Seedheads in the Garden [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Noël Kingsbury (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 29, 2006

Seedheads bring impact to late summer borders and linger to provide interest well into autumn and winter. They look dramatic set against a backdrop of fading flowers, associate well with grasses and native plants, and are key components of the naturalistic garden in which every phase of a plant is enjoyed from first shoot to final decay. After providing historical context, Noël Kingsbury explains how plants reproduce and participate in the garden's wider ecology, and explores seedheads' role in diverse gardens worldwide. At the heart of the book is a plant directory in which Kingsbury's hand-picked selection describes the particular characteristics of each plant's seedheads and grades them according to their value and persistence. Jo Whitworth's compelling photographs capture the individual character of each seedhead and open our eyes to the intricate shapes, tempting textures and dense monochromes of seedheads.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Prolific writer and designer Kingsbury focuses on a key element of the naturalistic garden style with which he is associated: the fading allure of plants flaunting their showy seedheads. Winter gardens have been all the rage; now Kingsbury accords the autumn season equal attention in his discussion of the ornamental cycle of grasses, flowers, and herbaceous perennials. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs, Kingbury's richly descriptive writing draws readers into a fascinating botanical realm where pods, papery seedcases, awns, and burrs dance on the wind, find their way to terra firma, and ultimately germinate, continuing the circle of life. Designing with seedheads utilizes their visual impact up close and from a distance. Presenting a wealth of options, Kingsbury acts as an aesthetic guide to seeing beauty from a wilder perspective while also explaining how to integrate seedheads into formal settings. With tips on cultivation and a comprehensive plant directory, Kingbury's latest should prove exciting for gardeners open to new ideas. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"This beautifully photographed book showcases the unusual textures and striking silhouettes of plants past their prime. ... If you aren't interested in the botany of seedheads, you'll find plenty of design ideas to keep you reading."
—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times, October 1, 2006 (Seattle Times )

"Garden books are often beautiful; they are often educational or useful. Less often they are all three. Kingsbury delivers the dramatic impact of nature's fantastic wombs."
—John Bagnasco, Garden Compass, September/October 2006 (Garden Compass )

"Noël Kingsbury and photographer Jo Whitworth capture the shapes, textures and, yes, drama of plants gone to seed. ... But just as important as the appreciation lesson is the book's plant directory, the only directory of plants chosen for their spectacular seedheads."
—Sharon Wootton, Olympia Olympian, September 30, 2006 (The Olympia Olympian )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (June 29, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881927961
• ISBN-13: 978-0881927962
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #949,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This would make a nice gift for the gardener, October 5, 2006

By 

Colleen Bachna "CJB" (NE OHIO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seedheads in the Garden (Hardcover)

This book has some beautiful close up photographs of seedheads. If you are looking for different ideas or ways to extend the life of your flowers, take a look at "Seedheads in the Garden." I plan to plant a few of the flowers next season, just to have their unique seedheads. This is a book many gardeners may not have seen yet, but will be glad to get for a Christmas gift this year.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What wonderful garden art, February 8, 2007

By 

Susan Parker "Landscape Designer" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Seedheads in the Garden (Hardcover)

I have extensively looked at the pictures, but have the written content still to read. The book made me realize just how much art is in the garden in fall and winter. Muted colors. Textures. Shapes. Contrasts. Themes.
Balance. Very valuable book for a designer and a lecturer.

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful book about creating a lovely garden year round, August 28, 2007

By 

Karyn W "blckwidow8" (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Seedheads in the Garden (Hardcover)

This is a very well put together book providing information and lots of photos about seedheads and their role in having a lovely garden. The writing is informative and layout of the book is easy to follow. There are many gorgeous photos with helpful tidbits. If you have a passion for flowers or just enjoy beautiful photos this is a great book to have.