As vibrantly practical as it is visually stunning, McVicar’s encyclopedic guide to approximately 150 of the most common, and several obscure, herbs more than lives up to its succinctly understated name. Beginning with an alphabetically organized directory spotlighting each herb in profiles featuring luscious full-color photographs and helpful sidebars, McVicar then branches out into in-depth discussions sure to interest herb enthusiasts in their coverage of harvesting techniques, methods for producing various herbal products, and stunning design plans for themed gardens. The reigning doyenne of British herbal gardening, McVicar is equally at home authoritatively addressing basic cultural information required by North American gardeners, including site selection, maintenance, propagation techniques, and pest and disease management. She also provides essential background on the herbs’ medicinal and culinary uses, artfully blending history and lore with contemporary knowledge. Elegantly showcasing herbs’ myriad applications and benefits, this one-stop resource will benefit gardeners at any skill level eager to work with these multipurpose plants. --Carol Haggas
Review
This affordable paperback is so well done that it will become dog-eared in my library.. ... sheer inspiration. (Maureen Gilmer, DIY Network
The Record (New York) 20080519)
This is the most efficient herb-garden guide on the market today ... sheer inspiration to the culinary aficionado. (Maureen Gilmer, DIY Network
Chicago Sun-Times 20080601)
A one-stop reference to the organic cultivation and use of more than 150 herbs. (
Back Home Magazine 20080601)
A comprehensive A-Z guide to the fascinating world of herbs... This new edition is updated and revised to include expanded entries for 40 additional herbs. (
HerbalGram 20080510)
Comprehensive ... practical.... Plant profiles include extensive data on plant culture and uses with clear photos for easy identification (
The National Gardener, National Garden Clubs, Inc. 20080426)
After learning about herbs' habits a gardener can try one of the 10 herb garden plans in The Complete Herb Book. (
Courier [Waterloo, IA] 20080404)
An amazing amount of information on organic gardening...in a layout that is easy to read and understand. (Joe Brouillette
Taste for Life 20090701)
As vibrantly practical as it is visually stunning, McVicar's encyclopedic guide... more than lives up to its name. (Carol Haggas
Booklist 20080913)
This affordable paperback is so well done that it will become dog-eared in my library. (Maureen Gilmer, DIY Network (wire story)
Post-Tribune (Merrittville, IN) 20080803)
Culinary uses, a few recipes, and medicinal uses are described... McVicar includes some hard-to-find exotics as well. (Jessie Milligan (wire story)
The Tampa Tribune 20100512)
Set up alphabetically by botanic name, and lavishly illustrated, this is a great book for the beginning herb enthusiast. (Susan Banks (LIFE news services)
Central Alberta Life (Red Deer) )
From A to Z, you will find all your herb needs here... This is a fine addition to the bookshelf. (Nancy Romanenko
Asbury Park Press (NJ) )
Revised and expanded...this established resource has become more useful the second time around. (Nester Mingstern
Bloomsbury Review )
This book includes descriptions, medicinal uses and recipes for more than 150 aromatic plants, from lemongrass to dandelion. (
Science News )
This extensive study of herbs is a pleasure to read... Entries are colorful and easy to read. (Mary-Liz Shaw
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel )
[Will] be appreciated not only by gardeners but also by anyone who cooks, creates, or heals with herbs. (
Today's Diet and Nutrition )
