Dahlias are the showgirls of the garden. Their colorful blooms, from purple, pink, and white to yellow, orange, and red, come in a huge variety of sizes and shapes. They are also a favorite cut flower, adding bright cheer and strong architecture to an arrangement. The Plant Lover's Guide to Dahlias is packed with everything you need to know to grow these fantastic flowers. The book includes tips on using dahlias in garden design, growth and propagation information, and lists of where to buy the plants and where to view them in public gardens. The bulk of the book is devoted to profiles for over 200 varieties, organized by color, with information on type, height, and spread. Gorgeous color photographs bring the plants to life. This book is part of the Plant Lover's Guide series on important ornamental plant groups. Written for plant-driven gardeners by recognized experts in the field, the guides offer a great education in ornamental gardening and are abundantly illustrated with inspiring photography of both the plants and gardens that feature them.
Bulbs are always a delight for gardeners, whether used to burst freely in drifts or caught to add colour and exuberance within a border or container. This book captures that sense of joy by celebrating the potential of bulbs throughout the year. Organized into seasons, it gives practical advice on growing and - especially - choosing bulbs for the garden. Practical - how and where to grow, planting for succession. Comprehensive - detailed listing of the most common and interesting bulbs. Inspirational - ideas for the ordinary gardener and detailed reference for the more experienced. Illustrated with over 400 glorious photographs of bulbs in settings and as close-ups - this book will be a treasure house of ideas and advice for all gardeners. This lavish book provides a detailed reference to be enjoyed equally by those simply wanting to dip into its pages and those seeking a longer overview of bulbs in the garden. It is arranged into seasons and gives practical advice on growing and choosing bulbs. Gloriously illustrated with over 400 photographs of bulbs both in close-ups and in settings. Christine Skelmersdale is a leading bulb expert with over forty years experience growing and showing bulbs both commerically and privately.
