Book Review: The National Trust Gardener's Almanac 2026 by Greg Loades

I like a good almanac, they are just a wonderful thing.  There is something joyous about a book that insists you check in with it at least once a month.  It is a bit like a demanding kitten that needs attention and that gives you rewards when you do.

I have not paid for this book, nor have I been paid to write this review.  My words and opinions are my own.

This book has good provenance.  National Trust books tend to be good quality, well researched and good value.  I am a National Trust member and always peruse the books when I am visiting one of their gardens.  The author Greg Loades similarly knows his stuff.  He was previously the gardening editor of Gardeners World Magazine and a former editor of the Alpine Society's journal: The Alpine Gardener.  He is a freelance writer writing for several gardening magazines.  It is therefore not a big surprise that the Gardener's Almanac is very practical.  I do enjoy the ones with whimsy and folklore, but this one is full of hands on knowledge and tips.  

I like that the quote that leads into each month is from someone with gardening knowledge: there is Piet Oudolf and Rachel de Thame to name but two.  Each month also starts with the sunrise and sunset times and average days of frost, rain, temperatures etc.  The variations between the locations, particularly in time of sunset and sunrise I find fascinating.  

Greg covers plants in flower each month and the houseplant of the month.  The Head Gardeners' Propagating Tips of the Month make the book worth buying on their own.  The Essential Jobs section I thought might be a nag, but I looked at September and had to nod my head and think 'yes, I should be doing that'.

There are many sections per month which give the book a good rhythm.  I really enjoyed flipping through the pages and focusing on this month and next month.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and know I will be picking it up again and again.  It is a book to not file away but keep where you will see it and refer to it.  It is an excellent gift for the gardener in your life and if you are lucky someone might buy it for you before you capitulate and buy it for yourself.  It is a handy size, so not too cumbersome to have to hand and is priced currenty at under a tenner.  What is not to love?

The National Trust Gardener's Almanac by Greg Loades is published by Harper Collins and available at National Trust properties, the National Trust website and of course all the usual sellers of books.

Take care and be kind.

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