Book Reviews

Three books on plants from British naturalists in Qing the Tibetan Marches (fi rst published China Science, empire, and cultural encounter in 1945 and subsequently reprinted). By Fa-Ti Fan. Bretschneider was physician at Reviewed by Ross Ferguson Hardback, xi + 238 pages the Russian Legation in Peking for Published by Harvard University nearly 20 years and he had the great Gifts from the gardens of China Press, Cambridge, Mass, 2004 advantage of knowing personally By Jane Kilpatrick ISBN 0-674-01143-0 many of those about whom he wrote Hardback, 288 pages $US52.00. or, at the least, had corresponded Published by Frances Lincoln, with. History of European botanical , 2007 discoveries in China is a detailed ISBN-10: 071122630X, ISBN-13: 978- and unusually accurate work and, 0711226302 although it stops at the end of the £35.00 (available from Touchwood 19th century, it and Bretschneider’s Books for $NZ100.00) other botanical writings are essential for anybody with a serious interest in plant collecting in China. However, Bretschneider is by no means an easy read and the excitement and challenges of plant collecting, particularly plants of horticultural merit, are more apparent in Cox’s Plant hunting in China. Cox was himself a plant collector and likewise he knew personally many of those about whom he wrote. The one serious failing of his book is that he provides no references or citations The great plant collector E. H. Wilson even though he is likely to be correct. entitled one of his books China, mother of gardens. This was a little Initially, many of the Chinese plants Hortus Veitchii self-serving because Wilson had that were introduced to Europe were By James H. Veitch himself collected predominantly in those grown by the Chinese in their Hardback, 648 pages, 1906, China, but there was also an element own gardens. Access to the interior reprinted 2006 by Caradoc Doy, of truth. China has an extraordinarily of China was restricted and plant Exeter, England rich and diverse fl ora and it has collectors were largely limited to Limited to 1000 numbered copies contributed more to the temperate visiting Chinese nurseries or gardens. ISBN: 9780955351501, previous gardens of North America and Europe Gifts from the gardens of China; the ISBN: 0955351502 than any other equivalent area. We introduction of traditional Chinese £95.00 ($NZ295.00) can understand why Wilson said garden plants to Britain 1698–1862 “China is the country to which the covers this initial period from the visit gardens of all other lands are so of Dr James Cunninghame in 1698 indebted.” We need only to think of until the last of Robert Fortune’s trips magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, in 1862. Chinese nurserymen would primulas, gentians, hydrangeas, take advantage of the Europeans, ‘Japanese’ anemones, forsythias, charging exorbitant prices or wisterias, clematis, and substituting common plants for the tiger lilies. In New Zealand with rarities requested. Seed would often our temperate gardens we too can not germinate and it was frequently acknowledge the debt to China – we suspected that the seed had been can also be grateful for kiwifruit. killed. Taking the plants back to Europe was also a challenge. Dr John The two best general accounts Livingstone, a surgeon at Canton for of plant collecting in China are 20 years at the beginning of the 19th probably Emil Bretschneider’s century, estimated that for every plant magisterial History of European that survived the trip back to England, botanical discoveries in China (fi rst a thousand had been lost and that published in 1898 and subsequently each plant that had been successfully reprinted), and E. H. M. Cox’s introduced had cost at least £300, an Plant hunting in China: a history of astonishing cost. Kilpatrick includes botanical exploration in China and delightful engravings of potted plants

New Zealand Garden Journal, 2008, Vol. 11(2) 25 being watered on the deck of a achievements. It is particularly transport could be overcome. British ship and of a traveller determinedly interesting for the accounts of their naturalists in Qing Chinaa again carrying ashore his treasured plants travellers in China, emphasises how dependent the at the end of the voyage. Perhaps (1877–1879) and E. H. Wilson Europeans initially were on Chinese it is telling that he carries only two (1899–1905). Plant collectors were nurseries at the ports. Once travel small plants – how many had died no longer limited simply to acquiring to the interior became possible after on the way? It is impressive how plants from nurseries close to the the Opium Wars, naturalists, who quickly information became available ports; travel was now possible into the generally had other responsibilities, in Europe as to which Chinese interior of China and a great wealth of were still dependent on Chinese plants were worthy of collection; this new plants was becoming accessible. workers to collect specimens. is shown by the detailed ‘shopping Hortus Veitchiii describes the plants Augustine Henry relied on