Amazon.com Review
Looking to expand the range of blooms in your garden, but aren't sure where to start--and don't have the best track record for healthy houseplants?
Annuals for Dummies answers plant-care questions and supplies a huge range of choices--and you don't have to know the Latin name for your favorite flowers to learn more about them. Planting zones are explained in detail, whether you live in a lowland marsh, a high-altitude desert, or the very middle of the Midwest, and growing conditions are outlined so they make sense for novices. There are month-by-month calendars--you'll never forget to start seeds in March or fertilize in July--and you'll even understand why you're doing it. Plant choices cover the 10 most popular choices (zinnias, sunflowers) in one chapter, while more exotics (bells of Ireland) are covered in another. Thorough instructions are provided for each type--you'll know right away whether the size, color, and temperature requirements make it a good choice for your garden.
The big downside to this book is its lack of pictures. There are lots of line drawings, but they tend to show particular stages of a process, rather than each step. Color photos are limited to one section, and since the photos are quite separate from the descriptions, they don't add much value to the book. With bullet-point lists, icons for highlighting categories like ecofriendly or timesaving, and simple tables and charts, how-to photos aren't essential. For folks who learn best with straightforward reading, the presentation won't be an issue, but if pictorial aids are what you need for learning, look elsewhere. --Jill Lightner
From the Back Cover
"A masterful blend of tips, tricks, and techniques." — Doug Jimerson, Editor-in-Chief, Garden Escape, www.garden.com "This book gives you the full range of instructions for growing and displaying these charming one-act plants." — Joseph F. Williamson, Former Garden Editor and Managing Editor of Sunset Magazine
32 Pages of Photos — Flower Portraits, Color Combos, and Gorgeous Gardens!
Everything You Ever Wanted to Grow You don't have to be a green-thumb guru to plant your own beautiful garden. With a little planning, a little water, and a little upkeep, you too can grow colorful annuals! Whether you're getting your hands dirty for the first time or are a flora aficionado, you'll love the friendly advice, illustrated design ideas, and inspirational look at over 100 annuals guaranteed to brighten your day … and your garden. Get It All, from Asters to Zinnias:
- Choose from more than a hundred different flowering annuals for any climate
- Explore simple recipes for turning plain old dirt into nutrient-rich soil
- Design an impressive garden no matter how much space you have
- Keep pests from turning your garden into their dinner
- Discover great online information and mail-order resources
