THE GARDENER’S GUIDE TO GROWING

DAYLILIES. Diana Grenfell. 1998. Tim-

ber Press Inc., 133 S.W. Second Ave.,
Suite 450, Portland, OR 97204-3527.

Book 160 p. 79 illus. $29.95 + S&H, hard-

cover. ISBN 0-88192-461-X.

Reviews In the United States, Hemerocallis

or daylily is the number two perennial
in sales. One of the main reasons for the
popularity of this plant is the introduc-
tion of new hybrids that are nearly
everblooming. Within the last few years,
several books on daylilies have been
CAMPANULAS: A GARDENER’S G UIDE. where and how they are grown (an- published. The Gardener’s Guide to
Peter Lewis and Margaret Lynch. other reason why keys are not reliable). Growing Daylilies is one of these books
1998. Timber Press Inc., 133 S.W. The species descriptions and specific and is part of the gardener’s guides
Second Ave., Suite 450, Portland, OR cultural information of each is pre- published by Timber Press. Other guides
97204-3527. 176 p. 75 color photo- sented alphabetically for ease of access. in the series discuss hellebores, hardy
graphs, 5 black and white photographs Overall, one could easily gain consider- geraniums, lilies, hostas, ivies, fritillar-

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and 70 line drawings. $34.95, hard- able understanding about the variety of ies, irises, peonies, clematis, and pents-
cover. ISSN: 0-88192-463-6. species and cultivars available and their temons.
general culture. This Guide is divided into 14 chap-
Having heard one of the authors The authors present an excellent ters that discuss botany, breeding, types
speak at a symposium in Edinburgh last account of the species and cultivars of of hybrids, cultivars, and cultivation.
summer, I was eagerly anticipating this Campanula and give considerable in- Chapters 1 and 2 discuss daylily botany
book on campanulas. I believe that I am formation on the cultivation and propa- and provide a guide to the species.
familiar with campanulas, still I was gation of the plants. However, I would These chapters are not technically writ-
impressed with the breadth of coverage think that gardeners, especially those ten and are aimed for an audience of
in this new, revised edition. The au- who have not grown campanulas but nonhorticulturists.
thors were able to grasp my attention would like to, would benefit from some More than half of the book is
with striking photographs and descrip- recommendation lists of select species devoted to chapters 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9.
tions of more than 140 species and and cultivars. While many recommen- The subjects of these chapters are re-
many cultivars of Campanula. dations are found throughout the book, lated discussing the various types of
The introduction gave the reader some simple lists such as a list of tried hybrids with specific cultivar examples.
a good understanding of the scope of and true campanulas or a list of the The section on hybrid terminology is
the book and explained why the au- “great travelers” would be quite helpful excellent (i.e., watermarks, eyes, blends,
thors chose to handle the treatment as to many readers. Also of interest would bands, crests, etc.). The section on
they did. They aptly explained that be lists of campanulas that would grow cultivar descriptions is very extensive
identification keys have not been in- well together for a border, rock garden, with many color photographs. The au-
cluded due to logistics and time. For or alpine garden. A list of several plants thor subdivides the cultivars into sev-
the gardeners the photographs are that, when grown together would give eral color classes. This is basically a
eminently more helpful, especially for a nice sequence of bloom, could be good idea; however, these classes are
the various cultivars. The brief history helpful. not defined. For example, what is the
was made more interesting by the in- Even without the suggested addi- difference in color among orange-red,
clusion of photographs of various his- tions, I found Campanulas: A Gar- scarlet, blood-red, rose-red, cranberry-
torical persons closely linked with the deners Guide to be an excellent source red, wine-red, and black-red? I thought
history of campanulas, but left the reader and guide book for anyone who enjoys scarlet was orange-red.
somewhat confused over the early bo- gardening with or wishes to adventure Chapter 7 is devoted to breeding.
tanical references to campanulas. A sec- into growing campanulas. For the com- The introduction of this chapter states
ond reading did prove to eliminate mercial grower, there is a list of seed that the only information needed for
some of the confusion. Unfortunately sources and considerable information breeding is a knowledge of flower struc-
some of the information included in the pertinent to inclusion of new campanu- ture and ploidy level. There is no men-
brief history was quite extraneous and las to their inventory of perennial plants. tion of genetics in the entire chapter!
in one case appeared to be a stray Of course, I have discovered several The chapter ends with an essay by
afterthought, which detracted from the campanulas that I look forward to add- David Kirchhoff discussing some of the
readability of the text and added no real ing to my garden. parents he used in breeding. I am not
significant information. On the other sure how this chapter will help anyone
hand, the chapter on classification and ALICE LE DUC breed daylilies.
general characteristics was nicely Department of Horticulture, The final section of the book pro-
handled. I found particularly interest- Forestry, and Recreation Resources vides information on growing daylilies
ing that campanulas vary considerably Kansas State University and daylily collections throughout the
in “size and outline” depending on Manhattan world. There are separate chapters on

