Book Organization
Each of the authors wrote an introduction to the book outlining how they met and why they decided to collaborate on this book. Rice best sums up the benefit of having co-authors for this book:
The idea, however, of Christopher and me combining our definite, though not always synonymous, views in one text seemed an entertaining prospect for authors and readers alike. ... Our quite different circumstances make for a diversity of recommendations, from which readers in most situations can draw ideas. ... [page 4]
The book is organized in a way that permits both authors to make comments on the same topic. Of course, sometimes, one or the other declines to make any comments or simply agrees with what the other author said.
Three chapters discuss sowing seed. The first talks about beginning seeds in a protected environment such as a basement or greenhouse. The second discusses starting all seeds by direct sowing in the garden while the third discusses the use of cold frames.
Much of the information in these sections is basic knowledge, or should be, for most gardeners. American gardeners will find the seed compost recipes very helpful. Many English writers mention "John Innes" composts which baffles novice gardeners. The John Innes recipes for seed compost and potting compost is given along with corresponding peat-based compost recipes. Readers will find the detailed discussion of different methods of sowing seeds useful along with the discussion of what goes wrong!
Sometimes Lloyd and Rice both present their comments on the species. Other times, only one discusses the plant's seed starting requirements. This makes for very interesting reading. In fact, I felt like I was sitting in my living room having a lively chat with garden friends over techniques of growing various plants. They discuss plants as unusual as Acadia and as common as marigolds.
Let's listen on their conversation about Cuphea species:
CL: Best known in this genus is the half-hardy perennial Cuphea ignea, the Mexican cigar plant. The 3/4-in-long tubular flowers are scarlet, with a dark rim as though charred from burning. In a bed, the plant is rather too leafy, the flowers not showing up enough.
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