The Rookie Gardener

About the Book

The Rookie Gardener is about knowing the right things: An "A to B basics" book that explains in words and illustrations not only the "how's", but the "why's, when's and where's" of creating a "naturally" comfortable, functional, attractive and low-maintenance yard.

Click here to visit the author's web site, The Rookie Gardener

About the Author

Alan Callbeck is a busy working guy with too many hobbies and two loves: his wife (and editor), Elaine and gardening! Over the course of 48 years of life, he's lived in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia, ending up in Victoria, on Vancouver Island. A dedicted "tree, rock and water person" and indoor gardener, Al has added "outdoor gardens" since arriving in Victoria.
Writing The Rookie Gardener stemmed from rookie gardening, which led to a 1st (19980 and 2nd (1999) in the "Best Residential" category in the hotly-contested Esquimalt Festival of Flowers competition. Writing also led to Al presenting a training program at Esquimalt Parks and Recreation and presentations through the local Continuing Education programs.
Al is currently working on a website that will grow from humble beginnings to something larger - in between everything else, including The Rookie Gardener II, with the probable subtitle of: An Advanced Guide To Gardening for Home Gardeners By A Home Gardener - a book of projects and landscaping ideas for the "not-so-rookie" home gardener. A third book, subtitled The Rookie Gardener III - Tips, Tricks and Tales from Rookie Gardeners is envisioned - a compilation of feedback from gardeners everywhere with (surprise!) garden tips, how-to tricks and stories by all of us.