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Books > Gardening > Gardening: plants > Shrubs & trees
Bring trees to life like you've never seen before as The Tree Book invites you on an enchanting and illustrated journey into the astonishingly diverse growth of woodland wildlife in the world around us. Trees have been a part of human history from the very beginning. Used for shelter, tools, fuel, and food, they also help supply the atmosphere with oxygen and form astonishingly diverse ecosystems, as well as some of the world's most beautiful landscapes. Now the intricate world of leafy woodlands and abundant rainforests is revealed in this extensive visual guide to trees, exploring their key scientific traits and their ecological importance, as well as their enduring significance in human history and culture. From ancient oaks and great redwoods to lush banyans and imposing kapoks, The Tree Book reveals the anatomy, behaviours, and beauty of these incredible plants and habitats in detail. A must-have volume for budding botanists, this divine nature book showcases the rich diversity of trees, combining bewildering facts about spindles, spruces and more, with dazzling landscape photography of the endless species of trees found in forests and woodland all around the globe. Explore this fascinating book on trees to discover: -A historical overview of the cultural influence of trees and their ecological importance -Striking photography to accompany the profound explanations of tree biology and behaviour -A clear and comprehensible guide to ecology from both a historical and scientific point of view. With recent media coverage on climate change highlighting the global importance of our woodlands and rainforests, there's no better time than right now to immerse yourself in this extensive horticultural handbook for an illuminating blend of the science, culture, and history of trees dating back to the beginning of time. Let DK plant the seed of curiosity with this fantastic forest book, and watch as it blossoms into a life-long love of ecology, proving the ideal gift for naturalists or those with a soft-spot for nature photography. Combining natural history and a scientific overview with a wider look at the history, uses, symbolism, and mythology of trees, this book is a new kind of guide to these fascinating organisms.
Learn about the incredible range of useful shrubs for many different situations, large and small. World renown expert, Martin Crawford, includes common fruit bushes like currants and gooseberries, and many other less-known shrubs with edible fruits, nuts, leaves, or other parts. He takes us on a journey into the world of exotic spice trees, shrubs with medicinal parts, and plants that fix nitrogen to help fertilise other plants. All these can be grown in temperate climates, diversifying our diets, enabling us to design beautiful, productive gardens, as well as showing us how we can integrate agroforestry into our smallholdings and farms to create new income streams. Despite increasingly urgent calls from scientists, the not-fit-for-purpose economic and political systems we live in cannot be relied upon to implement the carbon emission reductions needed. This where we come into it: Whether we are farmer, gardener or plant dabbler, by planting shrubby plants that sequester carbon, we can minimise our carbon footprint and ideally live a carbon-negative life. On a broadscale, perennial and woody species are the way forward to reduce carbon emissions in agriculture. Woody crops sequester carbon in their biomass, but can also be grown in systems which allow for sequestration of large amounts of carbon into the soil.
The relationship between nature and culture has become a popular
focus in social science, but there have been few grounded accounts
of trees. Providing shelter, fuel, food and tools, trees have
played a vital role in human life from the earliest times, but
their role in symbolic expression has been largely overlooked. For
example, trees are often used to express nationalistic feelings.
Germans drew heavily on tree and forest imagery in nation-building,
and the idea of 'hearts of oak' has been central to concepts of
English identity. Classic scenes of ghoulish trees coming to life
and forests closing in on unsuspecting passers-by commonly feature
in the media. In other instances, trees are used to represent
paradisical landscapes and symbolize the ideologies of conservation
and concern for nature.
Farmers once knew how to make a living fence and fed their flocks on tree-branch hay. Rural people knew how to prune hazel to foster abundance: both of edible nuts and of straight, strong, flexible rods for bridges, walls and baskets. Townspeople cut beeches to make charcoal to fuel ironworks. Shipwrights shaped oaks to make hulls. In order tp prosper communities cut their trees so they would sprout again. Pruning the trees didn't destroy them. Rather, it created healthy, sustainable and diverse woodlands. From these woods came the poetic landscapes of Shakespeare's England and of ancient Japan. The trees lived longer. William Bryant Logan travels from the English fens to Spain, California and Japan to rediscover and celebrate what was once a common and practical ecology-finding hope that humans may again learn what the persistence and generosity of trees can teach.
