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Barrons is a publisher well known for its educational book. It has expanded into gardening books. Let's take a look at some examples of their currently available garden books.
Philip Swindells is the author of Pond Plants and Cultivation. Barrons published it in 2001. This is a 64-page book selling for just $9.95. The book provides a good introduction to water lilies, reeds, rushes, irises, floating plants, and bog plants. I must warn you that the illustrations will make you want one of everything! The book continues with units on cultivating, propagating and over wintering these plants. I find the information in this book to be quite reliable. It is written in an easy-to-read style. The book is most suitable for someone just beginning to explore this topic. If you are experienced in water gardening, you are not likely to enjoy reading this. Container Plants for Patios, Balconies, and Window Boxes Halina Heitz is the author of Container Plants for Patios, Balconies, and Window Boxes, which was published by Barrons. I picked up this book expecting something totally different than I actually found. It is difficult to discuss the organization of this book because no chapter numbers were used. In reality, there are three separate sections. The first one deals with caring for and over wintering container grown plants, first aid measures, and plant propagation. The information provided is very general. The second section is better. It provides suggestions for container plants for each season. Obviously, if you are in a cold climate, some of these containers will be used indoors. I enjoyed this particular section and picked a few ideas to try myself. A glossary of horticultural terms follows this section. The final section presents information on plants most suitable for growing in containers. Each plant discussed is illustrated. A general discussion of the plant genera and individual species follows. Information on blooming season, family, origin, location, potting soil, watering, feeding, further care, overwintering, pests and diseases, propagation, and decorating tips are given for each plant group. Although I was a bit put off by the book's organization, I believe this book will be valuable to gardeners limited to growing in containers. It even talks about growing exotics like pomegranates in a container garden. Priced at $24.95, this book is a good buy. It is sure to encourage you to grow plants in containers this coming season. Made for the Shade
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