Encyclopedia of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates [Hardcover]

Will Giles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2007

With their bold foliage, exuberant colors, and luscious scents, exotic plants ignite curiosity and thrill the senses. Fortunately for gardeners in the world's temperate regions, it's not necessary to live in the tropics to experience spiky agaves, bright cannas, and the flame-like blooms of Strelitzia reginae.

The Encyclopedia of of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates showcases an unparalleled array of exotic plants sure to delight gardeners who covet their dramatic effects and flamboyant beauty. Drawing on his experience running the acclaimed Exotic Garden in decidedly un-tropical Norwich, England, Will Giles shows how—with a dash of insider know-how—a myriad of beguiling exotics can be persuaded to flourish in the unlikeliest places.

Lavishly illustrated, this book is an inspirational and authoratative resource. It will inspire gardeners to question conventional hardiness restrictions, experiment with new plants, and create gardens that are out of the ordinary.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is one of the most beautiful reference books of 2007.”

(Library Journal )

“The book is a must for everyone with a passion for exotic plants and 500 colour photographs in 440 pages make it good value for money.”

(Gardens Illustrated )

"The luscious photos of these unusual plants will seduce any gardener into planting a bed of these wild and exotic specimens. If your landscape needs a wake-up call, this book will be its three-alarm siren." Marianne Binetti, Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Seattle Post-Intelligencer )

"Well-written and full of good information on growing requirements. The images are plentiful, clear, and color-correct, providing plenty of inspiration to those gardeners living in cooler climates to try growing tropical exotics.” The American Gardener (American Gardener )

"Here's the book for you if you're a hopelessly adventuresome 'envelope-pusher' in the garden." George Weigel, Harrisburg Patriot News (Harrisburg Patriot-News )

“. . . a feast for gardeners who love a challenge and who embrace Giles’ adventurous spirit, his sense that the garden should be a place of fun, pleasure, and fulfillment. . . If his enthusiasm doesn’t get you, his gorgeous color photographs will.” (Ethel Fried Manchester Journal Enquirer )

From the Inside Flap

With their bold foliage, exuberant colours, and luscious scents, exotic plants ignite curiosity and thrill the senses. Fortunately for gardeners in the world's cooler regions, it's not necessary to live in the tropics to experience spiky agaves, bright cannas, and the striking flame-like blooms of Strelitzia reginae.

Showcasing an unparalleled array of exotic plants, this authoritative resource is sure to delight gardeners who covet their dramatic effects and flamboyant beauty. Drawing on his experience running the acclaimed Exotic Garden in decidedly untropical Norwich, England, Will Giles shows how—with a dash of insider knowledge—a myriad of beguiling exotics can be persuaded to flourish in the unlikeliest of places.

With more than 1500 species and cultivars described, the encyclopedia covers many plant groups, including aroids, bananas, gingers, bromeliads, cacti, yuccas, ferns, palms and more. Detailed cultivation advice enables gardeners of all levels to make informed choices from the expansive plant palette, and information on geographic origins, microclimates, and recommended nurseries in the United Kingdom and North America enhances this comprehensive volume.

Lavishly illustrated with over 500 dazzling colour photos, this vital reference will inspire gardeners to question conventional hardiness restrictions, experiment with new plants, and create gardens that are out of the ordinary.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 440 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881927856
• ISBN-13: 978-0881927856
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #954,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a must have for a gardeners reference library, November 26, 2007

By 

Sheri Ann Richerson "ExoticGardening.com" (Marion, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates (Hardcover)

Exotic plants, temperate climates - the possibilities' are endless if you know what temperature range a plant can withstand. High-impact plants are all the rage these days, and Will Giles profiles more than 1500 of them in his book Encyclopedia of Exotic Plants for Temperate Climates.
This book offers readers in cool climates information on exotic plants that can thrive in their region thus allowing them to introduce the flamboyant beauty of the tropics to their own backyard.
Many of the plants profiled are also photographed so that readers can see what the plant looks like. Latin as well as common names are used in each profile. Next is a listing telling of the plants hardiness and sun or shade requirements. This information is followed by a brief description of the plant.
This is a must have book that should be on the shelves of all serious gardeners' reference books.