Book Description
This book introduces a revolutionary new concept to gardeners. Planting on roofs and walls began in Europe, but it is now becoming popular all over the world. Green roofs and walls reduce pollution and run-off, and also help insulate and reduce the maintenance needs of buildings. Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls discusses the practical techniques required to make planting on roofs and walls a reality. It describes how roofs may be modified to bear the weight of vegetation, considers the different options for drainage layers and growing media, and lists the plants suitable for different climates and environments. This informative book will encourage gardeners everywhere to consider the enormous benefits to be gained from planting on their roofs and walls.
Customer Reviews:
A serious attempt on a difficult subject.......2007-06-06
I am a big advocate on using plants to create green walls and roofs. They can reduce the urban "heat island" effect and create usable green open spaces. I found this book's discussions on Intensive Green Roof, Extensive Green Roof, , Ecoroof, Brown Roof, etc interesting. This book is a serious attempt on a difficult subject. The color photos inside the book are helpful also.
There are still technical difficulties in using green walls and roofs: water proofing, how to handle the structural weight of large trees, how to integrate large plants with building structure, etc. All these technical discussions are needed, and they could be the subject of another book.
Gang Chen, author of Planting Design Illustrated
Good for Beginners, but..........2007-01-11
Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls is an excellent book for any landscape architect who has not yet designed and detailed either. For myself, the most helpful bit of information was the data collected and presented from various green roofs.
The living wall section on the other hand was thin. There was no mention of the living wall system Patrick Blanc developed which is much more interesting than putting up a wire trellis and planting vines next to it. The other comment i would have is that almost all of the examples are from Europe. We have fabulous examples in the US with more relevant plant materials and weather conditions.
Finally I would say that the authors didn't seem interested in exploring native plant materials and instead focused on a few cookie cutter plants commonly planted all over the northern hemisphere. Not unlike McDonalds.
Nice examples of successful Green Roofs.......2006-11-10
This book is great for those who may have trouble visualizing the possibilities of what you can do with a green roof. There are many examples of what you can grow, and what types of vegetation are suitable. The book is however not very technical about the architectural detailing considerations involved. Some sections and detail drawings would make this book much more valuable as a design resource.
Organic Architecture with Plants .......2004-09-28
Greenroof professionals and enthusiasts alike will be delighted with the easy reading and scope of content offered in "Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls" by Nigel Dunnett and Noël Kingsbury. Very well organized, the book's forte and major value is as an essential resource - especially in terms of plant description, characteristics and specification. It's also a great bargain in that the book is filled with color photos, drawings, charts and reference material. This indispensable hard cover reference guide contains a truly massive collection of appropriate plant information, and perhaps most importantly, extensive plant directories are provided for both greenroofs and façade greening.
Organic Architecture with Plants
Greenroofs, living walls, and various other bio-engineering techniques are introduced and the authors cite the associated benefits and reasons why we should be integrating these measures of organic architecture into our built environments. The authors refer to current international research and technology; background and history are touched on; and benefits and applications of these "ecotechnologies" are discussed at length. Yet, a "How-To Build" book this is not; basic principles are set out and tools for further research are provided.
Benefits at a Range of Scales
The section "Why Build Green Roofs?" explores hard evidence and the various benefits operating at a range of scales from amenity and aesthetic values to economic and environmental aspects. Increased roof life, insulation and energy efficiency, green building assessment and public relations, biodiversity and wildlife value, water management, air pollution, and fire prevention and risks are discussed with supporting evidence.
Although previously well known, the biodiversity and wildlife value of greenroofs is expanded upon here, including the new British models of "brown" or "rubble" greenroofs - those which recreate the thin, infertile landscapes of disturbed brownfield sites. Spontaneous colonization is presented as an important natural occurrence.
