Kyle Books acquires Parkinson’s Planting a Paradise

Kyle Books, an imprint of Octopus Books, has acquired The Flower Yard: Planting a Paradise by Arthur Parkinson.

Judith Hannam, publishing director, acquired world rights from Gordon Wise at Curtis Brown. The Flower Yard: Planting a Paradise will be published by Kyle Books on October 12th 2023.

The new book from Parkinson focuses on dramatic but easy-to-grow flowering plants and is, the publisher says, “sumptuous, beautiful and packed with easy-to-follow advice". It adds: “All the recommendations are perfect for pots and will turn your garden into a sustainable paradise filled with butterflies, bees and birds.

“Arranged seasonally, it includes Arthur’s favourite flowers to plant throughout the year, plus lists of key garden tasks and advice on the best species for encouraging wildlife. As well as spectacular floral annuals, Arthur’s pot-friendly suggestions include herbs, figs and scented pelargoniums, as well as permanent planting ideas for cover and structure. This is gardening both for the good of ourselves and the planet.”

Parkinson trained at Kew Gardens. After graduating, he pursued an interest in growing cut flowers by working for gardener Sarah Raven. He continued to work for her as a florist, arranging flowers and teaching, and together they recorded the podcast “Grow, Cook, Eat, Arrange”. Parkinson designed a garden for the Emma Bridgewater factory in Staffordshire, and wrote an accompanying book The Pottery Gardener (The History Press). His second book, The Flower Yard (Kyle Books), was one of the Times Best Gardening Books of 2021. A guest presenter on BBC “Gardeners’ World”, he has also written for several newspapers and magazines about gardening and keeping poultry and his memoir, Chicken Boy, was published by Penguin in 2023.

Hannam said Parkinson’s new book "focuses on the crucial role small outside spaces can play in combating global warming and loss of habitat, proving that it’s possible to create stunningly beautiful wildlife havens anywhere, in defiance of urbanisation".

Parkinson commented: “Gardening to connect ourselves back to the earth has never been more important. Pesticide free, richly planted gardens, even if made up only of window boxes, offer hope and a place of sanctuary to both nature and to our minds. My own gardening continues to evolve and my latest book offers inspiration and encouragement to people, especially those gardening in pots, to grow glamorous and productive oases in both town and country that are full of colour, scent and the buzzing and flutterings of the species we share our gardens with.”