Science and the Garden: The Scientific Basis of Horticultural Practice [Paperback]

David S. Ingram (Editor), Daphne Vince-Prue (Editor), Peter J. Gregory (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0632053089 | ISBN-13: 978-0632053087 | Publication Date: September 9, 2002 | Edition: 1

Most conventional gardening books concentrate on how and when to carry out horticultural tasks such as pruning, seed sowing and taking cuttings. This book is unique in explaining in straightforward terms some of the science that underlies these practices. It is principally a book of 'Why' - Why are plants green? Why should one cut beneath a leaf node when taking cuttings? Why do plants need so much water? But it also goes on to deal with the 'How', providing rationale behind the practical advice. The coverage is wide-ranging and comprehensive and includes the basic structure and functioning of garden plants, nomenclature, genetics and plant breeding, environmental factors affecting growth, methods of propagation and production, pest and disease control, and post harvest management and storage. Published on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society, this book will be a most valuable text for those sitting the RHS general examination, and horticultural students at certificate and diploma levels; it will also appeal to gardeners, growers and scientists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I know of no book that deals with this range of subjects. I am sure the book is needed and that it will be welcomed by the horticultural community."

"Professor Gregory and the other scientists involved are all first rate. A major point in favour of the project is the high level of competence that is available for quite a diverse range of subject matter."

"Wide ranging and comprehensive topics with jargon-free scientific explanations... an excellent book for an introductory planbt science or horticultural science course. One reason is that the authors do a very good job of explaining in straightforward terms the "why" or the science that underlies the horticultural or gardening practices.... edited and well written by a group of highly regarded scientists" Journal of Environmental Quality.

'This book is unique in that it comprehensively covers subjects that are normally dealt with in separate publications.... it would be a valuable addition t othe librarties of students of horticulture and other interested individuals.' Andrea Tietmeyer, Chicago Botanic Garden.

Review

"I know of no book that deals with this range of subjects. I am sure the book is needed and that it will be welcomed by the horticultural community."

"Professor Gregory and the other scientists involved are all first rate. A major point in favour of the project is the high level of competence that is available for quite a diverse range of subject matter."

"Wide ranging and comprehensive topics with jargon-free scientific explanations... an excellent book for an introductory planbt science or horticultural science course. One reason is that the authors do a very good job of explaining in straightforward terms the "why" or the science that underlies the horticultural or gardening practices.... edited and well written by a group of highly regarded scientists" Journal of Environmental Quality.

'This book is unique in that it comprehensively covers subjects that are normally dealt with in separate publications.... it would be a valuable addition t othe librarties of students of horticulture and other interested individuals.' Andrea Tietmeyer, Chicago Botanic Garden.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (September 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0632053089
• ISBN-13: 978-0632053087
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,329,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How science can directly affect one's garden, October 7, 2002

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Science and the Garden: The Scientific Basis of Horticultural Practice (Paperback)

Collaboratively compiled and edited by David S. Ingram (Master, St. Catherine's College, University of Cambridge, UK), Daphne Vince-Prue (Retired Lecturer, University of Reading and the first to develop the potted Chrysanthemum), and Peter J. Gregory (University of Reading), Science And The Garden: The Scientific Basis Of Horticultural Practice is an advanced resource of chemical, biological, and highly practical information about how science can directly affect one's garden. Individual chapters deal with the full range of relative issues including soil fertility, taxonomy, seasons and weather, the scientific repercussions of gardening in a greenhouse environment, and more. Familiarity with basic chemistry and other branches of agriculture-related science is very helpful, but not absolutely required for the non-specialist general reader to get the most out of Science And The Garden, one of the most educational and informative introductions to horticultural practices available today.