Gardening Techniques
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New Gardening Tools
Reviews two garden tools sold by Cutco. The tools are stainless steel and guaranteed to last forever.
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Books for Michigan Gardeners
Lone Pine Publishing is producing a comprehensive gardening series for each State. This reviews those available for Michigan.
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Proven Winners Plants
Proven Winners are widely available perennials and annual plants. You'll find some unusual, not generally available plants in their collection.
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New Plants for 2004
Many new plants are introduced each year. I trialed these in my home garden last year.
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Fall Gardening Tasks
This is the time to write down information about this year's garden so you don't have to trust your memory next year. It is also the perfect time for many important gardening tasks.
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Garden Contests
Garden contests are fun. Trying to figure out the judge's choices is challenging.
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Frustrated Gardener
Gardening can be frustrating. Learn about my frustrations and how I may have solved them.
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Good bye
This article is Diana Pederson's good bye as an editor at suite101.com.
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A New Way to Create Miniature Landscapes
Indoor gardening enthusiasts and Bonsai growers will find this book absolutely fascinating! Hon Non Bo is an art form that has been practiced in Viet Nam for hundreds of years.
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Catasetums -- A Wonderful Orchid
Catasetums are fascinating orchids. Reading this book is an absolute must since they require very specific cultural methods and microclimates for growing.
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Bulbophyllums and Their Allies
Orchid plants are often grouped into “alliances” which are plants that can crossbreed with each other. Bulbophyllums and their allies forms one such group. These are the most unique flowering plants I have ever seen. They remind me more some weird creature of the darkest seas than of a flower.
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Slipper Orchids
Slipper orchids include the North American Lady Slipper. These species fascinate every orchid grower. Four different orchid genera are called “slipper orchids”. These are: Cypripedium, Paphiopedilum, Selenipedium, and Phragmipedium.
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Learn to Grow Orchids
This is an outstanding general book on the orchid plant family. You’ll find a basic discussion of how orchids came into general circulation, early attempts at maintaining the plant in greenhouses and individual homes.
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Ontario Field Guides from Lone Pine Publishing
Every nature lover needs field guides to both the flora and fauna of the various geographical regions they visit or live in. These two guides provide good information on Ontario plants.
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Books for Michigan Gardeners
Michigan gardeners have long needed a quality, full color books about plants that thrive in our gardens. Perennials for Michigan and Annuals for Michigan meet this need. The books will also serve other Great Lake Region gardeners.
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Field Guides from Falcon Press
Falcon Guides are among the best wildflower field guides available today. This group of three covers the northwoods, the Ozarks, and tall grass prairies.
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Strange Books for the Traveler
Every traveler knows that their car collects lots of insect remains. They can also observe dead animals along the roadside. These books will help them identify the critters they see.
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Basic Country Skills
Basic Country Skills is a book suitable for city dwellers and country dwellers alike.
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Common Garden Issues
Gardeners frequent face these common issues: ponds, no place to garden, and too much shade. The books reviewed this week discuss these issues.
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Plant Propagation and Landscape Makeovers
Taunton Press published The Complete Book of Plant Propagation, one of the best books on this topic available to home gardeners today. Landscape makeovers is another topic of major importance to gardeners, particularly those who have just purchased older homes with over-grown landscapes.
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Organic Gardening -- Grasses -- Perennials
Rodale publishes books with an emphasis on organic garden methods. You can count on their books to not encourage you to use various herbicides or pesticides in your garden.
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The Enabled Gardener's Book of the Year for 2001
Insects play an important role in our gardens. The Enabled Gardener's book of the year for 2001 will teach you the importance of insects and help you overcome your natural fear of these animals.
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Have You Tried Growing Bananas?
Gardeners are always looking for an exciting plant to trial for the coming gardening season. This year, I'd like to suggest you try a banana plant.
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Bamboo for Gardens
2002 has arrived! The holidays are over. Now, all good gardeners start planning this year's plantings. If you have a fairly large border to fill, I'd like to introduce you to Bamboo. This plant is sure to give your garden an exotic look that will have your neighbors asking, "What plant is that?"
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A New Bromeliad Book
Bromeliad fans have longed for a new book on this plant family. The Book of Bromeliads partly meets this need.
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Carnivorous Plants of the World
Insect eating plants have fascinated children and other gardeners for years. Children greatly enjoy feeding insects to these fascinating plants. They can be tricky to grow either outdoors in the bog garden or as houseplants.
