Get ready for the shocking truth about botanical sex. Who knew that bee orchids trick insects into having sex with them, avocado flowers are female one day and male the next, and some flowers are the insect equivalent of nightclubs where males and females meet and mate? Bestselling popular science author Mike Allaby reveals over 200 of nature's most unseemly creations in this sensational expose. The sexual antics of plants are far more varied than those of people and plants have preferences and techniques for which we have no equivalent. Being rooted to the spot, many rely on pollinators for assistance and forget birds and bees, we're talking kangaroos, giraffes, and vampire bats. Botanical illustrations throw light on the gallery of pimps, hookers and gigolos who may be lurking in your back garden and spice up this compendium of scurrilous botany which - be warned - may shock the worldliest of gardeners.

Ten perennials appear here, each a specific cultivar carefully selected for its innate and enduring beauty. The photographs show every critical stage of their development, creating an album which should inspire planting that is as attractive in Winter as Spring. Each plant is described in detail, explaining not just how it develops and the conditions in which it develops, but also its cultural, historic and folkloric associations.

In The Flower Hunter, Lucy Hunter takes us on an inspirational journey through a year in her garden and artist's studio set among the mountains of North Wales. Lucy's evocative, gently humorous words accompany her glorious photographs and exquisite floral arrangements, as she encourages the reader to marvel at the intricate cycles of the natural world, develop their own innate creativity and to look for beauty in the everyday. Her garden provides the raw materials for Lucy's floral artistry - breathtaking naturalistic arrangements with the painterly beauty and flourish of a Dutch still life. Simple projects accompany Lucy's text, from drying garden flowers for an autumnal wreath to making your own journals and natural dyes to assembling lavish arrangements that showcase the voluptuous beauty of garden roses. Lucy believes that we all have a creative voice buried deep within. The Flower Hunter will encourage you to find your own creativity and help it to blossom.

This book looks at the many different and beautiful species of palm trees, with suggestions on how to cultivate these special trees in your own garden. With useful tips on the required growing conditions, soil, climate, and any special needs, this guide allows you to nurture a variety of different species of palm tree. On each page, a different species of palm tree is featured with a photograph and text describing the common and Latin name, the fruit and leaves of the tree, and its size.

Die tien uit tien tuinmaakreeks dek 'n verskeidenheid tuinonderwerpe in 'n gerieflike klein formaat wat sommer byderhand gehou kan word terwyl jy tuinmaak. Die reeks is 'n uitvloeisel van die skrywer se besoeke en lesings aan tuinbouklubs op dorpe wat strek van Pongola in die ooste tot Lambertsbaai in die weste, en vanaf Vryburg in die noorde tot by Caledon in die suide. In elke dorp is daar unieke uitdagings wat werklik van tuinmaak 'n spesialisstokperdjie maak - dink aan die kalkgrond in die Vryburg / Mafikeng area, die brakwater by Olifantshoek en Kimberley, en die ysige winters en warm, droe somers van Middelburg in die Karoo om maar net 'n paar voorbeelde te noem. Maar ten spyte van die magdom probleme is daar in elke dorp asemrowende tuine, en wonderlike tuiniers wat 'n passie vir tuinmaak het. Hierdie reeks wil alle tuiniers, reg oor die land, inspireer en toerus met die kennis om self 'n pragtuin te skep. In elke titel word die geheime van suksesvolle tuinmaak in tien sleutelbeginsels saamgevat. Onderwerpe in die reeks sluit in:beplanning van die tuin; die keuse van plante vir die tuin; voorbereiding van die tuin; besproeiing in die tuin; dammetjies in die tuin; fokuspunte in die tuin; kompos in die tuin; beligting in die tuin.

'The only cut flower book you'll ever need!' First published in 2011 this bestseller is now found in floristry workrooms and classrooms across the UK and worldwide and is recommended by many leading floristry tutors. Fully revised and expanded, the fourth edition is packed with the same straight forward information on how to care for and condition over 160 fresh cut flowers both at the florists' shop and in the home. Florists, floristry students, flowers arrangers, brides - indeed anyone who enjoys having flowers in the home will find this book invaluable. Filled with easy to follow care instructions, flower availability, colour range and vase life, there are also tips on simple arranging, the flowers suitability for wedding work and advice on drying and preserving. Every flower has been individually photographed in full colour, making identification easy. Arranged in alphabetical order of botanical names there is also an index of common names to help you find your favourite flower - plus a mini floral miscellany of wedding anniversaries, national flowers and rose meanings. Printed in paperback in a convenient A5 size and spiral bound with a wipe clean cover, this book has been specifically designed to fit into a college bag or workbox. An indispensable flower guide you'll not want to be without.