Timber Press Pocket Guide to Hostas (Timber Press Pocket Guides) [Paperback]

Diana Grenfell (Author), Michael Shadrack (Author)

Book Description

Series: Timber Press Pocket Guides | Publication Date: September 7, 2007

Boasting diverse leaf shape, size, color, and texture, it is no wonder that hostas continue to reign as the most popular perennial plants in North America. Not only are they the supreme plant for shade, but they also can be used in the landscape either as striking specimen plantings or as accommodating companion plants. Few pests bother them, and little maintenance is required, making hostas even more attractive to busy gardeners.

Each year a staggering number of new hostas are introduced. To assist gardeners and landscapers in selecting the right hosta for a particular situation, veteran plantswoman Diana Grenfell has teamed up with distinguished photographer Mike Shadrack in selecting 280 of the best hostas. Ranging from tried and true favorites to cutting edge newcomers bursting with potential, each plant has been handpicked for its superb performance in the landscape. An additional 545 hostas are briefly mentioned.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the most important reference books a gardener can own." (Cleveland Plain Dealer )

"This compact book...describes 280 old and new cultivars, with ample advice for selecting and caring for them." (Philadelphia Inquirer )

"I would certainly recommend this book for those, like me, who have been severely bitten by the hosta bug."

(Washington Gardener )

About the Author

Diana Grenfell, a co-founder of the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society, is the author of The Color Encyclopedia of Hostas, The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hostas and The Gardener's Guide to Growing Daylilies. She operates the well-known nursery, Apple Court, at Lymington in Hampshire with her husband, Roger Grounds, author of The Plantfinder's Guide to Ornamental Grasses.

Michael Shadrack is a member of the British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society and the American Hosta Society. His interest in photography has led to a library of nearly 3200 hosta images, many of which have been published in books, magazines, and catalogs. He regularly lectures on hostas in Europe and North America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (September 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088192847X
• ISBN-13: 978-0881928471
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #561,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grenfell & Shadrack: Pocket Guide to Hostas, October 7, 2007

By 

Warrn I. Pollock - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Timber Press Pocket Guide to Hostas (Timber Press Pocket Guides) (Paperback)

This is another in the continuing series of Pocket Guides being published by Timber Press, more or less based on TP's comprehensive collection of authoritative books on a wide variety of gardening and horticultural subjects.

This volume, stemming from Diana Grenfell and Michael Shadrack's classic reference tome published in 2004, "The Color Encyclopedia of Hostas," will appeal to all gardeners and nursery people interested in hostas and want to know more about them.

In addition to being up to date with the inclusion of over 70 new introductions, it lists the tried and tested classic hostas enjoyed in numerous large and small gardens in North America and Europe.

Easy to carry around, the small volume is packed with information on cultural details, pest control and landscaping ideas. There are also succinct sections on history, botany and what to look for when purchasing hostas, an excellent index and a quick reference at the beginning on choosing hostas for different sites and climatic conditions.

The photographs clearly illustrate the wide variety of textures and shades of leaf color, as well as the sumptuousness of hostas with the largest leaves. In addition, they highlight the wide variety of different shapes in which hosta leaves are available.

Highly recommended for all gardeners and nursery people; a wealth of practical information at a bargain price.

Warren I. Pollock
Contributing Editor
"The Hosta Journal"

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, June 3, 2009

By 

Cheryl A. Wilson (indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Timber Press Pocket Guide to Hostas (Timber Press Pocket Guides) (Paperback)

This book is most helpful for the beginner and the "hostaholic". All the important cultivars are listed, plus many more expensive ones that the avid collector can strive to find. Lots of helpful tips and ideas on growing, displaying and collecting. It is a great field guide and great book to have on hand in your garden. AAAA rated by Cheryl's Gardens.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for the purpose it serves, September 29, 2009

By 

KublaiKhan (Rockford IL, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Timber Press Pocket Guide to Hostas (Timber Press Pocket Guides) (Paperback)

This is a wonderful little book. Excellent photos, and qutie comprehensive. However, it is not intended to be a treatise or all-inclusive book, so of course it doesn't have every last detail about every hosta every registered. It's portability is espcially appreciated, as it can easily be taken along on hosta hunting expeditions. Highly recommended.