The latest issue of Pleasant Place: a growing collection of publications about the art of gardening.

More than a mere extension of the hands, the garden tool is what helps the gardener materialise their vision. Much like the painter’s brush and the sculptor’s chisel – without it, one would be helpless. Issue 8 of Pleasant Place dives into the world of garden tools: the essential, the practical, and the beautiful.

Including:

Instruments of Care – An introduction by Norbert Peeters with some philosophical remarks on garden tools.

Wardens of Good – A visual essay of the wonderful objects of Garden and Wood, a business selling vintage garden tools andephemera.

Trusted Tools – Gardeners like Piet Oudolf and Jonny Bruce talk about their favourite tools that are illustrated in detail by artist Floris Tilanus.

Passing the Trowel – A visit to Sneeboer, the Netherlands most famous garden tool company, where the trowel has been passed down for four generations.

Toolmorrow – Artists are challenged to create new types of garden tools, for lazy gardening, stylish gardening and collective gardening.

Cover by Lou-Lou van Staaveren
Inside cover by José Quintanar
Centrefold miniatures by Zilan Zhao
Graphic design is by fanfare
Concept and editing by Guus Kaandorp, Floor Kortman and Lou-Lou van Staaveren

£12 and available here. We also still have a few copies of the previous edition, themed around Daffodils, available to buy.