Bennington College Seed Library: Gardening and Composting

Over 400 entries of practical, up-to-date gardening information.

Explains simple and sustainable ways of growing top-quality organic vegetables. Practical information on marketing the harvest, on small-scale equipment, and on farming and gardening for the long-term health of the soil.

Demonstrates “backyard ecosystem” by assembling communities of plants that can work cooperatively and perform a variety of functions.

Permaculture (permanent agriculture) is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.

Topics covered include: ecological soil management and pest control; composting and bio-thermal resources; sustainable agricultural energy systems; wetlands usage; complete design and management of an intensive market garden farm

A gardening guide and recipe collection offering over 25 planting schemes with accompanying recipes showing how to use the flowers in the kitchen, and including an illustrated directory of 45 edible flowers.

Describes and pictures a thousand herbs found both in the wild and in cultivation, and provides tips on growing and harvesting, herb gardens, and herbs in cooking and medicine.

An alphabetically arranged description of each herb and background historical material, plus coverage of such subjects as medicinal uses, cooking, & gardening. A popular treatment of the history, uses and cultivation of herbs, science and lore, and home cultivation.

Foodscaping is a combination of landscaping and food. This gardening resource is fill of examples, photos, and advice .

Regional prototype gardens that replace domestic front lawns, and other unused spaces in front of homes, with places for families to grow their own food.

Gates -- Walls & fences -- Tiles, paths & paving -- Edging -- Steps -- Pots -- Chairs, seats & benches -- Statues & other objects -- Rocks -- Water : pools, fountains & bridges -- Pergolas, gazebos & follies -- Parterres, hedges & topiary -- Vistas -- Color

A practical reference book covering planting throughout the seasons, detailing plant associations, offering guidance for successful planting and utilizing difficult areas of the garden.