A Vast Array of Planting Opportunities
The authors rightly note that "The majority of guides to green roofs and roof greening concentrate on the technical and construction aspects but have relatively little to say about planting opportunities - mainly because most authors are not plant specialists." Well, Noël - a well known writer of plants and gardens, and Nigel - a senior lecturer in the Department of Landscape at the University of Sheffield, most certainly are plant experts, and an entire 47-page chapter is devoted to the wide range of planting opportunities for extensive greenroofs, beyond the ubiquitous albeit hugely successful use of Sedum species.
Prevailing site conditions will always dictate the plant selection, so designers need to know what plant species will not only survive but thrive in extreme local conditions. Desirable physical attributes of plants and how they may be established and managed are presented. Considerations of monocultures, single plant combinations and mixtures, and plant communities are useful as planting design tools. The form and physiology of suitable greenroof plants are nicely covered from a botanical as well as functional and aesthetic perspective. Issues of viewing considerations are pondered and design solutions are offered relating to the roof function and visual criteria. "Methods of vegetation establishment" is particularly detailed and thus extremely valuable. The authors point out, however, that current research is insufficient to show how long each species will live and how each species will interact over the years atop roofs.
The very important aspect of different growing medium properties and functions is addressed in-depth, and comments are provided about particular types of materials, substrate depths, and accompanying vegetative possibilities. Maintenance issues and requirements are briefly noted, touching on feeding, plant protection, drainage, and weeding.
Considerations of Natives and Introduced Species
The unexploited opportunities of testing and using native vegetation are explored, in terms of increasing biodiversity and aesthetic benefits. Regionally native plants should be tested for many reasons, including ecological restoration. Non-native plant species with invasive tendencies can be a problem, therefore careful selection is critical to maintain healthy ecosystems. Yet many introduced species are appropriate, and there are many circumstances where non-natives offer considerable local wildlife value.
Certain natural plant communities and their soil types are explained and presented as an argument for further study as suitable models for successful roof plantings. Trialing of appropriate local plant communities is therefore recommended and encouraged so as ultimately to be able to introduce more natives into the greenroof matrix of plant species.
"The natural habitats of potential roof-greening plants" explores the potential to discover and trial the world's flora found in similar harsh habitats. Mountain, high latitude, coastal, limestone, sclerophyllous woody vegetation, semi-desert environments, and species whose plants are exposed to climatic extremes are regions with potential for testing of new roof greening plants.
The Task Has Just Begun
Philosophy and advice to greenroof plant enthusiasts can be summed up with these reflections by the authors: "With roof greening becoming an important part of the new built environment, it is increasingly important that more attention is paid to sourcing new plant material from habitats in the wild where conditions approximate those on rooftops and other problem urban situations...The task of selecting suitable plant species for roof greening has arguably just begun, and it offers potentially enormous rewards."
They are quick to point out that the globalization of our knowledge base and the ready availability of certain aggressive species can threaten entire ecosystems, and care must be provided to the selection of greenroof environments (just as at ground level) so as to avoid invasive and potentially destructive non-natives or introduced species.
Façade Greening and Living Wall Structures and Surfaces are the final two chapters of the book, offering both visual and ecological climbers, clingers, ramblers and scramblers. New support structures, materials, technologies and details provide practical and interesting information for this older yet equally fascinating design element of green architecture. The authors examine how the design of façade greening can equally disguise unattractive features while at the same time enhance existing surfaces. In either case, education and care are necessary to promote vigorous growth that is supported by a variety of vertical and/or horizontal structures.
At the end of the book, 49 pages are devoted to the Roof-Greening and Façade-Greening Plant Directories, listed by botanical names, common names, cultivars and related species. The horticultural and cultural aspects are presented with definitions and listings of many specific plant characteristics.
A minor grumbling on my part about the book is the absence of identifying greenroof project photo captions for the geographic locations and the building application types. It would be beneficial to know not only where each is located, but also whether the project is commercial, industrial, residential, etc.