his lists’ prepared by Sir Joseph Banks collected by Maries and Wilson, Chinese workers to collect his many and the London Horticultural Society, although at the time of publication thousands of herbarium specimens; with an emphasis on plants that were most of Wilson’s plants had yet to E. H. Wilson travelled with a large hardy in Britain. prove themselves. The original edition entourage of workers and collectors. of Hortus Veitchiii was not for sale There is also the distinction between Gifts from the gardens of Chinaa is a but complimentary copies were sent naturalists and plant collectors. well-written and balanced account of to universities, libraries, eminent Henry collected thousands of plant the early efforts of mainly British plant botanists and good customers. specimens but introduced very few collectors in China, although Kilpatrick Copies come on the market only plants into cultivation; Wilson was a also describes the activities of some very occasionally and now fetch plant collector with clear commercial Jesuit priests such as Incarville. high prices. This facsimile edition is goals. It is well referenced and there are therefore most welcome and makes many apposite quotes. I particularly I found British naturalists in Qing an important reference work much enjoyed the illustrations, especially Chinaa a most rewarding book. It is more accessible. The nomenclature is those of Chinese fl owers from clear and well written. It is the best now often outdated, but Caradoc Doy painted wallpapers or porcelain and account I have read of 19th century is intending to prepare a supplement of Chinese export paintings. There British naturalists in China and listing name changes and indicating are also many fi ne reproductions supplements the information available the status of the plants in the wild. of illustrations from early botanical in other works with their greater magazines of the plants successfully British naturalists in Qing China emphasis on natural history. My only introduced. This book is beautifully emphasises just how dependent regret is that Fan restricted himself produced and is a most useful European plant collectors and to British naturalists and did not also reference source. naturalists were on the Chinese. consider the great French collectors The Europeans’ knowledge of as it would be interesting to compare Hortus Veitchiii is also beautifully desirable plants to collect was mainly the activities of these priests, such produced, with great care taken to based initially on export paintings as David, Delavay and Farges, ensure the appropriate paper and by Chinese artists working in a often living for years in the interior binding, even if the page size is different tradition, aiming to please of China, with the British collectors, somewhat reduced. The subtitle of aesthetically, not to be ‘scientifi cally normally associated with trade or the Hortus Veitchiii is A history of the accurate’ as understood by western Chinese Maritime Customs. There rise and progress of the nurseries botanists. It is not surprising that is a wonderful reference list which of Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, the Horticultural Society in London will provide reading for several years together with an account of the hesitantly instructed Robert Fortune and the use of Chinese sources adds botanical collectors and hybridists on his fi rst voyage in 1843 to enquire greatly to its value. This is one of employed by them and a list of the about “peonies with blue fl owers, those rare stimulating books providing most remarkable of their introductions. the existence of which is, however, many new ideas. The title just about says it all and doubtful” or “camellias with yellow this must be the most sumptuous of Each of these very different books fl owers, if such exist”. The information any vanity publication prepared by a should be in any comprehensive available was at best patchy but the nursery fi rm. Veitch and Sons were for horticultural library. paintings (and the porcelain) did, many years the greatest of all British however, indicate the wonderful and nursery fi rms and Hortus Veitchii enticing range of plants that might is an exhaustive and extravagantly be available, if only the problems of prepared description of their many

26 New Zealand Garden Journal, 2008, Vol. 11(2) Good Gardens with Less Water habits, as well as offering practical Tips on garden design, choosing a By Kevin Handreck solutions and tips for anyone who landscaper, selecting good quality CSIRO Publishing wishes to reduce water use in their plants at the nursery and garden Paperback, 166 pages, 190 × 240mm, garden. centre, dealing with too much water Australia, 2008 and types of drainage follow. The Beginning with a short chapter on ISBN 9780643094703 chapter on lawns is one where much the causes of water shortages the $NZ40.00 of the detail is very Australian-specifi c author discusses such topics as Reviewed by Andrew Maloy but the information on preparing, changing weather patterns, increasing sowing and maintenance of a