Annuals, Perennials & Bulbs

Stunning flower gardens that bloom through the seasons depend on the artful combination of annuals, perennials, and bulbs. In this book, Anne Halpin shows you how to grow these plants and gives foolproof design techniques for any landscape. The extensive section on using color in the garden can guide you through the tricky process of plant placement and selection. Practical techniques are emphasized too. You will learn how to care for soil, start plants from seeds, grow and care for plants in containers, and maintain your plants and gardens. Sections on dividing plants, lifting bulbs, saving seeds, forcing bulbs for indoor winter flowers, and preparing the garden for winter are also included. In this lavishly illustrated book, you will find: Over 40 step-by-step photo sequences to guide you through essential gardening tasks In-depth profiles of 125 favorite garden plants 600 photographs, many illustrating common gardening techniques More than 50 watercolors Lavish photographs show the plants in garden settings, as well as by themselves Topics include seed-saving and forcing bulbs for winter as well as seed starting, routine care, and propagation techniques Design information helps you plan gardens that hold color and interest through the season

Trees, Shrubs & Hedges for Home Landscaping

Trees, shrubs, and hedges are among the smartest investments you can make. Besides beautifying your landscape, these plants can dramatically increase your property value. This environmentally friendly book is both a comprehensive reference on top-rated plants and a complete guide to their selection, planting, and care. It addresses all regions of the United States and southern Canada. You will find descriptions of more than 1,000 plants recommended for their beauty, availability, ease of maintenance, and resistence to pests and diseases. More than 500 full-color photographs and paintings showcase plant features and illustrate procedures step by step. Design for four-season interest and harmonies of size, shape, color, and texture Conduct simple but essential soil tests for pH Select plants ideally suited for your soil and growing conditions Distinguish healthy nursery plants from those at risk Save money over the long term by buying pest- and disease-resistant plants that are appropriate for your soil and climate Use the latest scientifically proven planting methods Prune like a pro at the proper time for each plant, making well-placed cuts that stimulate desired growth

Creating Good Gardens

Creating Good Gardens, as beautiful as they are useful and as productive as they are kind to the environment, can be easy. In this book, you will find everything you need to know to develop new gardens and take good care of those you already have. The book explains how to get started with annuals, perennials, bulbs, roses, ground covers, trees, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables; and then how to care for them like an expert. You will learn how to select plants to match the growing conditions at various locations on your property. Throughout the methods are easy to follow, time saving, and safe for the environment. There is also information on garden design, as well as a chapter on creating water gardens and bird-and-butterfly gardens. Contains more than 375 color photos, including photos of virtually all plants mentioned in the book Includes over 50 full-color illustrations Clear text and step-by-step illustrations provide all the fundamentals that a beginning gardener needs Includes numerous tips and expert insight for those with a green thumb Features readily available plants, unlike most books on the market, which are of British origin Co-authors are recognized garden experts

Year-Round Flower Gardener

If you love flowers, you would probably like to have them blooming in your house and garden all year-round. This complete guide shows you how to grow and enjoy beautiful flowers, outdoors and indoors, in all four seasons, no matter how cold or warm your climate. Whether you consult this book in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, you will find flowers that bloom then, as well as gardening activities you can begin immediately. All is explained and illustrated in clear step-by-step instructions. Learn how to design gardens for pleasing relationships of colors, sizes, and textures and for special purposes, such as fragrance or cut flowers Learn how to select and combine the best flowers, based on their blooming times and your growing conditions Start plants from seeds, seedlings, or cuttings at any time of the year Prepare ideal potting mixes for various plants Get longer life from cut flowers Preserve flowers by drying them Care for houseplants year-round, indoors and out Force winter bloom indoors from bulbs and from branches More than 500 full-color photos and illustrations show beautiful gardens and procedures

Easy Care Guide to Houseplants

This book provides all you need for success with nearly 200 of the most popular houseplants grown in North America. The beginner and the experienced indoor gardener will find this a fantastic resource. Part I introduces the types of houseplants and tells you their origins, and then explains selection and care. Part II showcases individual plants and describes their needs. Illustrating this authoritative guide are more than 500 full-color photos and drawings-many of them showing procedures step by step. You will learn how to: Select plants suited for conditions in your home Place plants where they will thrive Feature houseplants in home decorating Choose plant containers Care for and propagate your own plants Avoid plant pests and diseases without resorting to dangerous chemicals Grow culinary herbs and force bulbs Use artificial lights to display plants and help them grow Install hanging plants attractively and securely