process. Plants are remarkably forgiving, and gardening should feel joyful, not stressful. Whether you’