Robert Geneve introduced the book with a section titled, "Is That Really a Blue Flower?" He discusses the wide range of colors that are called "blue". He walks his reader through a discussion of the color spectrum, and a discussion of various color charts used by Horticulturists and interior designers. You also learn about hue, brightness, and saturation as they are used in describing colors. Study page 13 to see the range of colors called "blue" and some of the common names we apply to them. He also covers the interaction of different colors with blue.
"What Is in a Name?" discusses how plants are named. In addition he identifies several Latin names that describe various shades of blue. This section helps the reader understand the remainder of the book. I really appreciated his suggestion that taxonomists quit changing scientific names which only frustrates growers and gardeners!
The third section discusses "Family Relationships." Geneve identifies 44 plant families which have one or more genus containing blue-toned flowers. The reader will find this a very helpful listing if they are trying to create a blue garden.
Geneve is a horticulture professor at the University of Kentucky. In the section called "Technical Aspects of Blue as a Flower Color," he explains the chemistry involved in creating colors in flowers. These few pages are the only ones I had difficulty understanding. I suspect at least a basic understanding of chemistry is necessary to totally comprehend his explanation!
The section called "Use of Blue Flowers in the Garden" should be read carefully by every gardener. I was fascinated to learn that massed blue flowers are more effective than single plants. He states "Blue flowers tend to provide focal interest in the garden. They combine well with other primary colors to form areas in perennial beds with strong interest."
According to the section, "Blue Is for Flowers," this color is not common in parts of plants other than the flowers. He explains how some leaves give the appearance of blue. Fruits also may have a bluish coloration.
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