What gardener hasn't been disappointed with borders after spring blooms have faded? Designing a garden with the focus on flowers is missing half the fun, according to the author, an expert plantswoman and popular horticultural educator. Working on the premise that the form of the leaf is the most important design element, Glattstein explains the basic leaf shapes and how to balance them pleasingly. Color also adds dimension to plantings, and Glattstein includes individual chapters focusing on specific tonal palettes. Each chapter is filled with plant suggestions and hints for successfully incorporating foliage into the garden. More than 110 photographs illustrate foliage effects, from subtle to dramatic. This lively and information-rich book will benefit gardeners and landscape designers alike.
Creating a garden that has colour, beauty and architectural interest year-round is far easier than many gardeners believe. The secret is to choose versatile plants and to appreciate that brilliant autumn and winter foliage, stems and berries can create just as stunning an effect as spring and summer flowers. Selecting over 85 specially photographed plants, including shrubs, climbers, trees, perennials and other border plants, this book shows how with imagination and a little planning, a garden can look good all year, including the winter months.
One tree, in one garden. Can it really make a difference? In RHS The Tree in My Garden, award-winning wildlife author Kate Bradbury reveals the amazing effect planting a single tree in your garden can have - and dares to imagine what would happen if every gardener up and down the country did the same. Combining practical gardening advice, eye-opening scientific research, reflections on the cultural importance of different species, and evocative accounts of how vital trees are for countless different forms of wildlife, this book will leave you in no doubt that every garden needs a tree! This terrific tree book features a directory of 50 key species, each one beautifully illustrated by Lucille Clerc and packed with information about each tree's appearance, care needs, and the wildlife it supports - to help you choose the best tree for your own garden, or learn more about the trees you may already have. Dive into the pages of this tree identification book to discover: - 50 illustrated profiles of a wide range of trees suitable for different gardens and preferences - Eye-opening accounts of the importance of trees for our planet, our wildlife, and ourselves - Essential practical information to help readers choose, plant, prune, and care for their tree - Ideas for making your own leaf mould and ways to get involved in community planting projects - Stunning illustrations by Lucille Clerc that convey the beauty and the mystery of trees This book is perfect for anyone wanting to attract more wildlife to their garden! So whether you're an environmentalist intent on reducing your carbon footprint, a budding gardener looking to choose the best tree for your outdoor space or you're simply seeking a guide about the natural history of the trees in your garden, RHS The Tree In My Garden is something the whole family can explore, discover and love. No garden should be without a tree. Plant one, watch it grow - and become part of something bigger!
Farmers once knew how to make a living fence and fed their flocks on tree-branch hay. Rural people knew how to prune hazel to foster abundance: both of edible nuts and of straight, strong, flexible rods for bridges, walls and baskets. Townspeople cut beeches to make charcoal to fuel ironworks. Shipwrights shaped oaks to make hulls. In order to prosper communities cut their trees so they would sprout again. Pruning the trees didn't destroy them. Rather, it created healthy, sustainable and diverse woodlands. From these woods came the poetic landscapes of Shakespeare's England and of ancient Japan. The trees lived longer. William Bryant Logan travels from the English fens to Spain, California and Japan to rediscover and celebrate what was once a common and practical ecology-finding hope that humans may again learn what the persistence and generosity of trees can teach.
This handy pocketbook separates fact from fiction about the invasive weed, Japanese knotweed, If you have the plant in your garden, or your neighbour has, this book will advise what to do. Typical questions asked by members of the public are: Why is knotweed such a menace? Will Japanese knotweed prevent me from selling my property? Dare I buy a property with knotweed growing on it? Can I get a mortgage on property that has knotweed in the garden? What shouldn't I do to Japanese knotweed? Will this weed reduce a house to rubble? Can I ignore it when building a patio or onto the house? What options are available for controlling knotweed? Can I actually identify it? How does it spread? What are my legal responsibilities regarding knotweed? Where can I find impartial advice?
