Breeding plants to encourage specific traits is usual in agriculture but less common in ornamental horticulture. Daffodils, daylilies, hostas, lilacs, magnolias, and rhododendrons are among the 15 subjects covered by experts in the field.

An engaging account of humanity's growing fascination with orchids from ancient times onward, together with a biographical gallery of 50 great scientists, naturalists, and explorers who contributed to our knowledge of orchids. The nomenclature and bibliography have been updated for this edition.

Known for their bright colors and dramatic forms, dahlias are enjoying a surge of popularity in today's gardens. From "pompons" to "waterlilies" few flowers can boast such a variety of choices for every garden and gardener.
In this delightful and profusely illustrated encyclopedia, noted hybridizer and nurseryman Bill McClaren provides an authoritative account of garden-worthy dahlias for every garden design. Nearly 700 selections are included, complete with notes on their history, awards, and cultural peculiarities. Additional chapters on dahlia care and propagation, dahlia species in nature, hybridizing, and showing dahlias add to this well-rounded overview. Thorough appendices with resources on dahlia societies, nurseries, and gardens complete the book.
Gardeners at every level will appreciate the author's clear and useful explanation of the classification schemes for dahlias, which can often intimidate even determined enthusiasts. Every dahlia lover will gain years of reference and enjoyment from Bill McClaren's definitive encyclopedia.

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

Containing Particulars As To Descriptions, Culture, Propagation, Etc., Of Plants From All Parts Of The World Having Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, Or Rhizomes, Orchids Excluded.

Do you want to spend less time gardening? Are you looking for ways to save water? Have you been disappointed in the way your garden turned out? Do you dread the dull winter months? Do you understand the true meaning of "garden loveliness"? Do you want people to stop by your garden and exclaim in surprise and wonder at what they see? Ma Frump has colorful answers to these questions and many helpful suggestions that will make you a happy gardener wherever you live and in all seasons of the year. MARCIA MUTH is an American folk artist. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1919 and grew up in Indiana and western New York State. She received degrees from the University of Michigan and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her work is in private and public collections including The Jewish Museum (New York), The Albuquerque Museum, Museum of Fine Arts (Santa Fe) and the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (Beaumont). She is the author of thirteen books including "A World Set Apart, Memory Paintings."

With A Description Of The Plants Most Desirable In Each, The Nature Of The Soil, And Situation Best Adapted To Their Growth, The Proper Season For Transplanting, Etc. Instructions For Erecting A Hothouse, Greenhouse, And Laying Out A Flower Garden. The Whole Adapted To Either Large Or Small Gardens, With Instructions For Preparing The Soil, Propagating, Planting, Pruning, Training, And Fruiting The Grape Vine. With Descriptions Of The Best Sorts For Cultivating In The Open Air.

This is the first book devoted solely to bulbophyllums, a very diverse group of orchids comprising the largest genus in the orchid family; it is an introductory guide for amateur and advanced orchid growers. The author focuses on those species likely to be cultivated, including 375 "Bulbophyllum" species and 170 related species and hybrids; she gives practical suggestions on how best to grow each plant in cultivation.

This book is a facsimile reprint and may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages.

This, the first major work on Cymbidium, since the authors' classic work published in 1988, is a completely new treatment covering all current known species. Their biology, a usable classification consistent with the latest molecular techniques, evolution, ecology, distribution and cultivation are all carefully explored. With over 200 maps, photographs and paintings.

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

Originally published London 1905. The author with his many years of experience details all that is necessary to secure the successful cultivation of the "Queen of Flowers." This is a fascinating book for any rose enthusiast or flower gardener and also contains much information that is still useful and practical today. Illustrated. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Have you ever killed an African violet? Kent and Joyce Stork killed their first violet too! They soon mastered the skills for growing the plant and eventually wrote for the "African Violet Magazine," the official publication of the African Violet Society of America, Inc. for over ten years. Their column "For Beginners" explained the basic elements of growing violets in an entertaining and straightforward way that anyone could understand.

Now these columns have been adapted and edited to provide even the most novice grower with a step-by-step guide, whether the goal is simply to keep violets alive or to exhibit the plants in competitive shows.

Have you ever had a question on how to grow African violets but could not find the answer? Now your dilemma is solved and you will be able to quickly find the information for which you are looking. With this book in your hands you will no longer have to guess when it comes to growing beautiful African violets, crowned with dozens of gorgeous blossoms. The primary theme of Mel Robey's third book on African violets is: Getting Back to the Basics. The reader will find answers to 250 of the most common questions the author has been asked since the publication of his first book on these popular houseplants. He combines a unique knowledge of horticulture with an easy to understand writing style. 250 Questions and their answers are covered in ten chapters Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Getting To Know Your Plants Chapter 3 Plant Food Essential For Healthy Plants Chapter 4 Potting Mixtures: Key To Being Successful Chapter 5 Containers For Growing Beautiful African Violets Chapter 6 Proper Watering Techniques Important Chapter 7 Those Ugly Pests: Insects, Diseases, and Other Unsightly Problems Chapter 8 Propagation Is Easy Chapter 9 The Environment Around Your Plants Chapter 10 Light: Its Role In A Plant's Life Glossary You will find answers to questions such as: .What can be done to solve the problem after a white, salty crust has formed on the potting soil surface and rim of the pot? .Does the type of fertilizer I use have any influence on how well my African violets bloom? .Are there any simple ways to sterilize my potting mixture? .If you could pick one problem that causes African violets the most trouble, what would it be? .Why are the flower buds on my African violet dropping off beforethey open? This is very discouraging

Raising flowers from seed is something every Canadian gardener can do and there is enormous satisfaction in doing it yourself. It is inexpensive and not difficult so don't be put off by those who say you must have a green thumb. Just follow the instructions on the seed packet and the seed will do the rest. In fact, most flowers are as easy to grow as vegetables.
The author describes the flowers grown from seed. He records his successes and failures, the different varieties he has grown and the ones he recommends for climatic zone 5a. Since 1986, he has created 20 different gardens as he expanded flowerbeds, cut into lawns and coaxed odd corners of his garden into bloom. Each year's garden is significantly different from the previous ones, made necessary as he turned out an abundance of seedlings that had to find growing space somewhere. By choosing different varieties a unique garden is possible as you are not restricted to plants available at your local garden centre. Take walks in your neighbourhood to see which flowers do well and the ones that appeal to you. Then buy seeds appropriate to your local plant hardiness zone. There are hundreds and hundreds of varieties available and I have indicated those that have done well for me and chosen to grow again.
To read a review of this book, please visit Trafford's Authors' Scrapbook

1923. With 48 illustrations. A popular book with descriptions on the wild flowers in Nature's garden. Some of the varieties depicted in this volume are: Spiderwort Family; Lily Family; Amaryllis Family; Buckwheat Family; Crowfoot Family; Poppy Family; Sundew Family; Witch-Hazel Family; Geranium Family; Buckthorn Family; Evening Primrose Family; Milkweed Family; Mint Family; Madder Family; Lobelia Family; and many more.

Originally published in 1926, this book is a detailed look at art and practice of raising and cultivating Sweet Peas. The book contains an exhaustive examination of every aspect of Sweet pea cultur, and is still of great practical use to today's gardener. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. Contents Include: Sweet Peas: Their Origin, History and Development The Raising of New Varieties Classes of Sweet Peas Cultural Remarks The Cordon or Exhibition System of Culture Out of Doors General Culture Cold Greenhouse Culture Enemies and Diseases of Sweet Peas Sweet Peas for Indoor Decoration Seed Growing and Saving Varieties Sweet Peas of the Future