Books for Christmas - Part 2:

Treasured Perennials by Graham Stuart Thomas.

One of the most influential gardeners of this century has selected 100 of his personal favorite plants. Described in the context of their value in the garden, the plants are referenced to literature and horticulture and recalled firsthand by the great gardeners who grew them. In addition the author traces the influences that shaped his own career (including surprising and illuminating nods to paleontology, geology, and music) and shares tips on cultivation from his more than 70 years of experience. Graham Stuart Thomas resides in England and is known around the world as one of the most venerable and authoritative of living plantsmen.

180 pp, 206 color illustrations,7 1/2 x 10 1/8", hardcover, 0-89831-076-8, ©1999

LILIES-A Guide for Growers and Collectors.by Edward Austin McRae.

Admired for elegant blossoms and stately graceful foliage, the lily commands a featured place in any garden. Thanks to the historic and present-day efforts of amateur and professional hybridizers, there are now hundreds of lily varieties available, diverse in size, shape, and flower color, making it a most versatile garden flower.

An early pioneer in hybridization techniques who began working professionally with lilies in 1961, McRae has himself developed many new hybrids. In his book, he introduces the basic biology of the lily plant; describes the numerous garden uses for lilies; and continues with a discussion of propagation techniques, cultivation, and diseases and pests. The heart of the book documents wild lily species and details--via the comprehensive listings of currently available hybrids--the story of how hybridizers and growers have created our spectacular garden lilies of today. McRae's book is unique in providing up-to-date practical techniques for lily hybridizing, including details of tissue culture and embryo rescue, along with comments on the current scene and possible future developments.

392 pp, 27 line drawings, 108 color photos, 4 botanical paintings, 6 x 9",hardcover, 0-88192-410-5, ©1998

The Propagation of Alpine Plants and Dwarf Bulbs by Brian Halliwell.

Detailed descriptions of propagation methods are complemented by line drawings illustrating important points. The bulk of the book is given to an alphabetical listing of more than 1,000 genera of plants suitable for temperate regions of the world, detailing each plant's family, habits,hardiness, and methods of propagation.

Although published in 1992, this book is still applicable today.

208 pp, 45 line drawings,6 1/4 X 9 1/2", hardcover, 0-88192-254-4, ©1992

Happy reading folks.

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