new populations and lack of political vision lawn is relevant to New Zealand. as contributors to the problem. But he also points to some areas for hope The last two chapters, Water for and says gardens are part of the cure. Plants in Potss and Testing Potting Mixes has some of the best The next chapter looks at how information explaining the properties different plant types have evolved to of potting mix I have seen in any survive the stresses of wide ranging popular gardening text, covering such environmental conditions, especially topics as air fi lled porosity, water water availability, including three holding capacity and wettability. I’m types of photosynthesis, roots and sure many commercial growers would mycorrhizal fungi and the effect (not fi nd this chapter useful too. If you always benefi cial) of fertiliser. want to have a better understanding The following three chapters, Know of what is really happening around Your Soil, Organic Matter and Soil, the root system of your potted plants and Your Soil is a Reservoirr give this shows you how to go about it I started reading this book back in clear step by step instructions how in step by step detail. Finally in the August 2008 when many parts of to discover just what type of soil you appendix there is a fairly extensive list New Zealand were experiencing are dealing with, how to sustain it, of references for those who wish to their heaviest rainfall for years, so it improve it and make the most of even delve into any topic in more detail. the worst kind of soil. seemed incongruous to be learning Available from Touchwood Books and about ways to garden with less water Water salinity is not as great a Manaaki Whenua Press when we’d just fi nished cleaning up problem in New Zealand as in a fl ood in our basement and water Australia but the chapter Water fl owing through the vegetable garden Qualityy still contains pertinent Plant Heritage New Zealand Te Whakapapa o nga Rakau spa had become a common occurrence. information, particularly on the pros But memories of last summer’s record Interpreting the special features of and cons of collecting greywater and native plants drought and the problems it caused its use in the garden. Chapters on By Tony Foster throughout the country were still clear collecting rainwater and how to make Published by Penguin Books / Raupo in my mind, so a lot of what this book the most of it in your garden follow. Publishing (NZ) Ltd is about made good sense. Some of the detail on how to deliver Paperback, 207 pages, 210 × 260mm, Good Gardens with Less Waterr is the right amount of water to your New Zealand, 2008 written for Australian conditions. plants is rather technical at times but ISBN 9780143009795 The examples of plants, materials, written in an easy to follow style with $NZ49.95 equipment, bye-laws and regulations examples of calculations to help. A Reviewed by Murray Dawson are largely Australian specifi c. wide range of irrigation systems is Nevertheless a lot of the information described along with the information in this book can be equally applied needed to select an appropriate one to gardens in New Zealand and for your conditions. elsewhere – and this book contains a One chapter covering the facts and wealth of useful information. It is much myths about mulches, both organic more than just about how to have and inorganic, has some surprising a good garden with less water. This revelations, especially if you thought book provides all gardeners, novice that any mulch is better than none. or experienced, with an insight into Throughout the book the author is how to garden both successfully and not afraid to take a strong position sustainably into the future. Written when it comes to the effectiveness in an easy to follow style the author or otherwise of some commercial works through every aspect of water products and in this chapter in use in the garden that I can think of, particular he shows examples of often referring to recent research materials being wrongly labelled and Tony Foster is passionate about New fi ndings, pointing out both the pros promoted. Zealand’s native plants. He has taught and cons of many products and the biology and horticulture at secondary myths of some traditional gardening schools, developed his own native

New Zealand Garden Journal, 2008, Vol. 11(2) 27 plant website called ‘bushmans friend’ 1, New Zealand plants in the Within each major grouping according (www.bushmansfriend.co.nz), and landscape), biostatus (exotic/native/ to chapter, the genera are arranged runs a business bearing the same endemic), ancestry and elements of together in their respective families. name taking visitors on interpretive the fl ora, features of New Zealand The families themselves do not seem bushwalking tours in Northland. plants (Chapter 2, The characteristics to follow any particular order. of New Zealand’s fl ora), taxonomy Tony draws upon this background to The preferred botanical names and and common names (Chapter 3, write a book sharing his enthusiasm treatments used for the plants are What’s in