'This is a book about the comfort and sustenance that can be got from gardening and from the earth, about the wonderful pleasures and fulfilment that I get from my garden.' Alice Taylor

Alice's garden is her refuge, her solace. In this book, she invites you into this special place. Inherited from Uncle Jacky, it was for many years a kind of wilderness, until Alice finally managed to get around to transforming it. She introduces you to the great variety of plants and objects she has gathered – everything, of course, with its own unique and fascinating story, brought to life by a master storyteller. Alice's creativity is seen everywhere in her garden. It is a wonderful, magical space, full of surprises, where her warm personality infuses every flower, bush, tree, and surface.



Alice Taylor lives in the village of Innishannon in County Cork, in a house attached to the local supermarket and post office. To School Through the Fields was published in May 1988. It was an immediate success, launching Alice on a series of signing sessions, talks and readings the length and breadth of the country, becoming the biggest selling book ever published in Ireland.



Introduction 



The Awakening 



A Jug of Flowers 



Heavy Drinkers! 



The Silent People 



Under the Apple Tree 



Gardening with Dogs



The Final Chorus 



Crash Landing 



The Holly Tree 



Snowdrops and Tulips 



Flushed with Pride 



Struggling! 



The Garden Shed 



Tea in the Garden 



Returning 



Getting Ready 



The Open Gate 



The Meitheal 



Wild-flower Garden 



Roots 



Planting Miracles



very readable



poetical, beautifully descriptive … delightful read



definitely one to read with a cup of tea in your own garden



reading Alice is like being pushed in the small of the back off a rock into a deep warm pool … she gives one the exhilaration of being in the presence of a real writer and her skill is so accomplished that it appears effortless



a wonderful easy read, one that would make a delightful Christmas present



reflective and uplifting



a book that's destined to blossom



warm and human ... easy, friendly and charming



the joy of gardening unearthed by Alice



will provide restful reflection for many



uplifting … beautiful