Cold climates, so the authors define, are regions in which winter temperatures can fall below 20 degrees. They list 50 of the most popular perennial groups and, within these groups, give details on 1,700 wild and cultivated varieties best suited to cold climates. There are in-depth profiles of each plant group and descriptions and specific growing details on each variety. Site, light, soil, and moisture requirements are given, along with instructions on planting, caring, and propagation. The authors also offer tips on using the plants as cut-and-dried flowers and on choosing companion plants. Part 2, "The Basics of Growing Perennials," is a crash course in perennial gardening, giving advice on preparing a site, buying potted perennials, composting, watering, mulching, fertilizing, weeding, staking, deadheading, pruning, winter protection, and problems such as diseases and insects.
George Cohen
From the Publisher
As many as 65 percent of America's gardeners live in colder regions, and based on extensive market research, gardeners in cold climates need, and are willing to pay for, quality information on growing healthy, hardy perennials. This handsome, comprehensive, and fully illustrated volume presents the 50 best perennials to grow in cold climates, as well as an encyclopedic listing of 1,700 garden-tested plant recommendations of the most hardy varieties. Gardeners will discover everything they could possibly want to know about raising perennials, including how to grow them, where to plant them, facts on soil types, companion plants, caring, pruning, trouble-shooting, and propagation. With tips, hints, and secrets from gardening professionals revealed throughout the book, this is truly the cold climate gardener's bible.
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