A Dovetailing of Living Plants, the Building, and Its Human Users
Whereas Ted Osmundson's excellent 1999 "Roof Gardens: History, Design, and Construction" is considered the bible for the intensive greenroof crowd, Nigel Dunnett and Noel Kingsbury's "Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls" is simply a must have for extensive and intensive greenroofers worldwide.
"Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls" is a comprehensive argument for integrating nature and architecture, and I highly recommend it. It's obvious that Kingsbury and Dunnett are first and foremost dedicated, ecologically minded plantspeople; here, then, is a very important work for those of us in the greenroof industry. ~ Linda S. Velazquez, Publisher Greenroofs.com
Book Description
Anyone who ever wanted to have homemade wine and never thought they had the space or ability to make it will love this book. The Backyard Vintner is a handy guide to at-home wine making that teaches readers the tips and tricks of the trade. It is perfect for those who want to bring the feeling of wine country right into their own backyard.
The Backyard Vintner teaches readers how to start and maintain a vineyard, providing vital information on topics such as planting, trellising, and proper pruning techniques for grapes; which grape varieties will grow best in every climate or region; and the wines that can be made from each variety. Basic recipes for wines, and advice on topics such as bottling, storing, and serving wines, are also provided.
Customer Reviews:
Growing grapes made easy.......2007-07-28
This book provides usefull and pertinent information all the way from the grape planting process to the wine making process. He walks you through every step carefully, but does not suggest a robotic structure for making wine, he leaves open oppertunies to show your own creativity.
Touches on the important points.......2007-07-26
I've purchased several "how to" wine books and this one is good, but not great. I would not rely on it as my only reference. Rather, it makes a very good companion for "From Vines to Wines."
For general information only........2007-07-11
The Backyard Vinter presented only general information about wine making, not specific enought for an individual wanting to learn how to make wine.
great book.......2006-02-17
Very comprehensive and thorough. Good reading and runs one through the basics and beyond. All good.
Book Description
Explains how versatile vines and climbers provide solutions to landscaping problems.
Extensive selection and planting guide presents more than 100 recommended varieties.
Detailed instructions for each variety on siting, support, care, and pruning.
Authoritative information to make every reader an expert on climbing plants.
Eye-catching design.
Customer Reviews:
Growing Vines.......2007-01-10
Vines are one of the most difficult plants to grow. Once they are established, they seem to take care of themselves. But the establishment is the thing. This book starts at the very basics. Helps you pick the vine best for your area and then gives you the all important steps for planting and early care. The vine plant listing is extensive with good photographs to help you make the right selections. Great for the beginner to the seasoned gardener.
Lots of Great Information and Photos, Well Organized.......2002-08-14
All About Vines and Climbers by Ortho has much information on a variety of vines/climbers and is well organized and categorizes them in many ways--zone, type, color, fruits, fragrance, winter appearance, etc. Also offered is planting advice for plants, seeds, cuttings, and pruning advice and where to purchase vines, and different types of structures to grow vines on. Even mentioned are gourd vines!
In the past years, I started to add vines to a giant trellis (an old dilapidated greenhouse that I converted to a giant trellis) as a hobby and I find this book helpful because not all mailorder houses or nurseries carry the many different sorts of vines and so one is often not really sure of what is all available. I was familiar with the major ones, but now I know I can add some great new ones! It is a basic book, but it offers more information compared to a more comprehensive all around book that has a vines' section.
It is so far the best book on vines/climbers that I have read.
Compact and Straightforward.......2000-02-09
This book is great for the beginning vine grower. All of the most common vines are described in detail. Recommendations are given for various climates and growing schemes. I have practically worn my book out from using it so much. What a handy reference!
