As the nights draw in, Kent gardeners looking for a good read might like these quirky books both published this year.

The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart (Timber Press, £14.99) is an intoxicating book on the hidden plant science behind your favourite booze.

The guide explains the chemistry and botanical history of more than 150 species, showing how they form the bases of our favourite cocktails and also offers 50 drink recipes

Or how about Gardening In Pyjamas: Horticultural Enlightenment For Obsessive Dawn Raiders by Helen Yemm (Simon & Schuster, £12.99). If you find yourself padding about your plot in your nightclothes without really knowing what to do, this book will provide you with all the essentials to nurture your growing passion.

The Daily Telegraph’s much-loved columnist Helen Yemm, who lives near Tunbridge Wells, strikes a happy balance between giving you enough information to get you going but not so much that it scares you or puts you off entirely.

She dispenses invaluable advice, minus the mumbo jumbo, with refreshing humour and a clear understanding of her theme.