●
July–September 1999 9(3) 507
North America, Europe, Australia, and ject of the most verbiage, both scientific ground long before the authors of Gen-
New Zealand. The appendices provide and lay. In the case of apple, there have esis”.
specific data on commercial growers been some interesting prose in the popu- The author visited The New York
and societies. lar press that I recommend, including Experiment Station in Geneva in New
There are several new books on the wonderful and authoritative The York and the book is redolent in
Hemerocallis. The first comprehensive Book of Apples (1993) by Joan Morgan Cornellians including Herb Aldwinkle,
book, Daylilies, was written by Arlow and Alison Richards, published in asso- Roger Way, Jim Cummins, Susan
Stout in 1934. From 1911 to 1948, ciation with the Brogdale Horticultural Brown, and Phil Forsline, to name a
Stout was involved in daylily research Trust of England; Pomona’s Harvest few. Still, Browning gets mixed up now
and breeding at the New York Botani- by H. Frederic Janson (1996), an illus- and again. He misses the big story of the
cal Garden. His research resulted in the trated chronicle of antiquarian fruit lit- triploid nature of ‘Jonagold’ and its
first pink and red cultivars. Stout’s book erature that has much information on relation to the pioneering work of John
was reprinted in 1986 by J.M. Dent and apples, and, although no longer new, I Einset, Charlotte Pratt, and Barbara
Sons in England. Since then, several need to mention a long profile (One Imhoffe. Included is the tragic story of
other books on Hemerocallis have been Hundred Thousand Varieties) by N.I. Vavilov, a martyr of science, as well
published: R.W. Munson, Jr. (1989), Berton Roueche that appeared in The as bits on Aimak Djangaliev, the Rus-
Hemerocallis, The Daylily; L. Hill and New Yorker (11 Aug. 1975). Finally, sian expert on the apples of Ama-Ata.
N. Hill (1991), Daylilies, The Perfect the late Miklos Faust had completed a There is much mouth watering descrip-
Perennial; and W. Erhardt (1992), manuscript “The Apple,” which, hope- tion of heirloom apples but, in my
Hemerocallis, Daylilies]. Each of these fully, will be published soon. experience, they usually disappoint; so