Book Description
For gardeners, for landscape professionals, and for anyone who cares about preserving the natural world, NATIVE TREES, SHRIBS, AND VINES is the first national guide to using, growing, and propagating North American woody plants. Written in lively, informative language and illustrated with more than two hundred photographs, William Cullina's book is a comprehensive reference to almost one thousand native woody plants. An invaluable guide for naturalists, restorationists, nursery owners, landscape architects, and designers as well as gardeners, it points out that ecological gardening offers specific benefits to the individual as well as the environment. Even more than wildflowers, native trees, shrubs, and vines are essential to providing the food and shelter that attract birds and insects to the garden. And plants that are native to an area are far easier to grow and maintain than ordinary cultivated garden plants. The author's acclaimed companion volume on wildflowers, GROWING AND PROPAGATING WILDFLOWERS, was called "an inspired effort, beautifully written and loaded with useful information" by Robert G. Breunig, director of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Along with that volume, NATIVE TREES, SHRUBS, AND VINES provides a definitive reference to the native plants of the temperate North American continent. And because Cullina writes from personal experience with the plants in his books, he offers information that is considerably more helpful (and more interesting) than the facts one finds in most plant references.
Book Description
With more than 800 Clematis species and cultivated varieties from which to choose, gardeners and growers have been inundated with options. Even more frustrating for some has been the absence of a single comprehensive reference with which to identify the numerous cultivars. This new volume, written by distinguished clematis experts and backed by the authority of the British Clematis Society, is the first picture encyclopedia on the genus to encompass the garden-worthy species and hybrids.
This long-awaited book is separated into two sections: the first is devoted to the care and cultivation of clematis, while the second provides an A — Z directory of more than 550 plants, from the acclaimed large-flowered forms to the less-familiar shrubby, subshrubby, and herbaceous forms that are beginning to be available. Using everyday language, the authors provide plant descriptions that include information on synonyms, origin, plant habit and height, flowers, pruning group, flowering period, cultural requirements, recommended uses in the garden, and hardiness zones. The text is accompanied by more than 650 magnificent color photos, making this encyclopedia an indispensable reference and guide.
Customer Reviews:
Encyclopedia is the Right Word.......2006-06-25
The word "encyclopedia" is sometimes overused, but not in the case of this book by Mary K. Toomey. The reader will enjoy learning about the huge number of clematis varieties with information on each one. The author even includes the different names that some varieties have in the market. This volume is a must for the serious gardener and especially for the clematis enthusiast. I highly recommend it.
If you can only own one.......2005-04-08
I own every book ever written about clematis. Unfortunately, this book was written by a Brit. That's the only negative for a North American grower. If you can own only one book on clematis this is the one. The author is very generous with her information. At least read this one cover to cover before buying anything else.
Customer Reviews:
--Morning Glories-Dumpling Squash and Moon Flowers--.......2003-02-02
The cover of this book really grabs you with the lushness of a summer day. A rustic wooden gate is framed by a wrought iron arbor, which sits on top of brick columns. Lush pink climbing roses and lavender colored clematis are cascading over the entire structure. A beautiful garden book is the perfect way to spend a cold winter's day and Vines & Climbers didn't disappoint me.
The book is divided into Five Chapters: (1) Looking Up -- In this part we're given the use and value of climbing plants. (2) The Supporting Player--This refers to the bones of the garden and any fences, walls, tall trees and other structures that are on site. (3) Growing Up -- This chapter discusses the essential elements that are needed by every garden: soil, mulch, compost, fertilizers, light, shade and moisture. Some information is also given on pests and diseases. (4) A to Z of Plants --This is the largest part of the book. It gives descriptions of over 120 different plants that include vegetables, fruits and colorful ornamentals. (5) Vines & Climbers In the Garden--This Chapter outlines different designs and gives planting suggestions for the home garden.
I enjoyed reading Vines & Climbers and liked the idea of using fruit and vegetable vines along with ornamental ones. The photographs are very attractive! My favorite picture is of a weather beaten doghouse that's completely covered with a gorgeous blooming nasturtium vine. The dog's face is even peeking out from his front door.
