Orchids are the largest family of plants in the world. With 30,000 known species, one could acquire a different orchid every day for eighty years and still not grow them all. Back in the realm of reality, readers of this beautiful book can quickly and easily fi nd out which orchids are right for them -- which grow on windowsills and which need a greenhouse, which are for beginners, which for experts. Featuring more than 200 color photographs, Understanding Orchids provides readers with easy-to-follow instructions for the orchids they would like to grow. With improved tissue culture techniques making orchids more affordable and the Internet making them readily available to consumers, growing orchids is more popular than ever: membership in the American Orchid Society has more than doubled in the past fi fteen years. This is the book orchid fans have been waiting for -- an authoritative guide that tells them everything they need to know about choosing and growing these horticultural favorites.

Most people think of spring-flowering plants when bulbs are mentioned, yet among summer- and autumn-flowering bulbs, there is great diversity and beauty to be found. This volume contains a photographic catalogue of over 50 varieties of summer bulbs. For each variety, there is full botanical information on growth, spread, size and flowering. There is step-by-step photographic guidance on growing and caring for summer bulbs, including pruning, harvesting for culinary use, and propagating.

Flowers can talk. Red roses say I love you , white lilies offer condolence and poppies invite us to remember.

For thousands of years, humans have used flowers as a language, a short-hand for emotions and meanings. In her new book, Sally Coulthard, takes a fascinating look at floriography and shows how we still use this secret language across the world. She delves into the meanings of flowers and where they came from, whether it's ancient mythology or hedgerow folklore.

Covering 50 well-loved flowers and plants, from peonies to sweetpeas, ivy to irises, Floriography is a beautifully illustrated guide that will take the reader on an intriguing journey through the history, legend, anthropology and literature of flowers, showing how modern-day society still relies on the meaning of flowers. From the Chinese lotus flower to the Celtic bluebell, the myth, magic and language of flowers is still blossoming today.

Discover the joy of growing and using plants indoors and outdoors, no matter how limited your space. This beautifully illustrated book is a modern, fresh take on gardening that shows how anyone can grow their own vegetables, create a mini wildflower meadow or learn how to make the most of their houseplants. And you don't need your own garden to get started. Creating a thriving window box, choosing suitable plant pots for a desktop oasis or joining a local community garden are perfect ways to experience the joys of gardening. Learn which plants will encourage wildlife, discover what works best for your space (no matter how small), find inspiration, experiment with colour, texture and techniques. Whatever you choose to grow, you'll be doing one of the best activities there is to enhance your sense of well-being and improve your physical health - so grab those seeds, pick up the watering can and get growing!

The Times Best Gardening Books of 2022 Ornamental plants are the cornerstone of our gardens and we are spoiled for choice with literally tens of thousands of hardy beauties from which to select. But we take them absolutely for granted, not for a moment realising that every plant has a fascinating tale to tell. Wild Edens sets the record straight. With global coverage, each of the nine richly illustrated chapters explores a plant biodiversity hotspot. The reader is transported on a visually stunning and fascinating voyage of discovery which reveals our garden favourites - as well as some species that should be more widely cultivated - in their natural habitats, from daffodils from Andalusia and tulips from the Tien Shan, to monkey puzzles from Chile and rhododendrons from the Himalayas, lilies from Japan and proteas from South Africa. Because the authors have been to the hotspots, each chapter opens with their personal reflections on the landscape and spirit of place, and closes with their selection of prime locations. In between, the informative yet approachable text tells of the plants' 'forgotten stories'. Of the landscapes which are their home, the adventures of how and when they were discovered and by whom, the reasons why they were collected, their impact on garden fashions and trends, etc. Wild Edens brings another dimension of interest and understanding to plants and gardens, as well as being a premium armchair traveller's guide to the natural world of garden plants.

