4 comments about Old Roses and English Roses.

1. Exquisite book, an absolute orgy for anyone who loves roses but especially for those of us who love the old roses. David Austin is making an indelible mark on the rose world. People will be writing about him a hundred years from now. This book is a lovely representation of his knowledge and thoughts on the roses he knows like few others. The book is small with a beautiful cover of an English rose, Sharifa Asma. He covers all the wonderful varieties of old or old looking roses, for example, rugosas, English roses, Gallicas, Moss Roses, China, Portlands, Bourbons, Damasks, and Teas. The information is succinct but not at all superficial. As he writes, he is clearly speaking of roses he knows like a friend. The book is packed with wonderful photographs in all types circumstances. He discusses cultivation. Particularly interesting is his chapter on English roses of today and the future. His bibliography is extensive and could be helpful in building one's own lib! rary. This is a MUST have book!



2. This lovely little book is an indispensible addition to any rose lover's library. Small enough to take with you to your local nursery and yet has enough detail to be very informative. Some newer English Roses not covered.



3. This is a good introduction to old roses and their development, but a better one about "English Roses". "English Roses" are a relatively new type of roses, pioneered by David Austin, starting about 1970, with his first popular variety, "Constance Spry". "English Roses" are shrub roses that have the look of old roses. They are very carefree roses and bloom profusely and often, most with a nice fragrance. No one is more qualified to talk about "English Roses" than David Austin since he "invented" them. He tells how to use them to the best advantage and also tells strong points and weaknesses of the numerous varieties. This is the man to listen to about growing English roses. The book also has a good introduction to the correct methods of rose cultivation. There are a lot of very nice pictures.



4. Although this book has a publication date of 1992, it is amazing how outdated and old it seems to be 16 years down the track. Of course, the section on English roses, developing rapidly each year, is completely outdated, but the pictures and layout also seem somehow musty and faded. If you really want to read about Austin roses, then the latest book (The English Roses, Timber Press, 2005) is a feast of glorious, artistically presented pictures with the latest details about roses of this type. I can't image anyone not adoring it. Another book to treasure for its information and wondrous images is Peter Beales' Passion for Roses. Both books are worth the slight extra outlay, both for the most recent information and for the fine photography. Ultimately, the books provide a very cheap visit to enchanted gardens any time you wish to be there, and inspiration for planting your own.
   This particular Austen book still has use as an introduction for those new to roses, and its size also gives it several advantages. Being a general appreciator of Austin and all he says and does, the other interesting aspect of the book is the insight it offers into the particular old world roses (not his own) that he treasures. I am glad I have read it. I will certainly NOT be throwing it away, but I would choose his more recent edition over this one every time.

3 comments about Random House Book of Perennials Volume 2: Late Perennials (Pan Garden Plants Series) (Pan Garden Plants Series).

1. Lush and enticing photography. Highly useful growing information: hardiness, bloom season, size, etc. A virtual wish list for every gardener covering the very best of hardy perennials, including new cultivars. I strongly recommend that this book be purchased as a set with the companion Volume II: Late Perennials. The index will direct you to the correct volume and page for each entry. Volume one includes many glorious pictures of peonies, iris, primroses, hellebores and other spring blooming plants. I operate an 8 acre perennial nursery, and read lots of these books, and see this two volume set as a Best Buy. I use it as often as professional reference sets costing hundreds of dollars! You'll love it, too



2. Have been a Master Gardener for five years and I love books. This series has been one that I go back to as a good research source for exccellent pictures, to the point summaries of the varities, and a large number of varieties listed for many plant species. Covers most planting zones but is easy to discover those for my zone 7 gardening. Have recommended this to many of my fellow Master Gardeners and am ordering the third set in less than 2 weks for them. A must for the perennial library.



3. This book and Late Perennials (vol. 2) are two of the best gardening books I've ever bought. Other perennial guides give you maybe one, perhaps two photographs of each plant, but these give you photos of nearly every variety and species. Some pictures are of plants in their native habitat, some are set up as specimen sheets, but even these give you a good idea of what the plant looks like. There is also good information about soil, climate, and hardiness. I thought the authors went a bit overboard on the irises, but otherwise they've done a wonderful job. I can't believe there haven't been new editions yet!

No comments about A Flower With Love (Workshop (Unnumbered)).

No comments about Orquideas (Blume jardineria).

1 comments about A History of the Orchid.

1. This is by far the best book on orchid history ever written. A wealth of information on each historical orchid people that deserve to be there and with their corresponding photo!! It's all here!

   All the other chapters are simply a delight to read. A must have for any orchid people with a sense for the past.

No comments about All About Perennials (Ortho's All About Gardening).

No comments about Margery Fish's Country Gardening.

No comments about How to Do Christmas Florals If You Think You Can't (How to Arrange Florals If You Think You Can't).

No comments about The Garden Tutor/With Gardening Kit.

No comments about Old-fashioned and David Austin Roses.