Ferns for American Gardens [Paperback]

John Mickel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0028616189 | ISBN-13: 978-0028616186 | Publication Date: April 8, 1997 | Edition: 1

Here's the definitive book on the cultivation and ornamental use of hardy ferns and their allies. Written by the Curator of Ferns at the New York Botanical Garden, it describes -- in an alphabetical by genus format -- more than 400 types of ferns and many more subspecies, varieties, and cultivars. Each entry explains the fern's habit, frond size, color, hardiness zones, and ease of cultivation, and more. There are also chapters on fern structure and propagation, lists of specific ferns suited to varying growing condition, and an extensive source list, bibliography, glossary, and index of common names. Filled with more than 360 full-color photographs, Ferns for American Gardens is the ideal reference for gardeners eager to acquaint themselves with this wide-ranging and adaptable group of plants.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Mickel is the curator of ferns at the New York Botanical Garden, and he has included more than 400 types of ferns in this excellent reference source. Mickel begins with chapters on fern structure, fern growing and gardening with ferns, and fern propagation. Each entry in the list of ferns (arranged alphabetically by genus) covers foliage, habitat, method of culture and propagation, and suggestions on garden use and plant combinations. Appendixes include a list of ferns grown under various conditions, a list of fern societies, and a glossary. The finished book, a Garden Book Club selection, will have 360 color photographs. George Cohen --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Ferns for American Gardensby John T. Mickel, is both comprehensive and accessible. With detailed descriptions of more than 400 ferns and 350 photographs, this book offers enough to satisfy any fern collector, but there is plenty of practical advice for gardeners who just want to grow ferns."—American Gardener, May/June 2004 (American Gardener ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 370 pages
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; 1 edition (April 8, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028616189
• ISBN-13: 978-0028616186
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,371,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a well written and comprehensive study of ferns., June 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ferns for American Gardens (Paperback)

This book has excellent photographs and drawings, and describes in great detail the may species of ferns. The beginning of the book is technical, and defines the structural differences between fern types, how to recoginize the parts of a fern, etc. Anyone interested in growing wild or nursery-grown ferns should have this book in their collection. It will allow you to identify the ferns you have, or see in the forests.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ferns for everyone, June 17, 2004

By 

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

This review is from: Ferns for American Gardens (Paperback)

I love ferns and this is a great book full of usful info on where the plant comes from and how to grow them. The intro sections of the ferns are great, giving general info on the genus. The Photos are just fantastic and not just few but tons of them. Most of the entries have a little cheat sheet that gives the basics on every plant before the description. I especially liked the availability entry. It was all good and it felt easy to read. If I saw a fern in a book or store I could look it up and see if I should get it. A great job.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The very best book on fern gardening., April 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Ferns for American Gardens (Paperback)

John Mickel writes on ferns of the world that can be grown in American gardens. He writes first and foremost on how to grow any and all of the many ferns he describes and illustrates. This is not only accurate, it is almost a necessity for the fern or shade gardener.