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Bulbs of North America
Fall and spring are peak bulb planting times for gardeners worldwide. Tulips, crocus, daffodils, and hyacinth, the most commonly used bulbs, all originate in the Holy Lands. This year Timber Press published a landmark new book, Bulbs of North America edited by Jane McGary from the North American Rock Garden Society. North American gardeners will find this book to be an eye-opening revelation of the bulbs native to our own lands. |
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The Exotic Garden
Richard Iversen, author of The Exotic Garden, believes that gardeners can use many tropical plants in our outdoor living spaces regardless of our geographical region. Published by Taunton Press in 1999, this book gently encourages even northern gardeners to consider using rather flamboyant plants in our outdoor growing spaces during the summers. If this idea fascinates you or expands your gardening horizons, this book is definitely written with you in mind.
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Books for the Bird Lovers
This article presents brief reviews of 4 different books suited for bird lovers. They make great holiday presents.
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Some Fun Books for Children
Larraine Roulston has a unique storytelling ability. She uses this ability to communicate important gardening information to children.
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Pests & Disease Problems
Every gardener eventually has to deal with pest and/or disease problems. There are two excellent books available on this topic. They may share the topic but have very different approaches to the subject. Let's compare these books.
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Moth Orchids - Popular Florist Plants
Phalaenopsis: A Monograph by Eric A. Christenson, published in 2001 by Timber Press will assist you in becoming a successful grower of these lovely plants. Christenson's credentials include a position as a research taxonomist and thirty years of interest in Phalaenopsis. This book is sponsored by the International Phalaenopsis Alliance.
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A Landmark Cactus Book
The Cactus Family is a long awaited book by a well-known scholar. This is a landmark book that will be valuable for decades in the future.
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Himalayan Plants
Himalayan plants fascinate gardeners all over the world. Many try to simulate their natural growing conditions. This book will help you achieve this goal.
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Water Features in the Garden
Water features dress up every garden or yard. This article reviews two newly published books about water garden design.
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A New Source of Protein?
Insects are eaten around the world. Some are predicting they will be more widely utilized as food as the world's population expands. Learn about various cultures and how they eat insects today.
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Garden Journals -- What is Best for You?
Keeping a journal is helpful for dedicated gardeners. This enables them to plan ahead for another year based on their notes from this year's garden results. This article compares several journals currently available.
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Roses for the North and Birds of Detroit
Northern gardeners have many choices of hardy winter-resistant roses to select from. People in Detroit will also enjoy this field guide to birds common to their area.
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Wacky Books!
Ten Speed Press publishes books on a wide variety of fascinating topics. Many of these topics are ignored by other publishers.
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Medicinal Plants
Plants originally provided the medicines humans used. This book provides an indepth history of plants as medicine.
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Daisies
The aster or daisie family is one of the largest plant families in existence. It comprises 1500 genera with 25000 species. This book describes a selection of those genera.
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Magnolias
Jim Gardiner, author of A Gardener's Guide to Magnolias published by Timber Press in 2000 opened my eyes to the many species of Magnolias available to us today. I was pleased to learn that a few are even hardy up here in the cold north. Now, let's take a look at the organization of this book. |
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Dendrobium and Its Relatives
The Dendrobium genus of orchids contains around a 1000 species. This new book explains their classification and provides descriptions of 413 of the know species.
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Do You Really Recognize a Poppy?
There are 250 poppy family species. How many do you recognize? Reading this book will open your eyes to the wide variety found within this plant family.
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The Truth is Sometimes Stranger than Fiction
Do you like creepy crawly things? The first book discussed this week is for you. If you like the study of the folklore surrounding man's use of plants, the second book will appease your appetite.
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Wild Orchids Across North America
Wild orchids occur throughout North America. Philip Keenan's books helps you know which orchids to look for in each geographical region.
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The Louisiana Iris
Irises are favorite garden plants. The group known as Louisiana iris are actually hybrids of five species growing in the gulf coast rgion of the United States.
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Northwest Penstemons
Penstemons are gaining popularity as garden plants. This book discusses 80 that are native to the Pacific northwest.
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Irises: A Practical Garden Guide
Irises: A Practical Garden Guide is a book dedicated to teaching gardeners in mild temperature climates about the beauty of the various iris species.
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The Gardener's Guide to Growing Ivies
Ivies have been popular both in outdoor gardens and as houseplants for hundreds of years. This new book provides the information needed to correctly identify the species, variety or clone and talks about their cultivation.
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Ferns to Grow Indoors
Tropical ferns are ideal terrarium plants for those living outside the tropical areas.
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Meet the Begonia Family
Begonias are popular shade garden plants. Growing Begonias will help the newcomer learn to grow them well.
