Replicating the climate of an orchid's native habitat is a key to the successful culture of a species and its hybrids. This ingenious book provides monthly rainfall and temperature data for the varied habitats of more than 1200 species of "Dendrobium," supplemented by detailed cultural recommendations based on the observations of experienced growers.

Comfrey is noted by both organic gardeners and herbalists for its great usefulness and versatility. Of particular interest is the 'Bocking 14' cultivar of Russian comfrey. This strain was developed during the 1950s by Lawrence D. Hills, who founded the organic gardening organisation now known as Garden Organic. Lawrence D. Hills was the world authority on comfrey. In this book, originally published in 1976, he wrote for farmers and gardeners in all countries, showing how this useful plant could be cultivated in both tropical and temperate zones to produce a crop equally rewarding for gardener, smallholder and mechanised farmer. Subtitled Past, Present and Future, Hills's work remains the most comprehensive survey of the properties and cultivation of comfrey, and undoubtedly the essential book on the subject, as well as a lasting testament to his indefatigable efforts to achieve a better understanding of it.

Includes: Names, Classification, Structure, Planting, Care, Enemies, Propagation, Hybridism, Shipping, Uses.

The rise of the perfect lawn represents one of the most profound transformations in the history of the American landscape. American Green, Ted Steinberg's witty expose of this bizarre phenomenon, traces the history of the lawn from its explosion in the postwar suburban community of Levittown to the present love affair with turf colorants, leaf blowers, and riding mowers."

The moving or transplanting of trees and shrubs is an activity probably as old as mankind. Basically, the process of moving growing plants from one place to another is little changed from early times, but our increased understanding of the processes of nature through recent research and investigations in the broad fields of horticulture, arboriculture, and forestry, and the development of better machinery and equipment have brought about many improvements in the technique of moving trees and shrubs. Today, the moving of trees 12 to 18 inches in diameter is a matter of routine, and trees several times as large frequently are transplanted with success. The cost of such operations is relatively high and seldom in national park work is it justifiable, except under special conditions. The transplanting of small- to medium-sized trees and shrubs, however, is a constantly recurring activity in areas under Service jurisdiction, and it is to aid the planners and supervisors of such work that this bulletin is issued. Because of the varying conditions of climate, soil, temperature, species, etc., encountered in national park areas, it is impossible to lay down rigid rules for transplanting. The principles involved, however, are the same in Maine as they are in Texas, and it is hoped that a codification and explanation of some of these principles and descriptions of certain techniques will prove to be adaptable and of value under many of the various conditions encountered.

This volume offers the reader all the guidance necessary to choose suitable plants so the garden looks good, no matter what the season.

Stefan Buczacki sets out a blueprint for commonsense down-to-earth gardening - an approach that is based on an understanding of the environment and also relates to gardeners and their lifestyle: what gardeners need and want from their gardens and how they can set about getting it. The author looks at the basics of gardening, examining such topics as soil, fertilizers, pesticides and pruning, revealing his knowledge derived from years of practical gardening experience. He then proceeds to a detailed discussion of the commonsense approach to tree and shrub gardening, kitchen gardening, gardening and ornamentals, water gardening and wildlife gardening, ending with a chapter on garden design.

Horticultural Reviews is an ongoing series presenting state-of-the-art review articles on research in the production of commercial horticultural crops: vegetables, fruits, nuts, and ornamental plants of commercial importance. Articles perform the valuable function of collecting, comparing, and contrasting the primary journal literature in order to form an overview of the topic. This detailed analysis bridges the gap between the specialized researcher and the broader community of horticultural scientists.

This manual shows the reader how to grow and use broad-leaved evergreens to maximum effect. A directory gives details of a wide selection of the broad-based trees, shrubs and climbers hardy in Britain. Plants are listed by use, type of foliage, flower colour and season of flowering.

It's official, plants are cool. They conjure up exotic places, bring nature indoors and make you feel better. Who wouldn't choose to share a space with them - but where do you start? The good news is there's a plant for every windowsill or shelf, for every shady yard or front door step. And whatever your style - from urban sleek to shabby chic to retro - there are plants that will fit into your life and make it brighter and more interesting. Get Plants picks up on this trend by putting plants front and centre of a new book for a wide general audience, especially those that don't see themselves as gardeners. It shows that with a little know-how you can find a plant that will flourish in the many different "ecological niches" available in and around your home from shady basement stairwell to south-facing windowsill. Exciting contemporary photography shows how they pep up your living space and give a taste of the satisfaction you get in looking after them. This is an opportunity to showcase intriguing sundews and lithops, grow large majestic trees from seed to keep on your front step (for a while) and find out a bit of plant science along the way - why do orchid flowers last so long, why must you keep water topped up in the funnel of a bromeliad? The book draws on the work of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - its scientific work, plant hunting and fieldwork, plant collections and horticultural knowledge. Throughout the book author Katherine Price weaves in the expert advice of Kew's gardeners and scientists, distilling the essence of Kew's expertise into practical use. This no-nonsense, beautiful book is a practical guide guaranteed to inspire any reader.

This book is a fascinating and beautifully illustrated history of herbal texts throughout the world from ancient cultures through the seventeenth century.

A "herbal" by definition is a book that is descriptive of plants and the term did not come into use until the sixteenth century. The production of herbals is closely connected to the history of early printing and offers the finest examples of this art and craft. However, the earliest records of ancient Egypt, Sumer and China all reflect a tradition of works of botanicals and their medicinal properties long before printing. The author's survey begins with a work called "De materia medica" written in the first century which is still extant and as the final authority on pharmacy for 1500 years is the most important herbal ever written.

The study of herbals offers a rich history of the culture and beliefs from the folklore and science of medieval and classical worlds.

Replicating the climate of an orchid's native habitat is a key to the successful culture of a species and its hybrids. This ingenious book provides monthly rainfall and temperature data for the varied habitats of more than 1200 species of "Dendrobium," supplemented by detailed cultural recommendations based on the observations of experienced growers.

The only book any homeowner needs when considering an irrigation system for a lawn, this complete handbook, written by a master plumber in clear, non-technical language, addresses all types of irrigation systems--from the simple to the high-tech--including overhead, surface, and underground irrigation equipment. 50 illustrations & photos.

Known through several editions simply as "the fern bible," this classic covers identification, propagation, cultivation, and landscape uses of ferns. The heart of the book is a selection of 132 hardy and tender species suitable for gardens in various climates or in the greenhouse.

Carolyne Roehm shares her passion for flowers in hundreds of exquisite photographs. Inspired by Irving Penn's iconic 'Flowers', Carolyne has carefully photographed close-ups of her gorgeous blooms and paired them with images of her arrangements, table settings, and her abundant gardens at Weatherstone, her 18th-century Connecticut estate.