Instructions In Gardening For Ladies
Unlock the timeless secrets of the garden with "Instructions in Gardening for Ladies" by the esteemed Mrs. Loudon. This enchanting guide, once lost to the sands of time, has been lovingly restored and republished by Alpha Editions, offering a rare glimpse into the art of 19th-century horticulture. Dive into a world where elegance meets practicality, as Mrs. Loudon expertly guides you through the seasons with wisdom and grace. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious novice, this book provides invaluable insights into cultivating beauty and tranquility in your own backyard. What makes this edition truly special is its status as a collector's item and cultural treasure. Out of print for decades, it now stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic literature, meticulously preserved for today's and future generations. Embrace the charm and knowledge of a bygone era, and let this beautifully restored classic inspire your gardening journey. Perfect for casual readers and collectors alike, "Instructions in Gardening for Ladies" is more than a book it's a legacy of elegance and expertise.
Peony
A beautifully illustrated cultural history of the silky flower. Peonies are among the most beloved flowers, with petals of the finest silk and often a distinctive perfume. Their large, flamboyantly colored blooms are attractive and photogenic, ideal for celebrations. Beyond the flowers, the colorful shoots add interest to any garden. Peonies appear in the art and literature of China, Korea, Japan, the classical Mediterranean, and medieval Europe. Charles Darwin, as a child, was sent to count the peonies in his family garden, his first exercise in scientific data collection. Superbly illustrated, and covering cultural as well as botanical details, this book is an ideal companion for plant lovers wanting to learn more about this fascinating flower.
The Maryland Master Gardener Handbook
The definitive guide to gardening in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic--from the experts at the University of Maryland Extension.Whether you're a novice or an expert gardener, The Maryland Master Gardener Handbook is the resource you need to grow a thriving garden in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region. This reference details plant terminology, gardening instructions, growing schedules, and species charts featuring color photographs for gardeners in Maryland.Chapters cover essential horticultural topics such as ecology, botany, soils, entomology, and plant diseases. In addition to educating gardeners about the basics, the handbook highlights sustainable gardening content such as the use and care of native plants, integrated pest management, water conservation, and best management practices for gardening in a changing climate. Diving deeper, the handbook also provides information on: - Plant nutrition- Composting and pruning- Weeds and lawns- Herbaceous plants and woody plants- Vegetables and fruits- Native plants, invasive plants, indoor plants, and plant propagation- Landscape design and conservation landscaping- Wildlife and woodlands- Garden tools and equipmentFinally, the guide includes diagnostic keys for all major plant groups and special keys for cultural and environmental problems, as well as information on structural and nuisance pests. Created as part of the curriculum of the University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program, The Maryland Master Gardener Handbook is the definitive resource for anyone looking to develop a green thumb.
Kew: The Apothecary’s Garden
For centuries we have harnessed the ancient wisdom of botanical healing, with plants used for a multitude of remedies that nurture both body and soul. Kew: The Apothecary's Garden is a fascinating exploration of nature's pharmacy and the healing power of plants, from soothing hops, chamomile and valerian, and invigorating guarana, maca and ginseng, to the infection-fighting turmeric and tea tree and the immunity-boosting turkey tail mushroom. Herbal remedies, natural tinctures, and the historical and botanical background of plants are revealed through expert text and beautiful illustrations from the renowned Kew archive. This curious history of plants that heal describes the incredible properties of over 60 species. Exploring the original folk remedies they inspired and the science behind them, this is the weird and wonderful story of how humans have harnessed nature's apothecary.
Wildflowers
Discover the fascinating stories behind around 300 species of wildflowers, and marvel at a botanical beauty and diversity you never knew existed. Did you know that orchids existed alongside dinosaurs? And that 30,000 plant species are used as medicine worldwide? In this stunning book, leading botanist Chris Thorogood brings you closer to 300 species of wildflowers through fascinating facts, plant profiles, and detailed illustrations. More than just meadows, discover wildflowers that are pollinated by birds, that look like stones, and that feed on the creatures around them. Humans have had a close relationship with wildflowers throughout history, from growing dahlias as crops and comfrey as medicine, to carrying posies to ward off the plague and roses down the aisle. Bringing together natural history, culture, food, medicine, and technology, this fascinating book will open your eyes to the botanical wonders all around us. With a guide to the wildflowers growing in every habitat, identification notes, a grow-your-own guide, and more, this is the ultimate flower lover's companion.