a name? Classifying plants), and knowledge of a wide range of generally current. For example, and Maori genealogies and insights native plant species found in the New the book places Hebee in the (Chapter 4, Maori and the plant Zealand bush. He showcases his Plantaginaceae family, where it is world). superb photography and provides now considered to belong, rather brief descriptions of each species These are all ‘heavy duty’ topics, and than its long-standing placement in that teaches us how to identify and to me the author seemed to struggle Scrophulariaceae. distinguish them. with the balance between presenting However, some of the recent complex information and conveying Many of the native plants covered and generally accepted name it in a simple but accurate manner. are widely cultivated in our gardens, changes have not been followed. Professional botanists and ecologists such as the iconic cabbage trees, No explanation is provided for this, may feel that more detail is needed to fl axes, and ratas. Others are less which creates an impression that the properly explain some of the topics. well known, but all have stories to tell author has not kept abreast of the For the less knowledgeable reader of their origins and evolution, their botanical literature. Returning to the the information could have been more traditional and present day uses, hebe example, “Hebe hullcana” is clearly written in places. and how they have inspired poems presumably a mis-spelling of Hebe and proverbs. These stories, both Part 2 is the main section of the book hulkeana, which is generally accepted European and Maori, are brought and reveals its real strengths, where under a different genus, Heliohebe together to highlight special features the authors’ fi rst-hand knowledge of hulkeana. And some botanists now of the fl ora, and how New Zealanders the 110 species that he observes and include Hebe (and allied genera) all have created a cultural history around his 300 or more photographs unfold. under an enlarged Veronica. these plants. Reading through the species profi les, Other names are outdated in the I gained the distinct impression that This book sets itself apart from most book. Pseudopanax anomaluss is the author was writing using much other offerings. It is not a strictly referable to Raukaua anomalus, and of his own keen observations, rather botanical fi eld-guide like Poole and Pseudopanax simplexx is referable to than rehashing information from fl oras Adams (1994), St George et al. Raukaua simplexx. Reinstatement of and other plant books. (2006) and other guides. Nor is it a the name Raukaua (Mitchell et al., comprehensive treatment such as Most of the species chosen for this 1997) has been well accepted by those featuring botanical artwork book were derived from the authors’ botanists. (Eagle, 2006), cultivars (Metcalf, home area of Northland. This is quite At the family level, Cordylinee is now 1993), divaricating plants (Wilson appropriate because (as he points accepted in the Laxmanniaceae family and Galloway, 1993), cabbage trees out) much of New Zealand’s species rather than Agavaceae, Leucopogon (Simpson, 2000), or hebes (Bayly and diversity is found in the upper North fasciculatus is in the Ericaceae (along Kellow, 2006). Island anyway. with Dracophyllum, Leptecophylla Plant Heritage New Zealandd seems The format of each species profi led and other epacrids not covered in most allied to an earlier title by works well, and green text boxes the book), rather than Epacridaceae; the name of Flowering plants of are used for relevant quotes and Laureliaa is in Atherospermataceae New Zealand (Webb et al., 1990). explanations from early European rather than Monimiaceae; Phormium Both books celebrate the special writings and Maori oral traditions. is in Hemerocallidaceae rather than qualities of the New Zealand fl ora, These are a delight to read and add Agavaceae; Vitexx is in Lamiaceae are aimed at a wide public audience, much to the interest of the ‘stories’ rather than Verbenaceae. and attempt to increase people’s surrounding each plant. Also, the Some authors will chose not to follow appreciation and knowledge of native meanings of the botanical names are these recent name changes, but they plants. usefully provided, and nicely relate to should at least mention them. Many the photos and short descriptions. Plant Heritage New Zealandd is of these changes are the result of divided into two parts that contain four Different plant groups are well DNA sequencing studies. Noticeably chapters each. Part 1, Introduction represented – there is a selection of absent throughout the book is to New Zealand’s remarkable plants, conifers (Chapter 5), dicotyledons discussion of the huge impact that provides the background and natural (Chapter 6), monocotyledons DNA sequencing has made on our history for the native species profi led (Chapter 7), and ferns (Chapter 8). understanding of the plants – on their in Part 2. This book does not include any native names, taxonomic relationships, and orchids, but these have already been evolutionary histories. These DNA This fi rst part outlines endemism, dealt with by others (e.g., St George and taxonomic ‘stories’ should also be species diversity and distribution, et al., 2006). told. forest and plant associations (Chapter

