For the enthusiastic amateur or experienced rhododendron grower, this landmark reference provides the keys to the accurate identification of the nearly 300 rhododendron species widely in cultivation. An extensive introduction places the work in context as it examines the history of "Rhododendron" classification and gives a full survey of plant structures throughout the many species. Species are listed in systematic order, so that similar species occur close to each other in the text. These are fully described, including complete citations of previous references and notes on the occurrence of wild-origin specimens in cultivation. Beautiful photographs include close-up shots of flower and leaf, microscope images of leaf surfaces, and easy-to-use diagnostic keys, making this the indisputable volume for plant identification. A milestone in the identification of rhododendrons, this will become an essential reference for botanists, nurserymen, and enthusiasts.

Finally, a hydrangea book for the Northern gardener which answers the age-old question, "How do I get my hydrangeas to bloom?" Author Tim Boebel has come up with a proven method for getting blooms on macrophylla and serrata hydrangeas grown in the colder climates. Loaded with full-color photographs, this book details over a hundred cultivars and what they need to explode into bloom in the North.

With this manual for choosing the right trees in the central valley region of California, prospective planters can weigh their options and pick the trees that best suit their sites. Healthy, mature trees can add substantial value to property; sickly trees, however, can cost an equally substantial amount. The expertise of a professional arborist is collected and made accessible here for any reader who wishes to invest in trees for landscaping. Plenty of troubleshooting tips cover problems from blight to bugs, and each of the 40 featured species has a complete entry describing its benefits for both land and landowner.

As long as there have been gardens, box has played a part. In A Gardener's Guide to Box, experienced box specialist, Jenny Alban Davies, describes the use of box in a wide range of garden designs and situations. Along with useful information about the nurture of box plants as well as how to maintain clipped box in an optimal state from year to year, this book also explains the best way to grow healthy box, with the most up-to-date advice on its care. Topics include: designing with box in different styles and in small as well as large gardens; descriptions of twenty Buxus species and cultivars, with notes about their use in the garden; how to keep box topiary planted in containers healthy, and advice on controlling pests and diseases. Whether you are planning to plant a knot garden, dealing with a recent attack of blight or caterpillar, growing a box hedge from cuttings or creating your own topiary shape from an untouched plant, this book will give you the know-how to do it.

Begin your lifelong love affair with the mindful art of bonsai. Do you know your shari from your nebari? Can you tell literati styling from informal upright? Want to know how to create that gnarled and twisted look? Let Happy Bonsai guide you along the path to enlightenment, with care and display profiles for 40 top trees and fully illustrated step-by-steps of more than 20 bonsai techniques and styles. Find your perfect tree and discover how to prune, shape, and tend to its needs to create a beautiful living sculpture. Fall in love with this most meditative of garden crafts.

Vertical gardening adds an extra dimension to gardens and this book will cover the ins and outs of growing climbers and wall plants to get the very best in terms of cover, cropping and flowering. It will look at flowering plants, fruit and some vegetable plants, and how to make the most of every available space in your garden. Includes: * creative ideas for using climbing plants and wall shrubs effectively in the garden * quick lists of climbing plants for specific purposes, conditions or effects * A-Z profiles of recommended plants * practical advice on training, pruning and propagation * illustrated step-by-step guides to essential techniques Alan Titchmarsh imparts a lifetime of expertise in these definitive practical guides for beginners and experienced gardeners. Step-by-step illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the basic gardening skills and on to the advanced techniques, providing everything you need to successfully grow climbers and wall shrubs.

The book covers all the technical aspects of planting trees, such as how to incorporate them into the garden design; mixed border plantings; group plantings and woodland schemes, avenues; hedges, screens and windbreaks; and in tree collections. There are also useful how-to sections that explore the practicalities of growing and propagating trees.