I find the book's organization a bit confusing. The author starts out talking about the use of daisies in the garden. This is followed by a chapter on cultivating daisies. The next chapter deals with propagation. Chapter 4, Botany finally explains to me what makes a plant a member of the "daisy" or "aster" or "composite" plant family. Chapter 5 discusses the classification of daisies into different tribes (a group of genera within a plant family having similar characteristics). It seems to me that Chapters 4 and 5 should precede Chapters 1 through 3. Perhaps this is just because I enjoy knowing the scientific names of the plants in my garden.
The major portion of this book presents information on the different daisy species divided into groups of similar plants. Chapters 6 through 15 provide detailed information and photographs of many species. These species are grouped as sunflowers, "yellow" daisies, Michaelmas daisies, Chrysanthemum, Cornflowers, Thistles, Everlasting flowers, Dahlias, African Daisies, and the Senecio. Did you realize that all of these common garden flowers are actually members of a single plant family? It sure surprised me. If you are slightly confused by this, just ignore it. Knowing the scientific classification of a plant can't enhance or detract from your enjoyment of it in your garden.
A discussion of daisy family members grouped as perennials, annuals, and shrubs/vines is the topic of Chapters 16-18. Several good appendices providing a glossary of scientific terms, a listing of all the species covered in this book, and even information on plant societies focusing on different genera is presented.
As outstanding as the information is in this book, the attitude of the author rubs me the wrong way. Here is just a little example:
For every species described, an indication of hardiness, based on British gardens, is given. Readers in Canada and much of the USA need to bear in mind that winters in all the more populous areas of Britain are relatively mild. ... Page 34.
I read through Part 2 expecting to see some indication of hardiness given. If it is there I am missing it! The author does tell us where the plants are native but this information isn't enough since most gardeners haven't memorized the climate of every country in the world. In my opinion, the above statement does nothing more than letting those of us in the Western Hemisphere know that the information in this book really isn't intended to let us know if we could succeed in growing the plant being discussed. John Sutton doubtless intended this book to be used worldwide. Perhaps he should have listed minimum and maximum temperatures for each species rather than just announcing that the information given wouldn't apply to many of his readers. It left me really shaking my head trying to figure out what the intention of the author was.
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