Nonfiction Book Reviews
Page One of TwoAmerican Horticultural Society Plant Propagation edited by Alan Toogood
DK Publishing, April 1999.Hardcover, 320 pages.
ISBN: 0789441160.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This comprehensive planting
reference from the
American Horticultural Society (AHS)
provides an introduction to plant propagation
including basic planting techniques,
plant classification, planting tools
and specific instruction for
growing over 1,500 plants.
The reference begins with an
introduction to plant propagation
covering the history of propagation,
propagation methods and techniques,
types of soils, equipment, climate,
environment and plant problems.
The rest of the book provides specialized
guides for growing different kinds of
plants including: garden trees, shrubs,
perennials, annuals, cacti, bulbous plants
and vegetables. Each section begins with
a detailed introduction explaining the
basic principle and techniques applied
to the plant group covered in the section.
Individual plant descriptions include
step-by-step propagation techniques, information
about the plant's specific needs, photographs,
and growing tips.
AHS Plant Propagation is a superb planting guide. The reference provides coverage of almost every type of plant one could conceive of planting, complete with illustrations showing proper technique, planting tips, plant success rates, appropriate planting times and practical advice. A must-have for any serious gardener or landscaper.
The Complete Guide to Flower Arranging by Jane Packer
DK Publishing, January 1999.Trade Paperback, 181 pages.
ISBN: 078943752X.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This colorful reference provides
flower arranging
instruction which is enhanced
with beautiful photographs of
flowers and flower arrangements.
The book includes information
about creating arrangements for
both fresh and dried flowers.
The resource begins with
the basic principles of flower
arranging, including arrangement
styles, how to choose flowers, color
schemes and balancing containers
and flowers. The next section covers
fresh flowers with step-by-step
instruction and photographs for
flower arrangements including:
foam-based arrangements, vase
displays, plant arrangements and
large-scale arrangements.
For example, the mantelpiece
arrangement (a large-scale arrangement) is described
through words and pictures, enabling the reader to
recreate the stylish arrangement of potted plants on a mantelpiece.
The section for dried flowers covers both
small-scale and large-scale displays.
The book also includes sections on
flower arrangements for special
occasions for both fresh and dried flowers.
The final section in the book covers
materials and skills necessary for
good flower arranging, including
essential equipment, preparing and
treating flowers, wiring, binding
wired stems, making bows and
preserving plant materials.
The Complete Guide to Flower Arranging is a comprehensive and attractive reference for novices. The seasonal fresh and dried flower sections are especially lovely with examples of picturesque wreaths, pretty posy displays and gorgeous wedding bouquets which you too can create, with a little help from the author, Jane Packer.
Nonfiction Reviews
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Return to the May 1999 issue of The IWJ.
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