Griselda Kerr has drawn on over 20 years of gardening knowledge and experience to create the book that she wishes she had had access to when, as a complete beginner, she started to revive the "dismal looking" plants in her garden - an indispensable, practical guide to how and when to look after more than 700 garden plants. No coffee table book this, it is designed for constant quick reference, to be used, perhaps as a stand-in for a knowledgeable friend, for advice on specific plants. Look up each plant in a specially formatted index spread across the year and a page reference will take you to a short, clearly written entry on what to do in a particular month - whether to clip, deadhead or divide, cut right down, feed, mulch or leave well alone. Each of these gardening techniques is also explained in a comprehensive glossary The Apprehensive Gardener is an attractive, durable, easy-to-use guide to plant care which will be referred to over and over again and will stand the test of time.
Recommended practices for inspecting, pruning, and directing the roots of trees in urban environments to promote their longevity, while minimizing infrastructure conflicts.
If the desire to start a garden has been planted in your heart, then this essential guide is a wonderful companion to accompany you on your new adventure! If you're not sure of the first steps to take, this handbook takes the anxiety out of plotting and planting and equips you with all the know-how and confidence you need to get digging into your garden. Creating a garden that you can enjoy and keep looking beautiful all year round is easier than you think!With the expertise of the Royal Horticultural Society, you'll find simple step-by-step instructions, with clear images to help you create your dream garden, no matter the size and scale. Get to know your garden and choose plants that will grow well in particular soil types and conditions year after year. From growing root crop to cutting back ivy, this book gives you lots of simple garden ideas and projects that you can do yourself. Even if you've never sowed a seed or pulled a weed, RHS How to Garden When You're New To Gardening contains everything you need to kickstart your new outdoor hobby! This refreshingly accessible book is perfect for the novice gardener who wants to make the most of whatever garden they have. Your Guide to Creating the Garden of Your Dreams Do you want to create a garden you can show off with pride? Would you like to grow your own food? This book will get you started quickly! By following the simple steps and projects outlined in this book, you will reap instant rewards and long-term successes so that you can enjoy your garden in all seasons. Inside the pages of this comprehensive gardening book, you'll discover: - Clear definitions and descriptions of the different types of plants. - Tips on choosing the type of garden you want. - Easy-to-follow instructions for choosing the right plants for your soil. - Simple step-by-step instructions to producing your first crop. - Practical gardening advice on planting, growing, and caring for different plants.
Eucalyptus, a genus of over 800 species, is a multiproduct crop par excellence. Not only is it grown for timber, pulp and fuelwood, but, as the Aborigines discovered thousands of years ago, it has numerous medicinal and aromatic properties. Since the first commercial distillation of eucalyptus oil 150 years ago, a vast array of eucalyptus-based products has entered the marketplace, mainly for pharmaceutical, fragrance and flavor use. Eucalyptus provides an invaluable reference for all those with an interest in Eucalyptus - in academia and industry alike, for researchers as well as producers, processors, importers and end users - but there are also issues discussed and lessons learned that extend to medicinal and aromatic plants.
From Minnesota to Moscow - how to grow fresh figs in cold climates Growing Figs in Cold Climates is a complete, full-color, illustrated guide to organic methods for growing delicious figs in cold climates, well outside the traditional hot, arid home of this ancient fruiting tree. Coverage includes: Five methods for growing figs in cold climates including overwintering Cultivar selection for cool and cold climates Pruning techniques for a variety of methods of growing figs in cold climates Pest problems and solutions Harvesting, including ways to speed ripening, identify ripe fruit, and manage an overabundance Small-scale commercial fig production in cold climates. Fresh figs are juicy, full-bodied, and filled with a honey-sweet flavor, and because truly ripe figs are highly perishable, they are only available to those who grow their own. By choosing the right cultivars and techniques, figs can be grown across cool and cold growing zones of North America, Europe, and beyond, putting them within reach of almost every gardener. Easy and delicious - if you can grow a houseplant, you can grow a fig.
ISA has developed a series of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the purpose of interpreting tree care standards and providing guidelines of practice for arborists, tree workers, and the people who employ their services. This BMP, updated in 2019, provides reasons why pruning should be undertaken, explains pruning types, provides background on pruning cuts, reviews sample pruning specifications, and comments on the timing and necessity of these operations. Chapters in this BMP include: Pruning Systems. Pruning Objectives. Pruning Cuts. Pruning Practices. Poor Pruning Practices. Pruning Conifers, Palms, and Bamboo. Pruning Specifications. Glossary.
The relationship between nature and culture has become a popular
focus in social science, but there have been few grounded accounts
of trees. Providing shelter, fuel, food and tools, trees have
played a vital role in human life from the earliest times, but
their role in symbolic expression has been largely overlooked. For
example, trees are often used to express nationalistic feelings.
Germans drew heavily on tree and forest imagery in nation-building,
and the idea of 'hearts of oak' has been central to concepts of
English identity. Classic scenes of ghoulish trees coming to life
and forests closing in on unsuspecting passers-by commonly feature
in the media. In other instances, trees are used to represent
paradisical landscapes and symbolize the ideologies of conservation
and concern for nature.
Grow your own apples, figs, plums, cherries, pears, apricots, and peaches in even the smallest backyard! Ann Ralph shows you how to cultivate small yet abundant fruit trees using a variety of specialized pruning techniques. With dozens of simple and effective strategies for keeping an ordinary fruit tree from growing too large, you'll keep your gardening duties manageable while at the same time reaping a bountiful harvest. These little fruit trees are easy to maintain and make a lovely addition to any home landscape.
This is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and over 170 inspirational photographs. It contains everything you need to know about choosing, growing and pruning small ornamental trees, with planting ideas for using them in mixed borders, in woodland, as specimen plants and in containers. It includes a full photographic directory of more than 60 trees, such as Japanese maple, willow, cherry, crab apple, dogwood, hornbeam, magnolia, citrus, bay and holly. For each tree, full botanical information is given on its origin, height, spread, appearance and season of interest. Small trees are the architectural backbone of a garden, blessed with striking foliage, beautiful flowers and strong structural form. Whether you want the delicate beauty of spring blossom or a splash of bright autumn hue, there is a wide range of small ornamental trees to choose from. With practical advice on buying, planting, maintenance, pruning and propagation, this guide shows you how to introduce this versatile group of plants into your garden. An illustrated directory covers all the best trees to try, including those with pretty berries, interesting stems and bark, or those that attract wildlife. The book shows that a tree will lend style to any garden, no matter how small.
Growing beautiful Christmas trees is a great way to generate off-season farm income and make better use of your land. From selecting a site and planting the right species to marketing and selling trees, this Storey BASICS(R) guide shows you how to build and maintain your own small tree nursery. Including handy tips for making handcrafted kissing balls and holiday wreaths, Growing Christmas Trees covers everything you need to know to successfully cultivate stunning evergreens that will provide income and bring holiday cheer.
Foliage gives shape and texture as well as colour. It is the vital contrast needed to make a garden the vibrant place that it should be. It is possible to have a garden based entirely on leaves and foliage alone, but it would be difficult to make an attractive garden if all of the flowering plants had identical leaves. The leaves are often a backdrop for the flowers and although foliage sometimes masks them, the greenery usually helps to highlight them. "Trees and Shrubs for Foliage" is a compendium of beautiful trees and shrubs with photographs specifically chosen for the extraordinary array of leaves in every shape, size and colour available for gardens in every season.
The ancient art of bonsai is thoroughly explored in this book. With the aid of this title, you'll discover the varied and intricate artistic paths to creating a bonsai in its many different finished forms. You'll also find practical instructions on starting and training your own bonsai and the special care and display needs of these plants. A final section describes in encyclopedia format those plants that have been proven to grow successfully and attractively under bonsai treatment. |
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Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Tony Kirkham
Hardcover
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