Books by Ruth Binney

Are the creatures that live in your garden friends or foes? How can you discourage the bad and nurture the good? How does each animal fit into the essential garden ecosystem? Find the answers in the verdicts, evidence and treatments presented inside!

With a foreword by Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey who concludes that: `This is the world that Ruth Binney has brought so wonderfully to life in her book'.

A weed is simply a plant in the wrong place at the wrong time. But while no gardener wants their patch full of unwelcome invaders, even the worst weeds have their good points - they may be edible, attract bees and butterflies, have medicinal or other useful qualities, or be associated with ancient practices, myths and folklore.

Gathered together in this fascinating book are the lore and legends of the animal world, alongside the realities of nature. Yet whatever their natural attributes, in folklore animals can do almost anything.

This fascinating compilation of accumulated wisdom includes traditional sayings and superstitions to explain whether, and why, they still work today. With advice on the practical necessities of cooking, gardening, housekeeping and health, as well as proverbial wisdom concerning good behaviour for children, adults and life in general.