28 New Zealand Garden Journal, 2008, Vol. 11(2) This book is not perfect in other features, and beauty of the New Simpson, P. (2000). Dancing leaves, ways – there are a considerable Zealand native fl ora. the story of New Zealand’s number of typographic errors that cabbage tree, ti kouka. References should have been picked up during Canterbury University Press. Bayly, M. and Kellow, A. (2006). editing. There seems to be a trend in 324 p. An illustrated guide to New recent years where publishers are not Zealand hebes. Te Papa Press, St George, I.; Irwin, B.; Hatch, D. rigorous enough in their copy-editing. Wellington. 388 p. (2006). Field guide to the New As a result, the published work lets Zealand orchids. 4th ed. New Eagle, A. (2006). Eagle’s complete themselves and their authors down. I Zealand Native Orchid Group, trees and shrubs of New Zealand. do hope that there will be an improved Wellington. 136 p. (First published Te Papa Press, Wellington. Vol. 1, second edition that removes these in 1996.). 544 p., Vol. 2, 592 p. minor irritations. The most glaring Webb, C.J.; Johnson, P.N.; Sykes, Metcalf, L.J. (1993). The cultivation problem is that much of the index lists W.R. (1990). Flowering Plants of of New Zealand plants. Godwit page numbers for the main body that New Zealand. Botany Institute, Press, Auckland. 260 p. are incorrect – they are 1–3 pages out DSIR Land Resources, Private Mitchell, A.D.; Frodin, D.G.; Heads, of kilter! Bag, Christchurch. 146 p. M.J. (1997). Reinstatement Wilson, H.D. and Galloway, T. Nevertheless, Plant Heritage New of Raukaua, a genus of the (1993). Small-leaved Shrubs of Zealand is a useful book that should Araliaceae centred in New New Zealand. Manuka Press, appeal to a wide readership from Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Christchurch. 305 p. secondary school students upwards. Botany 35(3): 309–315. By and large, it does achieve what Poole, A.L. and Adams, N.M. Available from Touchwood Books and it sets out to do, and successfully (1994). Trees and shrubs of Manaaki Whenua Press celebrates the diversity, special New Zealand. DSIR Publishing, Wellington. 256 p.

A selection of the best book reviews of 2007, compliments of the Weekend Gardener magazine

Encyclopedia of Hardy Plants The Plant Propagator’s Bible Annuals, bulbs, herbs, perennials, A step-by-step guide to propagating shrubs, trees, vegetables, fruits & nuts every plant in your garden Derek Fell Miranda Smith Published by David Bateman Published by Cameron House $NZ59.99 Distributed by Bookwise International $NZ29.95 Derek Fell, author of Great Gardens of New Zealandd among other acclaimed titles, has been growing and writing about plants for 45 years. Fell says in his introduction to this, his latest book, the fi rst thing that people in temperate climates ask about a plant is whether it’s hardy, meaning Here is a treasure trove of more whether it’s cold hardy. However, than 700 “iron-clad” plants and Fell challenges strict adherence photographs. He covers, in separate to the hardiness zone system and A-Zs, annuals, perennials, bulbs, encourages readers to explore their woody plants, herbs, fruits, nuts and gardens’ microclimates. vegetables under their botanical names. The common name for each He quotes a recent trip to the How to Propagate plant is also given, as are their Shetland Islands, the UK’s most Techniques and tips for over 1000 hardiness zones. A full description northerly outpost, where he marvelled plants of the plants and their provenance at their beautiful wildfl o w ers. He was John Cushnie follows, as well as discussion on also surprised to fi nd, in one sheltered Published by Kyle Cathie growing requirements and, where garden, pampas plumes and New Distributed by New Holland applicable, propagation methods. Zealand fl axes growing outdoors $NZ49.99 throughout all seasons. Fell puts their Hardy Plantss will be an indispensable Propagation is gardening’s success down to the infl uence of the ready reference for gardeners in our rediscovered art, if the number Gulf Stream that peters out among more demanding climates, such as of recent books on the subject is those islands. the North Island’s Central Plateau and anything to go by. much of the South Island. Weekend Gardenerr, Issue 216, 2007, Page 32

New Zealand Garden Journal, 2008, Vol. 11(2) 29 Hard on the heels of last year’s The No matter whether it’s macrophyllas, The Country Diary of an Complete Book of Plant Propagation serratas, or the new varieties of Edwardian Lady (published by Mitchell Beazley) and paniculatas and quercifolias he’s Edith Holden the RHS Propagating Plantss are discussing, Glyn’s knowledge and Published by Kudos these two titles, one by American enthusiasm shines through. Distributed by Bookwise Miranda Smith and the other by Briton $NZ39.95 John Cushnie.