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Annuals in the Garden
Annuals are all too often scorned by garden designers. If you read Annuals With Style, I am sure you will change your mind about the value of annuals in the garden.
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Death of an Orchid Lover
Nathan Walpow, author of The Joe Portugal Mystery series, weaves plant facts into his mysteries
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Garden Planning and Indoor Plants
Holiday shoppers will find gardening books suitable for may people. Here are two that will help gardeners design gardens or select suitable houseplants.
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A Wildlife Sanctuary Garden
Gardeners across North America are thinking in terms of creating gardens suitable for both humans and wildlife. This book provides some suggestions for implementing such a garden in your backyard.
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Daisies and Trees
Two books are discussed. The first is on hardy woody plants and the second is on organic gardening.
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Paint My Garden Blue -- Please!
Rose hybriizers are eagerly searching for a true blue rose. This week's review talks about blue plants and the reasons why the color isn't available in all plant genera.
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Rock Gardening -- History and Plants
Two important books for rock gardeners are reviewed this week. The history of rock gardening in America is presented in one book. Both books talk about appropriate plants for the rock gardening.
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Alpine Plant Identification Books
Plant identfication books are essential for any gardener or naturalist. This article describes 3 currently available identification books and then describes the ideal field guide for rock garden plants.
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Small Gardens and Houseplant Survival
Urban gardeners usually have small places to garden. Taunton Press's Green Places in Small Spaces addresses the problems and delights of tiny gardens. Their Houseplant Survival book helps indoor gardeners solve all possible problems.
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Mulch and Birdhouses in the Garden
Storey Communications, Inc. publishes many practical books about gardening, raising crops, taking care of animals, and other important skills.
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Allergies and Gardening
Gardeners with allergies can continue enjoying this hobby if they read the new book, Allergy-Free Gardening. Within its covers they will find a guide to choosing plants not likely to contribute to the misery of allergies.
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Grow Your Own BackYard Fruit
Stella Otto is an outstanding garden writer dealing with the topic of fruit gardening. This article reviews two of her books.
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Bold Succulents and Desert Humor
Two books are reviewed in this week's article. This includes a formal book on Agaves and Yuccas and a brief summary of a book about Desert humor.
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Cactus -- A Book Review
Introductory books on cactus need to be informative for the beginner while providing reliable information. Cactus: The most beautiful varieties and how to keep them healthy certainly meets this requirement.
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Two New Cactus and Succulent Books
Timber Press has recently released two new books on cactus and succulents. Published in 1999 and 2000, these books add to the growing number of publications about these fascinating plants.
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Art in the Garden
Quirky Gardens is a book about unusual sculpture and art in the garden. The pictures are gardens found in Australia. This is a delightful book to read.
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River Otter -- Lutra canadensis
The River Otter, Lutra canadensis, is an important animal for scientists because its presence (or lack thereof) provides some valuable clues about the local ecosystem's general quality. River otters are also the comics of the mammal world. Once you've seen one in the wild, you'll never forget it.
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Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus)
Great Horned Owls -- Bubo virginianus have interested humans throughout history. This article presents quality information on the owls' life. Perhaps you too will attract owls to your backyard habitat.
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Plants for Problem Places
Plants for Problem Places, written by Graham Rice, presents common problems, suggests ways to alleviate them, and identifies plants likely to thrive in the problem area.
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A Must Have Book for the Beginning or Experienced Gardener
Garden Flowers from Seed is a must have book for new and experienced gardeners alike. Reading this text is like sitting down with two world famous gardeners and listening in on their conversation as they begin seeds for their next gardens.
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Hardy Perennials
Graham Rice's book, Hardy Perennials, was the 1995 Garden Writers Guild book winner for books on a single topic. This article reviews that book.
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Decluttering your Plant Collection
Diana Pederson shares the story of her very overcrowded plant collection. She identifies ways of sorting out plants to pare down the collection.
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Zinnias -- Plant of the Year
Zinnias are the National Garden Bureau's plant of the year. This article details the main species found in todays' garden.
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All-America Winners for 2000
Each year the All America Selections committee announces several new flowers, vegetables and bedding plants which have won their coveted medal. This article reports the five flower/bedding plant winners for 2000.
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GROWING GESNERIACEAE HYDROPONICALLY
Growing Gesneriads in hydroponic units is both challenging and rewarding. Learn about the care of these plants in either an ebb-and-flow or wicked system.
