Product Description
Cacti and succulents make some of the most interesting displays imaginable, in gardens of almost any type and size. And, these resilient, low-maintenance plants can take almost anything the climate throws at them. Whether used as striking accents in containers or as part of a total garden transformation, cacti have a modern, fresh feel. Plan your own succulent garden, with a longtime expert's instructions on choosing plants, preparing a scheme, dealing with weather conditions, adding special features, and using a variety of settings--scree gardens, rockeries, patios and decking, water features, and more. Throughout, the author's own drawings, along with dozens of luscious photographs, will guide and tempt you. A directory introduces 165 featured plants, divided into three sections by hardiness. Each plant has at least one close-up photograph, information on size, and a detailed description of its characteristics to help you in your selection.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #823284 in Books
- Published on: 2003-07-11
- Original language:
English
- Binding: Paperback
- 176 pages
Editorial Reviews
Review
No longer are cacti viewed as boring, dusty plants that will survive anything thrown at them but remain unattractive. Architectural in form, they are now attracting the attention of garden designers and plant retailers. Today's modern planters suit these amazing plants admirably. From terracotta through to stainless steel, there are cacti and succulents that will match and enhance these materials, adding instant glamour to a home or conservatory. Furthermore they are easy to keep, except for those who have a tendency to overwater, and will happily survive alone for two to three weeks while the owners are on holiday. Another hidden charm, not commonly known, is their ability to flower on a regular basis. Provided the necessary neglect is given during the winter months, flowers will appear like clockwork in the spring to give a welcome start to the new growing season. Many flower during winter too, such as the crassulas and schlumbergias, which gives them an added attraction during these otherwise flowerless months. Shirley-Anne Bell's book is a long overdue look at the variety and uses of these wonderful plants in the home and conservatory. From clump-forming to columnar, from trailing to climbing, there are cacti and succulents for every situation and many are listed here according to their uses. Illustrated by her husband's excellent photographs it is a good overview of the subject, albeit lacking slightly in depth, in particular the cultivation details of the different genera. For the novice collector this is a well-informed look at the way these plants can be displayed and should inspire them to search out the more unusual varieties at the same time as discovering new ways of showing the plants off to their best advantage. For those uninitiated in these plant's charms, just a flick through the book will incite a more lingering look and possibly the start of a new interest.
