Gardening: plants and cultivation guides Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisColourful and hardy succulents meet the simple principles of Japanese Bonsai and Ikebana in this unique guide to container gardening.Trade Review"The floral arrangements presented in the alluring guide to growing succulents in small containers are both idiosyncratic and striking…The sophisticated designs draw on a variety of textures--such as the long, dangly string of pearl plant; leafy little missy; and spikes of the silver pet plant, particularly for the hanging plants. These distinctive plantings are not for novices, but they will beckon to those who find ikebana and bonsai appealing, and to the cactus-loving crowd." --Publishers Weekly"I'm delighted with both the beautifully photographed designs and instructions! From hanging containers to tabletop displays and wall gardens, this book is filled with fantastic projects and ideas. This is the perfect way to introduce a little artistry and horticulture into idle, summer vacation days." --The Gardener's Eden"Beautifully illustrated throughout, Stylish Succulents carefully explains every showcased design by using detailed step-by-step photos." --Midwest Book Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Field Guide to Succulents introduces you to over 200 popular succulent and cacti species including many you've never seen before!Each chapter serves as an illustrated field guide that covers the characteristics and needs of a particular succulent family, then zooms in to show you their attributes in detail and from angles that let you truly see what makes these varieties different from one another. This book gives you:All the basics on how to grow succulents and cacti successfullytools, soils, watering, placement, propagating, pest and disease prevention, and how to see them through seasonal changes so that your plants will keep growing and thrivingA stunning photo guide to over 200 plants both popular and exoticIdeas for group plantings that are attractive to the eye and congenial to the plantsTips from experienced growers on ways to approach succulent gardeningThe simple instructions are geared toward beginners; the interesting mix of plants shown and explained here will appeal tTrade Review"Fans at every level will enjoy this up-close exploration into the infinitely diverse and surprising world of succulents." —Midwest Book Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisBursting with straightforward information on growing and using herbs, this illustrated guide will help you cultivate and maintain a thriving and fragrant garden. Betty E. M. Jacobs draws on years of experience running a commercial herb farm to provide clear instructions for planting, propagating, harvesting, drying, freezing, and storing 64 popular herbs. Whether you're interested in keeping a few container plants or want to start a profitable business growing herbs, you'll benefit from the expert advice in this practical guide.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisGet ready for the shocking truth about botanical sex. Did you know bee orchids trick insects into having sex with them? Or that avocado flowers open female one day and male the next? Discover over 200 of nature’s most unseemly creations in this sensational exposé. Trade ReviewThe sex life of plants did not top my list of "things one is curious about" but on reading Michael Allaby's neat hardback I had a change of heart. There is much switching of gender and some rather modern practices, but the light-hearted tone is supplemented by genuine erudition. -- Alexandra Henton * The Field *What secret raunchiness is going on in your garden without your knowledge? No, the doggers haven’t come to town, it’s the plants that are getting naughty in this light-hearted botanical volume, packed with delightful illustrations. -- Prudence Ivey * Ham & High *Delve into the world of botanical sex and discover the techniques used by plants to enter into unseemly liaisons to reproduce and survive. * Gardens Illustrated *

Read more less

Book SynopsisStocking a garden with plants can be an expensive business, so there are few things more frustrating than when the prized specimen for which you have paid a king''s ransom either online or at a garden centre shrivels up and dies within a year or so of purchase. If you can prove that the plant was half-dead when it arrived, you may able to obtain a refund from some online retailers, but for the most part you have to put it down to experience and make a firm mental note not to buy fussy plants in future.The problem is that many websites and catalogues claim that everything they stock is easy to grow. Herbaceous perennials are a particular minefield. Too often you are told that a certain plant ''will come back year after year'' without fail when in reality it is either so tender that the only chance of it surviving an average British winter is in a greenhouse or it is a short-lived perennial that is unlikely to flourish beyond two years anyway - and even then only if the local

