Description
A practical guide to growing hardy perennials in North America. Documenting some 700 separate species, plus hundreds of their noteworthy cultivars, the guide describes the monthly blooming schedules and growing requirements of all types of garden perennials, as well as hardy ferns and ornamental grasses, and hardy bulbs which bloom from spring to autumn. The present edition (first was 1976) maintains the unique format of the original presenting the blooming time of every plant in a monthly calendar organized according to the color of the flowers but has been revised, updated, and expanded, and adds 435 color photos taken by the author. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
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Completely revised, updated, and expanded, Gardening with Perennials Month by Month, Second Edition, continues as the most practical hardy perennial guide in North America. Documenting over 700 separate species, plus hundreds of their noteworthy cultivars, this helpful book describes the monthly blooming schedules and growing requirements of every conceivable type of garden perennial - from those mere inches tall to plants that dominate the landscape with their ten-foot reach. A wealth of hardy ferns and ornamental grasses is presented here as well, along with desirable hardy bulbs that bloom from spring through autumn. No other single volume provides so much useful material for the dedicated perennials grower.Lavishly illustrated with over 400 color photos taken by the author, the book's format is unique. Each chapter is a new month in the typical blooming "window" of perennials - March through September - beginning with an extensive list of plants divided by blossom color. Using this feature of the book alone, the gardener can plan ahead, orchestrating sequences of color in favorite harmonies throughout the growing season.Alphabetized entries on each of the blooming candidates make up the bulk of each chapter, with detailed information on the current scientific and common names (plus recent synonyms), hardiness zones and distribution (or origin for introduced hybrids), blossom color and flowering span, and a specific list of commercially available cultivars. Cultural preferences regarding soil, moisture, and light - along with information on insect pests and diseases - are all supplied in one convenient place for superior growing results.Brief essays on questions of culture, propagation, hardiness, soil, spacing, and nomenclature open the book. Detailed discussions on the history and management of narcissus, tulips, lilies, peonies, daylilies, hostas, and chrysanthemums will enhance the gardener's enjoyment of these popular plants. A special section is devoted to current information on ferns.Another helpful list provided is one detailing perennials particularly suited for use in problem conditions commonly found in the home landscape: wet, dry, or shady. Other lists catalog plants with evergreen or seasonally useful foliage, plants with especially long blooming times, and those bloomers that produce a gardening bonus of ornamental fruit or flowers that dry well. The latest hardiness zone map from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is also provided.Gardening with Perennials Month by Month is a comprehensive and delightful reference work that will be invaluable to both the amateur and the professional gardener.
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