
audiobook
THE LADY'S COUNTRY COMPANION; - OR, HOW TO ENJOY A COUNTRY LIFE RATIONALLY. - BY MRS. LOUDON, - AUTHOR OF "GARDENING FOR LADIES," ETC. - WITH An Engraving on Steel, and Illustrations on Wood. - FOURTH EDITION. LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS. 1852.
PREFACE.
LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.
LETTER I. - INTRODUCTION.
BOOK II. THE GARDEN. - LETTER VII. - PLANTING A REGULAR GEOMETRICAL FLOWER-GARDEN.—LIST OF PLANTS.—MODE OF LAYING OUT REGULAR FIGURES ON THE GROUND.—RULES FOR ARRANGING COLOURS.—PLANTING SIDE BEDS.—PLANTS WITH FRAGRANT FLOWERS.—CULTURE OF BULBS.—RESERVE GROUND.—CULTURE OF ANNUALS, PERENNIALS, AND BIENNIALS.—HOTBEDS AND FRAMES FOR RAISING AND KEEPING HALF-HARDY FLOWERS.
INDEX.
A practical handbook for young women stepping into the rhythm of rural life, this guide blends seasoned advice with the author’s own early‑career trials. Drawing on personal experience of managing a country household after her father’s retirement, it offers clear instructions on everything from arranging rooms and maintaining gardens to handling dairy, poultry, and modest kitchen tasks. The tone is conversational yet thorough, aiming to spare novices the common missteps that often accompany a new domestic role.
The book is richly illustrated with engravings that walk readers through layouts of manor houses, garden designs, and useful farm equipment, making the instructions easy to visualise. Alongside step‑by‑step guidance on cooking, preserving, and basic horticulture, it also shares sensible tips for balancing town and country responsibilities. Whether a city‑raised bride or a country‑bound maiden, listeners will find a sensible, down‑to‑earth companion for building a comfortable, well‑run home.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (573K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Clare Graham and Marc D'Hooghe at Free Literature (Images generously made available by the Internet Archive.)
Release date
Jan 31, 2018
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1807–1858
A pioneering writer who moved from futuristic fiction to practical gardening books, she helped open horticulture to a much wider audience. Her work is remembered for making science, botany, and garden design feel approachable and useful.
View all books
by Mrs. (Jane) Loudon

by Mrs. (Jane) Loudon

by Mrs. (Jane) Loudon

by Mrs. (Jane) Loudon

by Mrs. (Jane) Loudon

by Dallas Lore Sharp

by Dallas Lore Sharp

by Brillat-Savarin