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom stumpy potted houseplants to intricate and delicate flower arrangements, My Life in Plants is a heartfelt, honest memoir that intertwines the complex nature of houseplants with a journey of self-discovery.From Katie Vaz, author of Don’t Worry, Eat Cake, the beloved Make Yourself Cozy, and The Escape Manual for Introverts, comes My Life in Plants. Her newest book tells the story of her life through the thirty-nine plants that have played both leading and supporting roles, from her childhood to her wedding day. Plants include a homegrown wildflower bouquet wrapped in duct tape that she carried on stage at age three, to a fragrant basil plant that brought her and her kitchen back to life after grief.The stories are personal, poignant, heartwarming, and relatable, and will prompt readers to recall plants of their own that have been witness to both the amazing moments of life and the ordinary ones. This illustrated memoir covers the simplicity of home, the sharpness of loss, the lesson of learning to be present, and the journey of finding your way.Trade ReviewI loved this beautifully illustrated memoir, a deeply personal remembrance about the navigation into adulthood and the plants along the way. It's engaging and touching for plant lovers and humans alike. As someone who also finds joy in watching things grow, I found each vignette touching and relatable. (Lori Roberts, author of A Life of Gratitude)

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisCreate your own herbal tea garden! This inspiring guide covers everything you need to know to successfully grow herbs and use them in homemade tea blends. Providing plans for 22 themed tea gardens, Marietta Marshall Marcin offers expert tips for growing and harvesting a variety of common herbs. Clear directions for more than 100 recipes include Flu Brew, Double Green Digestive, and Women’s Energizing Tonic. Before you know it, you’ll be creating enticing herbal teas to suit every occasion.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNothing tastes better than herbs fresh from the garden. Discover how easy and rewarding it is to grow your own! Simple instructions, tempting dishes, and beautiful full-color photographs will inspire you to grow, harvest, preserve, and cook with 26 of the most popular kitchen herbs, including basil, chives, cilantro, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and tarragon. Your pantry will soon be filled with seasoned salts, Provençal vinegar, and caraway cookies.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEven in winter’s coldest months you can harvest fresh, delicious produce. Drawing on insights gained from years of growing vegetables in Nova Scotia, Niki Jabbour shares her simple techniques for gardening throughout the year. Learn how to select the best varieties for each season, the art of succession planting, and how to build inexpensive structures to protect your crops from the elements. No matter where you live, you’ll soon enjoy a thriving vegetable garden year-round.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEnjoy a thriving, fragrant herb garden and use your harvest to bring beauty, flavor, and health to your everyday life. Tammi Hartung provides in-depth profiles of 101 popular herbs, including information on seed selection, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and drying. Hartung also shows you how to use your herbs in a variety of foods, home remedies, body care products, and crafts. Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or planting your first garden, Homegrown Herbs will inspire you to get the most out of your herbs.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLearn how to identify the most important temperate plant families Based on the most up-to-date research, Temperate Garden Plant Families spans the spectrum from Acanthaceae (the acanthus family) to Zingiberaceae (the ginger family), and reflects the current scientific consensus about the family status of the most popular garden genera. Introductory information includes an overview of family classification, plant nomenclature, and plant morphology. The comprehensive A–Z of plants includes profiles that include information on the number of species and genera, plant form, flowers, fruit, and a short description. Each profile is illustrated with color photographs and botanical illustrations. Botanists, horticulturists, gardeners, and students will all welcome this authoritative yet accessible reference.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“If you want to successfully add more bold fronds and a tropical style to your landscape, Designing With Palms is the comprehensive book for you.” —Gardenista Palms are a landscape staple in warm, temperate climates worldwide. But these stunning and statement-making plants are large, expensive, and difficult to install, resulting in unique design challenges. In Designing with Palms, palm expert Jason Dewees details every major aspect of designing and caring for palms. This definitive guide shares essential information on planting, irrigation, nutrition, pruning, and transplanting. A gallery of the most important species showcases the range of options available, and stunning photographs by Caitlin Atkinson spotlight examples of home and public landscapes that make excellent use of palms.

Read more less

Book Synopsis“A complete guide to designing, making and planting hypertufa troughs.”—North American Rock Garden Society Hypertufa containers—also known as troughs—are rustic, striking, versatile, and perfect for small, Alpine plants. A mix of cement, perlite, peat, and water, they are simple and affordable to make at home. In Hypertufa Containers, Lori Chips details everything you need to know to make your own troughs and successfully garden in them. This hardworking book includes step-by-step instructions and color photography for making hypertufa containers in a variety of shapes and sizes. Plant portraits include growing and cultivation information, along with potting tips.

Read more less