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books is an updated and modernized Apples, by Frank Browning, a Ken- much for nostalgia. I am pleased the
version of Stout’s book. tucky fruit grower, writer, and a re- PRI apple ‘Gold Rush’ was mentioned
Each updated volume has it’s porter for the National Public Radio, is in the appendix (Twenty or so Prize
strong points and weaknesses. Munson’s the latest contribution to apple lore. Apples), despite the misspelling. I pur-
book has the most comprehensive dis- This short book (241 pages) is one that chased a copy just before I received the
cussions on the history of daylily breed- apple lovers and knockers will want to review copy, which I promise to donate
ing and judging daylily flowers. It is add to their library, especially those for the ASHS auction next year. I urge
weak on species and cultivar descrip- with a historic bent. Browning has you to bid on it.
tions. Erhardt’s book has the most grafted much of the romance of apples
detailed species descriptions and is the and apple growing in a very unusual JULES JANICK
only book with a key to the species. and interesting way. For starters, who Purdue University
Erhardt’s book, however like Munson’s would have thought that the boy god West Lafayette, Ind.
book, is weak on cultivar descriptions. Apollo may in fact be a transmutation
Grenfell’s book has the most compre- of Balder, a Nordic God, who may be
hensive cultivar descriptions, but is weak related to the Norse word, abal, the THE COLOR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ORNA-
on breeding and species descriptions. origin of our word for apple. There is MENTAL G RASSES S EDGES , R USHES ,
All of the books, including Stout’s, are more than some might want to know RESTIOS, CAT-TAILS AND SELECTED BAM-
weak on basic biology, pathology, on the history of cider, the relation of BOOS. Rick Darke. 1999. Timber Press,
propagation, and genetics. They are all wassail to apples, and the images, erotic Inc., 133 S.W. Second Ave., Suite
written for the general gardening audi- and otherwise, of transected apples. 450, Portland, OR 97204-3527. 328
ence that has little or no knowledge of Throughout there is some great writ- p. 506 color photos. $49.95 + S&H.
scientific horticulture. ing; I quote a paragraph that caught my Hardcover. 0-88192-464-4.
Grenfell’s book is recommended eye to give the full flavor of the book:
for the amateur gardener, but not for “Should we call these brave new Rick Darke’s Color Encyclopedia
the professional horticulturist. orchards “natural”? The only genu- of Ornamental Grasses is a major con-
inely honest answer is that nature her- tribution to this group of ornamental
R.J. GRIESBACH self is a trick, a confection of Enlighten- plants. He has collected information,
Floral and Nursery Plant ment thinking, a projection to some photos, and history from floras and
Research lost pristine paradise that periodically references throughout the world. The
U.S. National Arboretum resurfaces in utopian fantasies. Neither photographs are exquisite. They are
USDA–ARS today’s apples nor Grandad’s was natu- worth the price of the book alone, to
Beltsville, Md. ral. Aside from stumbling across see the clarity and beauty of the grasses,
Thoreau’s scattered fence-row seed- many which have not been pictured
lings, to find a truly wild apple we will elsewhere and are notorious for being a
A PPLES . Frank Browning. 1998. have to march backward through the difficult group of plants to photograph.
North Point Press, A division of Farrar, millennia, across an ocean into the faded There are six chapters before the
Straus and Giroux, 19 Union Square tunics of Mesopotamia and onto the encyclopedia, three of which tell their
West, New York, NY 10003. 241 p. backs of donkeys and horses across the story in photos with descriptive cap-
$27.00 hardcover. ISBN 0-86547- mountains of the Caucasians, and into tions: The Beauty of Grasses; Learning
537-7 the lands of the Uzbeks and the Kazakhs, from Grasses in Native Habitats; and
up the streams running through the Designing with Grasses.
Among all fruit crops, apple and town of Almaty, called “the father of Learning from Grasses in Native
winegrape probably have been the sub- apples,” where the first fruit fell to the Habitats is a pictorial look at habitats

508 ●
July–September 1999 9(3)
throughout the world. The photos cap- group of South African rushlike plants, Each individual garden rates one-
ture the beauty of grasses in their natu- in the Restionaceae family, which occur half to three pages depending on its
ral settings: during rice harvest, a in the Southern Hemisphere, especially scope and importance. Details of its
meadow in Pennsylvania, or the moun- South Africa. Restios have a strong history, design, and special collections
tains of Japan. resemblance to horsetails. are developed in interesting storybook
The design chapter recommends There is an extensive bibliography fashion rather than a tedious listing of
allowing grasses to “interplay with other with newest taxonomic references. facts. Necessary information on address
perennials, annuals, biennials, trees and Darke splits Stipa into several new gen- and general location, times of opening,
shrubs. Gardens must be at once inspir- era, clarifies the confusion on several available amenities, and plant hardiness
ing and conserving, high-spirited and other names in the trade such as Carex zone are provided in concise form at the
low maintenance. They must reflect nigra and C. flacca; Miscanthus end of each entry. Almost every garden
and sustain the rhythms of our lives and floridulus and M. giganteous; and is documented with at least one lavish
our homes, and they must speak to us Calamagrostis xacutiflora ‘Stricta’ and color photograph; some with more than
eloquently of the sun and seasons. De- C. xacutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’. A large, one.
lightfully, grasses are sympathetic to all color, European hardiness zone map, This book may well serve as an
these ideals.” Many of these photos which is rarely seen, is also included. inspiration and initial information source
show the same setting at different times This book will be useful to design- for those ASHS members considering a
of the year, reflecting seasonal beauty ers, home gardeners, nursery people, Horticultural Landmark nomination.
and variation. Some of the photos were and educators. Although there are sev- The book seems to be constructed to
first shown in Darke’s Ornamental eral books on ornamental grasses, I withstand heavy use; perhaps even in