'A warm, comforting tale of family and community which brims with kindness and love' Annie Lyons 'A heartwarming story about family, forgiveness and the importance of kindness... If you're looking for a feelgood novel in these difficult times, this is definitely it!' Fiona Harper The smallest things can make the biggest difference... Veronica Beecham's cottage is the neatest house on Mapleberry Lane. A place for everything, and everything in its place - that's her motto. But within her wisteria-covered walls, Veronica has a secret: she's hardly left her perfect home in years. Then her teenage granddaughter, Audrey, arrives on the doorstep, and Veronica's orderly life is turned upside down. Shy and lonely, Audrey is struggling to find her place in the world. As a bond begins to form between the two women, Audrey develops a plan to give her gran the courage to reconnect with the community - they'll form a kindness club, with one generous action a day to help someone in the village, and perhaps help each other at the same time. As their small acts of kindness begins to ripple outwards, both Veronica and Audrey find that with each passing day, they feel a little braver. There's just one task left before the end of the year: to make Veronica's own secret wish come true... A heartwarming story with community at its heart, about the little kindnesses that make the world a better place. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Holly Hepburn! *** Readers adore Helen's heartwarming storytelling 'Enchanting... Employing all the warmth and charm of Maeve Binchy, and a special brand of kindness that she has made her own, Rolfe weaves together elements of mystery, romance, family relationships and the warmth of community in a story guaranteed to bring laughter, tears and miles of smiles' Lancashire Post 'A lovely community, full of friendship and love' 'I enjoyed every minute of this book and found it very hard to put down' 'Lovely, feel-good...filled with lots of love' 'Gave you all the emotions: suspense, happiness and excitement' 'Helen Rolfe's writing brought a smile to my face' 'Loved loved loved this fabulous book' 'Full of wonderful characters, great food, a lovely location'

Everyone loves flowers. We grow them with a passion and crave helpful advice on nurturing them in our gardens. A great, friendly, indispensable book, THE FLOWER GARDENER'S BIBLE is written with wit and authority by Lewis and Nancy Hill, who share both their joy in growing flowers and more than 75 years of combined experience. In the same format as the very successful The Vegetable Gardener's Bible, this new primer is both painstakingly thorough and stunningly photographed. It covers every facet of growing perennials, annuals, bulbs, wildflowers, small trees, vines, and shrubs for season-long colour and beauty. It is organized in three sections, and the first focuses on the basics - choosing the right varieties for your zone and type of garden, and planning and planting for maximum impact. The second section presents plans for 25 distinctively themed gardens. And finally, a photographic encyclopaedia of more than 400 species includes detailed descriptions of each plant - garden uses, susceptibility to pests and diseases, propagation methods, and more.

This is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and over 170 beautiful photographs. Features: everything you need to know at a glance in one handy and magnificently illustrated practical guide; full photographic directory of over 50 varieties, including single zonal, double zonal, dwarf zonal, rosebud zonal, regal, angel, decorative, scented leaf and stellar; step-by-step guidance on planting, propagating and growing pelargoniums, and controlling pests and diseases; tips for growing and displaying pelargoniums outside and indoors, in beds, hanging baskets and window boxes; for each variety, full botanical information is provided on history, growth, hue, height, spread and suitability; and a highly accessible guide to some of the most popular flowering plants, celebrating their diversity and beauty. Pelargoniums are one of the most cherished groups of garden plants. They are particularly renowned for the impact of their vibrant flowers, their pretty leaves and rich aromatic scent, and they thrive both outdoors and inside. This book guides you through the simple techniques involved in growing and propagating these decorative plants, and illustrates some of the most popular cultivars. It includes a history of pelargoniums, with advice on how to recognize the different types. A fully illustrated plant directory describes over 40 recommended varieties, together with expert advice on selecting the best ones, planting them in beds and hanging baskets, and dealing with pests and diseases. The book will help you to create pretty displays indoors, in conservatories, on windowsills or as outdoor plants.

It is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and more than 130 beautiful photographs. It offers everything you need to know about fuchsias at a glance in one handy practical gardening guide. It includes a beautiful photographic directory of over 35 types, including both hardy and tender fuchsias. For each variety, full botanical information is provided on the plant's history, growth, size and flowering. It includes step-by-step guidance on planting, propagating, pruning and training fuchsias, and dealing with pests and diseases. It features superb ideas for planting bedding fuchsias in the garden, growing in containers, potting on, creating beautiful hanging baskets and cultivating under glass. It is the definitive handbook for one of the most popular and best-loved garden plants. It is not surprising that fuchsias are among the most popular plants grown today. Few, if any, other flowering shrubs can rival the fuchsia for its reliability and ease of cultivation, combined with the staggering variety of hues, shapes and sizes which make it such a familiar sight of summer. This practical book explains how to use fuchsias to their best advantage in the garden - as bedding plants, in borders, as hedges, and in containers and baskets - and provides a complete guide to over 35 varieties. From selecting the best types to planting baskets, pruning and training, the book offers expert advice that will help you to grow and enjoy these wonderful plants.