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Raising Butterflies As A Hobby Part 1
Let's visit with four people experienced with raising butterflies from eggs or caterpillars. You'll learn the entire process from collecting the eggs or caterpillars to releasing them in your garden.
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A Flower Row for Butterflies
Plant a row for butterflies begins a worldwide campaign for gardeners to purposefully plant a row of flowers just to provide food and nectar for butterfly larva and adults.
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Dracaenas for your Health
Dracaenas are popular with interiorscapers for both home and office use. Learn about their culture here.
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Discovering Annuals
Discovering Annuals, a new book by Graham Rice, will encourage you to explore the many varieties of annual plants available via mail order.
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Watch Out for Flesh Eating Plants!
The Savage Garden, a book by Peter D'Amato, recently won the American Horticulture Society's Book Award. This book is an outstanding introduction to growing carnivorous plants.
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The Gardener's Iris Book
The Gardener's Iris Book is an important new book written specifically for American gardeners. It is equally suitable for beginners or pros.
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Bible Spices and Herbs
This is the final article about Bible herbs, spices and fiber plants for Northern gardens.
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Bible Spices Continued
This article discusses marjorom, mint, rue, mustard, and saffron and their use in Bible days.
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Alliums: The Ornamental Onions
Alliums: The Ornamental Onions is a book about the allium plant family. THis book is a must-have for every gardener who enjoys any of the onion or garlic species as flowering ornamentals.
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Xeriscaping -- What is This?
Xeriscaping is a form of gardening that reduces water needs by utilizing plants better suited for the climate and rainfall.
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Euphorbia milii
Euphorbia milli is a drought tolerant, versatile houseplant or potted plant for the patio.
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Gardening and Computers
The Gardener's Computer Companion is a book showing how the average gardener could benefit from using a computer to keep track of their gardening activities or for designing the garden itself.
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Rare and Unusual Plants
Rare and Unusual Plants is a book presenting plants which will be different from all your neighbor's yards.
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Living Wreaths
Living wreaths of succulents, herbs, or seasonal plants make attractive garden hangings or candle wreaths.
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Campanulas: A Book Review
Campanulas have long brightened American gardens. Most don't realize they are not native to North America.
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An Introduction to Hydroponics
An introduction to hydroponics describes a newcomers' experimentation with this method of growing houseplants and tropical trees.
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Haworthias
Haworthias are easy to care for succulent plants that flourish and flower under cool white shoplights.
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Cycads
Cycads are ancient plants that make good houseplants.
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Accessible Gardening
Accessible Gardening is one of the better books available today dealing with making gardens accessible for the disabled or elderly. It is a must for every family with a disabled or elderly loved one.
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Coleus
Coleus is an easy to grow shade garden plant or can be grown successfully as a houseplant.
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A Gentle Warning
This article explains why the "bonsai" frequently sold during this holidlay season are not quality bonsai. Several alternative gift suggestions are made.
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A Glow in the Dark Garden
Silver colored leaves often twinkle and virtually
glow in the light of gardenlights, streetlights,
porchlights or even the moon.
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Gardening and Health
Talks about a book published about horticulture therapy. Summarizes the importance of gardening to our health.
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Gardening with Arthritis
This is the story of a former horticulturist who has changed his gardening style due to the problems caused by severe arthritis.
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Gardening with Palsy
The story of a gardener with palsy will prompt others with similar conditions to keep on keeping on!
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Butterfly Gardening
Talks about butterfly gardens. Provides excellent links to information about other areas within the North American continent.
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Trilliums
Discusses Trillium, a common woodland wildflower, reviews a new book on Trilliums and encourages physically impaired to use their limitations to take the time for more careful observation of plant life cycles than ordinary gardeners do.
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Mosses and Other Miniature Plants
Mosses, lichens, liverworts, and other miniature plants make fascinating gardening subjects for tiny gardens or for broad expanses of land.
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Saxifrages
Discusses the saxifrages--common rock garden plants.
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Dianthus
Dianthus--suitable plants for the rock garden, planted wall, or perennial border.
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Hostas for Rock Gardens
Dwarf hostas can be grown in shaded trough gardens. General information on the care of hostas is given. In addition, there is a book review for a classic rock garden book.
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Containers for Gardening with Alpine Plants
Many types of containers can be used for rock gardens aside from the traditional inground-style garden. This article discusses several alternatives that make this practical for the disabled.
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Cottontail Rabbits: Garden Pests?
Cottontail rabbits are common in urban areas as well as rural areas. This article discusses their life history, eating patterns, and the problems they may cause gardeners.
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Sansevierias
Sansevierias: their cultivation, propagation and species.
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