“Hydrangeas have so many winning More than 3 million copies of this best-seller have been printed in Cushnie’s discursive style in How attributes,” he writes, “it’s hard to imagine an easier group of plants to 13 languages since it was fi rst to Propagatee is a bonus, while the posthumously published in 1977. photography adds an authoritative, grow or any other fl owering shrubs personal touch. However, the stylised capable of providing vibrant colour for Schoolteacher-turned-illustrator Edith illustrations in Smith’s book help to so long a season.” Holden’s Nature Notes of 1906, the convey the basics clearly, particularly There’s lots of practical stuff here, too. source for this book, are said to have when it comes to more complex The different requirements of various been executed as examples for her grafting techniques. types is spelt out, while factors, pupils and discovered by chance. This said, both titles are including soil conditions and climate, The charming drawings, paintings, comprehensive. Cushnie’s directory are mulled over. And for those who poems and month-by-month of plants is larger: Smith’s is slimmer, puzzle over the phenomenon, there’s observations record the glories of her but more technically detailed. If also detailed explanation on how soil Warwickshire countryside, as well you’re keen to graft one cactus on to alkalinity and acidity teases out the as travels throughout England and another you’ll plump for Smith. On the blues and pinks of H. macrophylla. Scotland. Most of the watercolours other hand, if you want a reassuring, Other chapters deal with pruning, are botanical, but there’s other subject personal take on propagating pests and propagation, landscaping matter: a fi nely painted shrew; a camellias by taking leaf-bud cuttings, with hydrangeas, and hydrangeas in ploughman and draughthorses; bees Cushnie fi lls the bill. If price is a and around the house. If you garden and butterfl ies. consideration, The Plant Propagator’s in a cooler climate or are hunting for Much of the book’s charm lies in Bible is by far the cheapest of the four a variety with extra oomph, look to the unembellished writing. Here’s a titles mentioned. Glyn’s documentation of species and sample of the entry for May, 1906: Weekend Gardenerr, Issue 216, 2007, Page 32 cultivars – you’re bound to fi nd a plant “The hedge-rows are haunted by that will fl ourish in your conditions. young fl edglings, chiefl y blackbirds Hydrangeas Hydrangeass is the author’s second and thrushes. I saw one precocious Glyn Church book on the subject (the fi rst was young robin trying to capture a worm Published by David Bateman written in 1999, when hydrangeas nearly three times as long as itself.” $NZ39.99 were on the cusp of their comeback). Tragically, the author met her death The delightful photographs, mostly Hydrangeas are back, big-time, and by drowning, falling into a backwater taken by the author himself, and the this book, hard on the heels of their of the Thames while on one of her lively text – underpinned by Glyn’s renaissance, is a timely addition to rambles. hands-on experience at his vibrant the gardening library. Her reminder of a gentler age lives on Woodleigh nursery – ensure an in this edition, embossed with a gold Renowned Taranaki horticulturalist authoritative, instructive read. seal to commemorate the centenary and gardening writer Glyn Church Weekend Gardenerr, Issue 220, 2007, Page 36 offers reasons for the new found of its creation. popularity of this durable favourite. Weekend Gardenerr, Issue 220, 2007, Page 36 Among them is the emergence of new, hardier H. macrophyllaa cultivars, the colours now available and the realisation that hydrangeas are a fi ne source of long-lasting cut fl owers.