Discover the fascinating stories behind around 300 species of wildflowers, and marvel at a botanical beauty and diversity you never knew existed.

Did you know that orchids existed alongside dinosaurs? And that 30,000 plant species are used as medicine worldwide? In this stunning book, leading botanist Chris Thorogood brings you closer to 300 species of wildflower through fascinating facts, plant profiles, and detailed illustrations. More than just meadows, discover wildflowers that are pollinated by birds, that look like stones, and that feed on the creatures around them.

Humans have had a close relationship with wildflowers throughout history from growing dahlias as crops and comfrey as medicine, to carrying posies to ward off the plague and roses down the aisle. Bringing together natural history, culture, food, medicine and technology, this fascinating book will open your eyes to the botanical wonders all around us. With a guide to the wildflowers growing in every habitat, identification notes, a grow-your-own guide and more, this is the ultimate flower-lover's companion.

An easy to use and comprehensive primer on the perennials that grow best in PA. Over 622 perennials suited to the region's climate; 620 brilliant full-color photos; info in planting, growing, recommended varieties, problems & pests; details on light, water and nutrient needs and how and when to start your plants.

An easy to use and comrehensive primer on the perennials that grow best in Georgia. Over 380 perennials suited to the region; 530 brilliant full-color photographs; info opn planting, growing, recommended varieties, problems and pests; detail on light, water and nutrient needs and how and when to start your plants. A Quick Reference chart provides info at a glance on color, blooming, height, hardiness and light & soil requirements

This fun-filled adventure handbook is bursting with ideas to help kids discover the great outdoors and get closer to nature. Created with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK's leading gardening charity. This beautifully illustrated book is packed fun activities, handy tips and nature facts to encourage children to explore the wonderful world around them. Make a wilderness compass Grow your own herb garden Build a tepee Learn how to read a map Discover more about plants, trees and wildlife Each page is filled with inspiring ideas for discovering and exploring plants and wildlife, with exciting activities for all weathers.

You don't need a sprawling garden to brighten your life with flowers. Bloom will show you how any space, no matter how small, can be transformed into a colourful oasis with flowering plants. The ultimate guide to beautiful blooms, Lauren and Sophia from Leaf Supply have tips for care, selection, styling and arrangement. A guide through the seasons, Bloom has everything you need to create flowering gardens indoors or on balconies. * Practical information on the best light, soil and care requirements * Details of when to plant and when flowers bloom * 60+ flowering plant profiles * Interviews with plant-lovers who have filled their homes with blooming plants

Acre-for-acre, flowers are the most profitable--as well as the most beautiful--crop on the farm. In "The Flower Farmer" expert flower grower Lynn Byczynski provides a complete introduction to raising a cornucopia of cut flowers for home use and for sale to retail customers, florists, and other markets.
The book offers detailed, manageable plans for flower growing on a scale ranging from a backyard border to a half-acre commercial garden. It will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, including:
Home gardeners who want growing tips from professionals, so that they can enjoy an abundance of flowers year-round in fresh and dried bouquets
Passionate gardeners and small-scale growers who want to raise and sell cut flowers in season for additional income
Small commercial farmers who want to increase farm revenue or even make a living from selling field-grown, specialty cut flowers.
"The Flower Farmer" provides a clear, realistic look at both the benefits and the challenges of growing flowers organically for local markets. Chapters include information on:
The best varieties of cut flowers--an A-Z list of more than one hundred recommended annuals and perennials, spotlighting the cultivars that are grown by professional flower farmers
How to cut, store, and preserve flowers for long-lasting beauty
How to dry flowers for crafting or for a dried-flower business
Flower-arranging basics from a designer's perspective
Extending the season with woody shrubs and trees
Marketing options for commercial growers, including sales at farmer's markets, supermarkets, florists, and wholesalers.
Sprinkled throughout are profiles of successful flower farmers--from Vermontto California, Texas to Wisconsin--each of them providing a unique perspective proving that growing flowers can be as profitable as it is satisfying.