Secrets from the Flower Farm
What is the secret to growing abundant cut flowers even in unpredictable conditions? This complete guide to the seed-to-vase journey reveals how to grow flowers with incredible fragrance, embrace sustainability, and discover gorgeous new varieties of homegrown blooms.Flower farmer Rebecca Starling shares her secrets to successfully growing cut flowers for the home. Whether a growing space is large or small, it's remarkably easy to be surrounded by color for many months of the year. Flower-farm secrets include unusual, heirloom, and new plant choices; trending plants and flower fashion; cold-hardy, heat-tolerant, and drought-resistant plants; soil blocking and successful growing from seed; drying your own flowers; the importance of day length; low-maintenance plants for busy people; hero flowers for every season; and recipes for stunning arrangements. Secrets from the Flower Farm examines innovative ways of growing, and shares the clever plant choices that will produce armfuls of flowers to be cut for months on end.
Pansies
"This must-add to your garden library" is an indispensable guide to pansies--and a brand new way to look at the dazzling flower that brings drama, whimsy, and diversity to every garden and arrangement (Erin Benzakein, Floret). Pansies is the big idea flower book we've all been waiting for. While working at the famed Floret Flower Farm, Brenna Estrada was so inspired by the pansies being grown that she began to trial hundreds of varieties of pansies and violas on her own farm. Her innovative approach to growing in full sun results in pansies with long stems, breathtaking fragrance, and unique color. Filled with stunning photography, Pansies is perfect for growers, florists, artists, and collectors. Readers will discover: -The fascinating history of pansies and violas, from their origination as a wildflower to a necessary adornment in every household garden -Everything you need to know about growing pansies (and how to save pansy seeds!) -How to keep pansies healthy and resilient all year round -Inspiration for incorporating pansies in crafts, recipes, and in the apothecary -Inspiring examples of knockout bouquets and arrangements -Lush profiles on 50 varieties of pansies and violas available today
Sweet Pea School
From experienced flower farmer and reigning "Sweet Pea Queen" Marryn Mathis comes this gorgeous, instructive guide to growing and harvesting your own sweet peas. With their delicate petals, whimsical vines, and intoxicating scent, sweet peas are some of the most nostalgic and beloved blooms--and they're easy to grow. Known for the vibrant kaleidoscope of varieties she cultivates on her Washington farm, Marryn Mathis shares her deep knowledge and passion for sweet peas, taking you on an informative journey through her fields and teaching you how to plant, grow, harvest, and arrange a bounty of spectacular flowers. Inspired by Mathis's popular "Sweet Pea School" workshops, this gardening book is a master class in sweet peas, sharing: The history of this timeless flower Best practices for planting and growing An overview of popular varieties Step-by-step instructions for creating magnificent floral arrangements Plus, Mathis's inspiring personal story of becoming a flower farmer and building The Farmhouse Flower Farm Overflowing with stunning photos of colorful varietals, romantic bouquets, and gardens in full bloom, this modern guide to sweet peas is a must-have resource for gardeners, farmers, and florists of all levels, as well as designers and creatives eager for inspiration. EXPERT AUTHOR: Marryn Mathis (a.k.a. the Sweet Pea Queen) is a champion of and authority on sweet peas. Her Farmhouse Flower Farm is one of the foremost flower farms in the United States, with a robust mail-order business, social media following, and online and in-person workshops that regularly sell out. The farm was featured on the Magnolia Network's Growing Floret. COMPREHENSIVE FLOWER GUIDE: Sweet peas are beloved for their romantic petals, intoxicating scent, and range of vibrant colors, from pale peach to deep mauve. They're easy to grow--in pots or beds, for cut flowers or your garden--and they attract beneficial pollinators. Sweet Pea School is full of actionable advice and step-by-step instructions for planting, growing, harvesting, and arranging sweet peas, no matter your experience level. Flower farmers and gardeners looking for a hardworking resource and growing guide on sweet peas will find everything they need here. FLOWER LOVERS' GIFT: Brimming with gorgeous imagery of sweet peas on the vine, the farm at sunrise, and stunning floral arrangements, this volume offers an enchanting peek into the life of a flower farmer. It makes an inspired gift for hobbyists as well as experienced florists and gardeners. Flower lovers, design aficionados, and decorators will delight in the beauty and creative fodder in these pages. Display it on a coffee table alongside a vase or a beautiful tray. Perfect for: Gardeners of all levels Flower farmers, growers, and florists Followers of @thefarmhouseflowerfarm and those who have attended their workshops or buy their seeds People who enjoy flower arranging Interior designers and artists looking for inspiration Fans of Floret Farm Gift givers looking for a Mother's Day, housewarming, birthday, or holiday presents
