Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Andrew Steens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 26, 2003

Bromeliads include several thousand species and a bewildering number of hybrids and cultivars. Remarkable for the diversity of their striking foliage and distinctive forms, many also produce brilliant inflorescences in glowing colors. They are highly desirable, low-maintenance indoor plants, and in subtropical and tropical areas they can be grown successfully outdoors. Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden is a book for beginners, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs alike. Descriptions and cultivation information for hundreds of species and cultivars, from Aechmea to Vriesia, along with an impressive range of photographs, will inspire gardeners and collectors.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In his introduction, Steens describes the bromeliad family (nearly 3,000 species contained in 56 genera) and provides a plant family history. His focus is on plants that grow well in most gardens and those most commonly available. The book includes descriptions and cultivation information for 200 species and cultivars in 28 genera. Steens offers instructions on landscaping with bromeliads in a variety of gardens, including hothouses and pots, and on propagation. A chapter on cultivation contains advice on light, temperature, climate zones, planting, watering, feeding, flowering, soil types and potting mixes, pests, diseases, and disorders. Add to this 300 stunning color photographs of these beautiful plants. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Three hundred beautiful color photographs enrich the text, making this book very attractive and informative for gardeners, collectors, and libraries with a horticulture section."—L. G. Kavaljian, Choice, October 2004 (L. G. Kavaljian Choice )

"There are nearly 3,000 species within 56 genera of the bromeliad family, but in Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden, Andrew Steens concentrates on the 200 from 28 genera that are generally available in the horticultural trade. For these he includes good descriptions and plenty of high quality photographs."—American Gardener, May/June 2004 (American Gardener )

"Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden is an enthusiastic source for those looking for dependable and available bromeliads for the home garden. This colorful book is the guide to all the bromeliads you want to grow."—Lynette Walther, Palatka Daily News, June 14, 2005 (Lynette Walther Palatka Daily News )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 198 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (July 26, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881926043
• ISBN-13: 978-0881926040
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #605,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For Anyone Wanting to Try Something New, December 6, 2004

By 

Greg Speichert "garden guy" (Cedar Lake, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden (Hardcover)

I really want to try to grow more bromeliads after reading this book. From Earthstars to Spanishmoss, this book cover all you would want to landscape with.
Andrew Steens did a great job of conveying his love for these plants. The descriptions, hints on where to plant and photography are all excellent. Steens explains everything from what bromelids are, their history, and the types of genera.
I would have liked to see a few more how-to photos, just because it might have helped the novice gardener. This is a great book for someone into tropical gardening or houseplants.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bromeliads for the Comtemporary Garden, September 13, 2005

By 

Sandy "mermaid gardener" (Laguna) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden (Hardcover)

Filled with excellent color photos of plants in gardens as well as close, detail shots of fantastic bromeliads. Excellent section on care and problem solving. Good basic overview of this intriguing tropical species. Clear descriptions of plants and their needs, written for the gardener. Some images are so voluptuous they border on plant pornography; they ignite a desire to grow these tender beauties.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bromeliads !, January 14, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden (Hardcover)

This is an excellent hard cover 197 page book, jam packed with information on various species,cultivars & hybrids.It also includes general info on cultivation,watering,feeding,potting mixes,propagation,seed raising,pests etc.The information is very easy to absorb & understand.There are many beautiful colour pictures too.The book is suitable for both beginner bromeliad enthusiasts & those already passionate collectors!