Book Description
Climbing and rambling roses are sources of grace and dignity in the finest gardens. This book is the first completely new volume in almost 40 years to grapple with the histories, lineages, and special charms of these aristocrats of the garden. Illustrated with 200 color plates, Climbing Roses of the World presents climbers of every type, from the parent Rosa species to the multifloras, noisettes, and modern climbers, to name just a few. The most comprehensive and thoroughly researched study of climbers and ramblers ever published, Climbing Roses of the World will stand as the definitive treatment for years to come. No gardener will want to be without this unique source of information.
Book Description
Clematis are among the more versatile and diverse plants for any garden; few flowers can fill so many garden niches, from specimen plants to dwarf perennials, or container selections to multistory vines. Wherever they are found, their blooms never fail to induce rapture and awe. The carefully chosen clematis can't be equaled when planted in the right situation and pruned in the right way, but horticultural horrors can ensue when beginners (or experts) overreach and force plants where they do not belong. Linda Beutler provides instructions for newcomers and master gardeners alike on plant selection, cultivation, and design, and debunks a few myths along the way. With a distinct nod to the wonderful traditions for growing clematis in the British Isles and Europe, she may be the first author to provide a distinctly American perspective on the subject. Filled with 115 beautiful photographs and the incalculable wisdom of hard-won experience, Gardening with Clematis will be required reading for all adventurous gardeners.
Customer Reviews:
big disappointmnet.......2005-04-08
I had great hopes for this book; hope that it would be the first REAL book about clematis for the North American grower. Don't bother. The author's style is too casual and cavalier. There isn't even one really new cultivar. She should have stayed with photography. By the way, I have a HUGE clematis garden. Trust me. I own every book ever written about clematis!!
twining for clematis .......2004-09-21
This is a great book for the beginner and the experienced I couldn't put it down the information was practical. You can tell this is written by someone that actually grows these. The photos are great I longed for more of them. The chapters are nice you don't have to wade through the text to find what you are looking for. I liked the chapters on pairing the clematis with other plants that act as the support. This was inspired I get really tired of clematis on the trellis routine. I think every gardener that has grown or wants to grow clematis would benifit from this book. I sure did.
Book Description
Written by three distinguished clematis experts, the Timber Press Pocket Guide to Clematis profiles 300 stunning plants from an international selection of garden-worthy species and hybrids, from long-time favorites to the highly sought-after new cultivars coming out of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan. All the plants are readily available at clematis nurseries, including 100 award winners which have proven themselves to experienced and inexperienced gardeners alike. Specific cultivation information is given for each plant, including hardiness zones, light and temperature needs, and time of flowering. Illustrated with 320 photographs of flowers at the height of bloom, when their true color is best seen, this pocket guide is a valuable complement to the authors' Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis and a compact reference for taking to the nursery or garden center.
Customer Reviews:
This is one of the best !.......2007-03-09
This is one of the best book on Clematis that I have read so far. The one mystery of Clematis is what pruning class is my Clematis is in? This book helps you solve the mystery so that you prune your Clematis correctly for the best flowering results.
Book Description
All the latest horticultural tips and techniques to guarantee success, this series is designed to meet the requirements of today's small garden owners, who want to enjoy gardening while making the most of their time and effort.
Books:
- Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener
- Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener
- Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener
- Seedfolks (Joanna Colter Books)
- Slug Tossing: And Other Adventures of a Reluctant Gardener
- Small Spaces, Beautiful Gardens
- Small Spaces, Beautiful Gardens
- Taunton's Front Yard Idea Book: How to Create a Welcoming Entry and Expand Your Outdoor Living Space (Idea Books)
- Texas Trees: A Friendly Guide
- The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest
Books Index
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Green Roofs: Ecological Design And Construction
Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide
Roof Gardens: History, Design, and Construction (Norton Books for Architects & Designers)
Sustainable Landscape Construction: A Guide to Green Building Outdoors, Second Edition
Rain Gardens: Bringing Water to Life in the Designed Landscape