30 New Zealand Garden Journal, 2008, Vol. 11(2) Palms and Cycads Yates Garden Guide Bromeliads A complete guide to selecting, growing Harper Collins The Connoisseur’s Guide and propagating Softback, 480 pages Andrew Steens David Squire $NZ39.99 Random House Published by New Holland Reviewed by Mary Joyce 400 pages $NZ49.99 $NZ45.00 Reviewed by Rob Lahood

Andrew Steens is well known in New Zealand nursery circles as a David Squire, as the author of more Yates Garden Guidee has been bromeliad expert and commercial than 70 plant-related and gardening updated for its 77th edition. The guide grower near Matakana, north of titles, takes a typically no-nonsense was fi rst published in 1895, 112 years Auckland. approach in this useful primer. ago, when Arthur Yates wrote the This colourful volume follows his Opening chapters cover in detail the fi rst guide. It has sold more than a highly successful Bromeliads for the characteristics of both palms and million copies and is acknowledged Contemporary Garden. In a sentence, cycads examining the habit, leaves as the best-selling gardening book in it is a must-get item for brom lovers and fruit and seed of both. There’s Australasia. and addicts. information on what to look for when The newly released edition includes you buy, how to plant and then how Andrew takes us on a wonderful new features: to look after your specimen including journey into the wilds of South discussion on the various pests and • expanded chapter on garden America, explaining bromeliad diseases both may be prone to. design, habitats. He roll calls more than 300 exotic, rare and essential bromeliad There’s a chapter on propagation, • a new section on organic species. including the challenges of raising gardening and permaculture, This book is beautifully presented, cycads from seed. There are detailed • tips for water-saving gardening, listings of various species of palms easily referenced and very and cycads and their preferred • suggestions for container comprehensive; a credit to Andrew climatic conditions. gardening and planting in diffi cult and his publisher. spots, An A-Z of 99 palms and 17 cycads It discusses specialist nurseries, reveals their nature and variation in • lists of top plants for any situation, importing bromeliads, hybridising, and looks at rare and exotic collections. growth with estimations of the height • ideas for kids gardening, and spread of the specimens. Andrew discusses growing great • hundreds of handy hints, and Each species is pictured and a fact bromeliads in greenhouses, indoors, fi le accompanies the description • gurus from around the country. outdoors and in temperate and – giving growth rate, preferred The book also has a fresh new look, subtropical zones. conditions, germination time and so with a more user-friendly layout. Bromeliad buffs are like great on. Weekend Gardenerr, Issue 230, 2007, Page 31 lovers, inveterate orchid students and This hardback, with its clear, large intrepid plant hunters – they have format, should prove popular, passion. particularly with the new enthusiast Sometimes their collections envelop seeking guidance. their whole property, inside and out, Weekend Gardenerr, Issue 225, 2007, Page 38 BooBoo krk reviviviewe arcrcchivhive spilling from the lawns to enclosures, OurO ene tirt reea archchhivevee of booookk revevieiewewws (froffrroom thethhehe JoJouJ rnarnn llo oftf thhee RoyRoyala Newewew ZeZealaandnd on to fences, trees and garages, into InsInsstittiittutetee ofo Hoortitiiculcucu turtuture 1981981,1, undnddere patios and on to clotheslines. itsits vavarioririouuss nanamnamees)s), toogethethher withiit bookok rrevree iewews fromom thhe WeeWeWeekend Gardardeneenen r Bromeliads – the Connoisseur’s mmaggaziaazz nee (frfromo IssIsssssuee 86,868 NoNovemvevemmberbeer Guidee will only encourage the trend. 2002020 1)) aarearre non w avaiv lablalabablee ono ourou wew bsbsibsitet atat wwwwww.rnrnnzihziihh.ororo g.ngn. z.z. Beware, you could get hooked on these pets. Weekend Gardenerr, Issue 230, 2007, Page 31

New Zealand Garden Journal, 2008, Vol. 11(2) 31