Books of the Month April 2025

Books of the Month - April

Spring is in the air and if you are intending to get into your garden, down to your allotment or potter on your balcony our books for April will give you plenty of inspiration. Whether you are growing your own flowers, plants and vegetables, taking a walk in the countryside or want a murder mystery to settle on a garden chair with, it's all here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Lost Paths by Jack Cornish. Hundreds of thousands of miles of paths reach into, and connect, communities across England and Wales. More than just a practical way for us to walk, ride and cycle around, they are an inheritance from the past, revealing how our ancestors interacted with and shaped their landscapes. But thousands of miles are still missing from our maps. Exploring the deep history of these pathways, Jack Cornish uncovers how this millennia-old network was created and has evolved - from prehistoric trackways to the modern creation of towns - reflecting the contours of the past and the changing fortunes of society. Published in paperback by Penguin, 17th April 2025. Order here

The Gardeners' Club by Marnie Riches. When Gill Swanley decides to take up gardening to fight the menopause, she never expected it to become quite such a threatening hobby. Joining the Bromley chapter of The Golden Trowel Gardening Society, Gill finds a group run by self-proclaimed horticultural guru Mike ‘Potato’ Berisford and top of the agenda is how the club can snatch the National Gardening Club of the Year Award. But when a dead body turns up in the greenhouse, and a brick flies through the window telling them to take themselves out of the running, the group have to turn their attention to the sinister goings on. Is it their arch-rivals Croydon? Or is someone else targeting their rag tag group? Published in paperback by Penguin, 24th April 2025. Order here

Give it a Grow by Martha Swales. The first book from amateur gardener Martha Swales is a beginner’s guide that shows how fun and easy it can be to grow your own slice of nature. With chapters on veg, fruit, herbs, flowers and wildlife, this book brings together over 40 of Martha’s favourite projects to make the most of your garden, patio or balcony (plus recipes for how to cook with your produce, too!). Grow garlic greens on your windowsill. Fill your garden with wild strawberries. Build a pond to bring wildlife to your garden. Make a bulb lasagne for a changing display of flowers throughout spring. This book is perfect for urban readers in their 30’s and 40’s and shows just how fun gardening can be. Published by Penguin Life 6th March 2025. Order here

Hortobiography by Carol Klein. Carol is one of Britain's best loved horticulturists, and for decades gardening has been at the heart of her life. From childhood adventures in Manchester to experiments in plantswomanship at Glebe Cottage, and from training as an artist and a teacher, then finding an entirely unexpected career as one of Britain’s most beloved television presenters, Carol's memoir tells the story of the people, places and plants that have shaped her life. Exploring why our relationship with the natural world is so important, and how it brings joy, creativity and good health to our lives, Carol also offers insights on her favourite flowers and plants, and how to help them flourish. A story of a life lived amongst greenery; this is the perfect companion for anyone who has sought solace in the natural world. Published by Witness Books 3rd April 2025. Order here

A Year Full of Veg: A Harvest for All Seasons by Sarah Raven. A month-by-month gardening guide to growing the best seasonal vegetables. With her wealth of experience, Sarah shares the most reliable and bountiful varieties to grow, her tried-and-tested favourite crops, and unusual vegetables, herbs and salads that you can't buy in shops. As well as planting inspiration, Sarah reveals expert tips and techniques for growing and harvesting flavourful crops from January through to December, all based on easy, efficient and productive techniques that ensure you'll always have something fresh to use in the kitchen. No matter how much space you have, you'll be inspired to grow at least a little of what you eat. Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 2nd March 2023. Order here. Read more about Sarah in our Feedback feature here.

We are an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase