Book Description
Gardening is now the favorite outdoor leisure activity in America. Homeowners realize the health benefits available from gardening and the potential increase in their home's property value.
Regional gardening titles offer the most useful advice because they provide credible information on the plants that perform best in specific states. Gardeners want information they can trust and use successfully in their own gardens.
The New England Gardeners Guide is devoted to offering the top landscape plants for New England, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Customer Reviews:
A constant source of reference for me!.......2007-02-20
This book is great! I love the photographs (especially nice to look at in the dead of winter!) and the simple and concise way the information is conveyed. I refer to this book over and over again!
Book Description
Stairs, passages, light wells, the tops of fire escapes--no site is too small for a garden, or the illusion of one. This book shows you how you can create a garden in even the tiniest and most unpromising of spaces.
Book Description
In this first and most popular book on morels, Larry Lonik shares his 45 years of experience and research picking, growing, and cooking morel mushrooms-the easiest to identify, safest to pick and eat, and most sought-after of all wild mushrooms. Filled with distinctive wit and wisdom, plus delicious recipes from campfire to gourmet kitchen. A new edition of the complete "how-to," "when-to," and "where-to" classic. See why 10 million North Americans have "morel fever." This book is part of Lonik's Nature and Cooking Series.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource for native planting.......2006-05-12
This is one of the most helpful books I've picked up recently. The beginning of the book lays out the geography, geology, and ecology of Tennessee, as well as the reasons behind using native plants in your landscape. The way the author described the state's heritage made me want to return things to natural in my own space.
She also points out a few of the invasive plants in the area and reasons to avoid them. I thought this section could have had more information though.
The remaining 2/3 of the book is lists of all the native wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and vines in Tennessee. It lists which sections of the state they are native to, there preferred growing conditions, whether they are easy to grow and transplant. Also included with each is a good color photograph, although many of the are kind of small and up close, so it's hard to decipher the full plant or its growing habit. I think I'll be doing a lot of research on the internet to find better pictures of the candidates for my garden.
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 are 1) the pictures, as mentioned, and 2) I thought the cost of the book is a little high for what it is. Although if I had it to do over again, I would still pay the 23 bucks, because no other source that I know of has such a concise and complete list of this kind. Other states should be envious!
Hunter deftly blends ecology, conservation, & horticulture .......2004-12-07
Margie Hunter was moved to write the book Gardening with the Native Plants of Tennessee: The Spirit of Place when she had a difficult time finding an easy, single source of information about her state's native plants.
Browsing through the book, you will see that, though it is written from the perspective of a Tennessee native, most of the plants featured are found throughout the Southeast. As Hunter notes in her introduction, "native plants recognize no such boundaries" as state lines.
I'll give you a brief tour of Hunter's book, and you will likely find, as I did, that it offers a wide and thorough mix of information that is organized in a logical and sensible manner. You will also see that it differs in some respects from many books in its class, and it is, in essence, a blend of ecology, conservation, and horticulture.
I found the first chapter unique for a book on plants. It is entitled "The Geography, Geology, and Soil of Tennessee." Here Hunter gives an overview of the physiographic regions of the state, including their geology, climate, and soils. It makes perfect sense to have such an introduction in a native plant book and makes me wonder why more authors have not thought of this. At the end of this and every chapter, Hunter provides a list of sources for further reading, which is quite useful if you want to continue your studies of a topic.
Hunter's second chapter logically follows by describing the plant communities of Tennessee. She begins by explaining that plant communities are the result of the five factors of climate, geologic history, topography, hydrology, and soil type. She also explains the different layers of the forest and the process of succession. Hunter then lists plants that will be found in the various plant communities of Tennessee (such as mesic forest, xeric forest, etc.). For the large part, this mirrors communities found throughout much of the Southeast.
As Hunter begins Chapter 3, she says, "All living things are interconnected," which is an appropriate start to this chapter on Tennessee wildlife. She gives a brief introduction on general ways to attract wildlife to the garden. Then she lists some of the fauna of Tennessee, including butterflies, moths, other insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Chapter 4 covers the rare and endangered plants of Tennessee and the pest plants that threaten our native plant diversity, with a good explanation of why these invasive plants are such a menace. Hunter helpfully includes a section describing what gardeners as consumers can do to protect endangered plants. Her advice includes how to avoid purchasing wild-collected specimens by looking for suspicious signs at the nursery. Some of the "red flags" she warns us to look for: large quantities of a species for sale; very low prices; bare-root plants; plants in real soil rather than potting soil; tree roots or rocks in the pot with the plant; large specimens for a low price; and plants that are difficult to propagate or slow growing.
The next chapter, "Native Plant Gardening," begins with brief tips on gardening with different categories of natives, such as ferns, grasses, and woody plants. Hunter includes a useful list of native plants that have performed well in trial gardens, which will surely be an aid to gardeners just beginning to employ natives. This chapter also includes some basic botany, such as an explanation of soil pH, the plant life cycle, and light requirements. Line drawings are used to illustrate basic flower parts, inflorescence types, and leaf structure.
Our tour of Hunter's book has thus far taken us about a quarter of the way into the book. The remainder (except for a few appendices) is a compendium of some 450 species of Tennessee's native plants, grouped by plant type: wildflowers; ferns; grasses, sedges, and rushes; vines; shrubs; and trees. Each plant is succinctly described and illustrated with a small color photo. Beyond the basic plant description that you would expect, Hunter also includes propagation methods, cultivation requirements, distribution patterns within Tennessee, and use by wildlife if applicable. Another plus is that she gives the pronunciation for each plant.
Hunter closes the book with several useful appendices, including nurseries that specialize in native plants, agencies and organizations of interest, botanical gardens, and native plant conferences.
For more information about this book, visit Hunter's website: www.gardeningwithnativeplants.com.
Great Book - Even for a non-gardener!.......2004-08-09
Anyone interested in the botanical history of Tennessee (or for that matter, the surrounding states) will enjoy this exploration of the common plants of the Volunteer State. Crisply written and easy to understand, this delightful book should be a part of any nature library - even if you are non-gardener like me! Margie's enthusiasm and love for plants permiates every page and will leave the reader yearning for his or her own "spirit of place".
A wonderful resource for a gardener new to Tennessee.......2004-03-11
This is a lovely book. I'm an experienced gardener in England and my husband bought me this when we moved to Tennessee. It has given me the confidence to understand what I'm doing in this new climate, and to ensure that my efforts to 'improve' the land I garden here won't damage it.
The book has good detailed information on native plants and starting points for acquiring them.
Normally with a reference book on any subject, I would just dip into it as needed. This one I picked up and read cover to cover !
Excellent handbook on Tennessee natives.......2002-12-03
On my first gardening day after purchasing Margie Hunter's book, I used it at least three times to make sure I had the right plant in the right growing conditions. Margie has managed to squeeze an amazing amount of information in a small space, using a very pleasing format. Her book, while providing excellent details, presents the information with a chatty, casual voice, as though one was getting advice from a neighbor with a very green thumb. The section on the geology of Tennessee was a delightful surprise for me with its explanation of the origin of the variety of soils within our state. My only criticism of the book is the size of the excellent photographs. While the handbook size of the book makes it easy to take to the garden for reference, these middle-aged eyes of mine find the small pictures a little disappointing. For Tennessee gardeners in particular, and mid-south gardeners in general, anyone interested in gardening with native plants will find this book to be a thorough, well-researched and enjoyable aid to their efforts.
Book Description
The Art of Floral Design, 2E is an illustrated full-color book which highlights floral design techniques-from the basic to the cutting edge. With a well-balanced presentation of theory and practice this book sets the standard in floral design. Topics covered include the principles and mechanics of flower arranging, basic flower anatomy, as well as arrangement styles for a variety of special occasions. Updated to reflect the latest concepts and practices, this new second edition will place users at the forefront of their field.
Book Description
Africa's wild cats have long been a focus of fascination and intrigue among travelers and wildlife lovers. Alongside the big three -- lion, leopard, and cheetah -- Africa is home to another seven species of cats: the caracal, serval, African wildcat, black-footed cat, African golden cat, jungle cat, and sand cat.
With photographer Gerald Hinde's stunning, crisp, graphic images, Luke Hunter presents a comprehensive overview of the entire cat family in Africa -- the only place on Earth where sightings of wild cats are a regular occurrence. He discusses in detail feline anatomy, predation and hunting strategies, social systems, competition and conflict, and conservation and threats, offering the reader the most current research and findings.
From the famous and popular African parks with their celebrated, safari-friendly felines, to the few remaining places on the continent uninhabited by humans, Cats of Africa offers superb and exciting images of the animals from a variety of locations, depicting rare and interesting behavior, some of which has never before been recorded.
Customer Reviews:
A 'must' for any collection serious about representing African natural history.......2007-04-11
Africa holds some of the most amazing cats on Earth but rarely are these given full-page embellishment and in-depth discussion as they are in Cats of Africa: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. The oversize stature makes CATS OF AFRICA look like a coffee table guide but the abundance of text and natural history promises both general-interest and college-level libraries a satisfying blend of color and fact. From feline anatomy and evolution to populations, social systems, threats and cooperative hunting patterns, CATS OF AFRICA is a 'must' for any collection serious about representing African natural history - and will find its home on many general-interest library shelves as a fascinating addition for the general public as well.
Cats of Africa.......2006-11-06
This book has alot of information on the cats of Africa and the pictures are awesome. I recommend this book for studys on the cats in Africa.
Book Description
Little botanist / first naturalist
Of John Bartram's nine children, it is William who best loves nature and wants to follow in his father's footsteps. William dreams of accompanying his father as he explores the wilderness of colonial America as botanist to the King of England in search of plant specimens. Using journals, maps, and her own vibrant paintings, Deborah Kogan Ray tells the captivating story of Billy's first trip to the Catskill Mountains and his further adventures as an adult, including a long, perilous journey into the remote wilderness.
A bibliography, biographical notes, and list of plant discoveries complete this remarkable book about America's first naturalist.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Customer Reviews:
a very fine book about a remarkable man.......2005-06-12
This is a fine children's book about the life of William Bartram, one of America's early and great naturalists. The story is told in the form of a journal, written by the young William, and is accompanied by helpful maps and vivid illustrations of scenes from his various journeys. Begun on his eighth birthday, the brief but evocative journal entries tell of the boy's early interest in botany, and of his longing to accompany his father John Bartram on his explorations of the newly colonized Americas. He learns to make detailed renderings of leaves, and to identify the various types of plants in the region. Historical details are introduced casually, in the matter-of-fact manner of a child. He tells, for example, of a war between the British and the French that caused them to cancel a journey, or of his encounter with a friend of his father's -- Benjamin Franklin!! - who explains to him the marvels of electricity. We eventually see the young boy grow into a man, who is both sensitive to nature and respectful of the diverse cultures of the various inhabitants of the land. Particularly poignant is the subtle manner in which the author portrays the young man's attachment to and feeling for his aging father, as indicated in a pivotal scene where the son must rescue his father from drowning. Or in a later scene when William brings stories of a lovely but as-yet unnamed tree. His father has lost his vision, and cannot see the drawings that his son brings home for him, but together they name the species Franklinia, in honor of their mutual friend. In an informative afterward, the author points out that this tree has only survived today due to the plantings of it that Bartram made on his farm. This is a very simple and unassuming story, about a remarkable man, that can be appreciated by both young and old. It introduced me to a part of American history that I knew little about, and even inspired my two children to begin journals of the things they discover in nature.
Book Description
Many gardeners are vaguely aware of the "greats" of plant exploration, such as E. H. Wilson, George Forrest, or John Tradescant. Fewer may know the names of today's plant explorers or recognize the makings of a new golden age of plant discovery. Nonetheless, a quick visit to almost any nursery will reveal the bounty of these intrepid plant collectors, whose handiwork enriches gardens everywhere. The Plant Hunter's Garden profiles 32 of today's more prolific plant hunters. From the Czech Republic to the Rocky Mountains, Bobby Ward has sought out those explorers in the private sphere who are collecting plants specifically for horticultural introduction. While providing interesting details on the lives and careers of these new explorers, the real focus of the book is on the plants themselves. Ward asked each of the hunters to choose the very best treasures from their years of collecting, and has sumptuously illustrated these jewels in stunning photos. Many plants in these pages became bestsellers quickly after introduction from the wild, but hundreds more underappreciated gems are sure to entice and surprise any reader of this book. From the comfort of the armchair or the potting-shed table, readers of The Plant Hunter's Garden can embark on their own voyages of discovery in these delightful pages.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read.......2004-11-25
This is a great book for someone wanting to read about how and where different plants come from. Ward takes you on a journey of exploration making each of the entries in this book an adventure. I really enjoyed reading about the Sargents and Wilsons of our time and the great plants they have contributed to. I have already found some plants that I can't live without.
The photography is first rate making each plant stand out at you with its vibrant colors.
This book may not be for everyone, but is well worth a look from master gardeners and those curious about the evolution of plants.
Book Description
Written by Jacqueline Heriteau and Holly Hunter Stonehill, gardening experts in New England, the proven monthly format has helped gardeners experience more success and enjoyment from their gardens.
Includes the major gardening categories, from annuals and perennials to trees and shrubs, including lawns, herbs, and vegetables.
The
Month-by-Month series provides credible information on maintaining plants throughout the year in a specific region. These books contain monthly advice on what to do in the garden and when to do it, along with the author's personal recommendations on specific plants that perform well in the state.
Gardening is now the favorite leisure pastime in America. More homeowners are enjoying the beauty and satisfaction they derive from improving their home landscape.
Average customer rating:
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Dolomites (Plant Hunters Series)
Reginald Farrer
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0946313172 |
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