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Grasses for your Garden (1994. predict Darke’s book will become the the glove compartment or other stor-
Darke stresses getting to know the standard reference. age area in the car.
direction, strength, and periods of sun- Most publishers are anxious to
light in your garden. “Think of the MARY HOCKENBERRY MEYER provide review copies. But in this case
times of day a garden path will be used University of Minnesota my two requests went unanswered. So,
and the direction form which the sun- St. Paul I had to buy the book to provide the
light will be coming when planting a review. Well, that just goes to show you
grass such as Chasmanthium the dedication of some Book Review
latifolium,” he advises. Grasses and N ATIONAL G EOGRAPHIC G UIDE TO Editors.
conifers are similar, having much of AMERICA’S PUBLIC GARDENS. 1998. Mary
their appeal based on texture and form Zuazua Jenkins. National Geographic DONALD N. MAYNARD
rather than on colorful flowers. Ex- Society, 1145 17th St. N.W., Washing- University of Florida
amples are given of combinations of ton, D.C. 20036-4688. 384 p. soft- Bradenton
grasses and bulbs, Sporobolus heterolepis cover, $25.00. ISBN 0-7922-7152-1.
and Narcissus ‘Hawera’; and decorative
container ideas such as hakone grass This book may well be worth its WILD ORCHIDS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA,
and bluelyme grass. weight in gold if you are planning to A BOTANICAL TRAVELOGUE. Philip E.
The three chapters Families of drive to the ASHS Annual Conference Keenan. 1998. Timber Press, 133 S.W.
Grasses and Their Relatives, The Names in Minneapolis this summer. Or, per- Second Ave., Suite 450, Portland, OR
of Grasses, and Growing and Maintain- haps you are planning a family vacation 97225. 321 p. $39.95, hardbound.
ing Grasses contain complete informa- on the highways. What better way to ISBN 0-88192-456-3.
tion and text including line drawings escape the noise and rage of the inter-
and photos of cultural practices such as state highway than to relax for a couple Philip Keenan is a gifted photog-
division or cutting back in the spring. of hours in the serene surroundings of rapher whose photographs have been
The most recent information on a restful garden? This handy little book annually featured in the American Or-
new pest problems Miscanthus mealy describes 300 of the best gardens in the chid Society’s magazine Orchids.
bug and foliage leafspots are discussed. United States and Canada, so you are Keenan has driven and flown >100,000
Darke has a realistic look at grasses as almost certain to pass near one or more of miles and walked several hundred more
invasive plants, from a garden view or these gardens, whatever your destination. in search of native North American
an ecosystem. He cites problem species The U.S. portion of the book is orchids. This book describes his
and where they have become invasive. arranged by geographical regions from struggles to find and photograph these
The bulk of the book is the ency- east (New England) to west (the Pa- orchids.
clopedia of hundreds of grasses and cific) and further subdivided into states Most native North American or-
grasslike plants. Darke pays particular within each region. Gardens are listed chids are very rare and elusive. Many
attention to native habitat and how that in 43 states and the District of Colum- grow in nearly inaccessible habitats such
will affect garden culture. bia. Other states may not have gardens as floating sphagnum bogs. Once found,
He includes history and origin of of sufficient merit to be listed or the however, the journey is far from over.
cultivars and details from grass experts author was not aware of them. The Native North American orchids, unlike
from around the world. Carex, for ex- Canadian portion is arranged similarly their tropical relatives, have a short
ample, include 45 species, and many with listings from Nova Scotia to Brit- blooming period that is highly depen-
more cultivars. Over 20 pages are de- ish Columbia. There did not appear to dant upon the weather. One must time
voted to Miscanthus. New and unusual be any particular scheme for listing of their visit with the ever changing bloom-
plants are described, such as restios, a gardens within a state. ing season! Because most people will

●
July–September 1999 9(3) 509
never be able to see their native orchids subjects are intertwined: the history of concentrates on tools, techniques, para-
in flower, books like Philip Keenan’s gardens, usually concerned with es- phernalia, and devices. It is truly a his-
hold a great interest. In the past, Niles thetics and rightly belongs to the sphere tory of garden activities rather than
(1904) (Bog Trotting for Orchids) and of landscape design and architecture, esthetics and will be of most interest to
Morris and Eames (1929) (Our Wild and the history of gardening, more horticulturists, in contrast to landscap-
Orchids) have written similar books. allied to what we now think of as hor- ers, designers, and architects. Unfortu-
These books are delightful reading, but ticulture. There are great collections of nately, the illustrations in the reprint are
are very outdated. The face of North these books many in specialized librar- not as crisp as the original and, worse,
America has changed considerably since ies in the United States, e.g., Dumbarton the color plates have been converted to
1929. Keenan provides a modern ac- Oaks, Washington, D.C.; The Hunt black and white. The original book sold
count of the search for wild orchids. Botanical Library, Pittsburgh; The Mas- for $24.95; this inferior reprinted ver-
Wild Orchids Across North America sachusetts Horticultural Society, Bos- sion costs five bucks more but, consid-
is divided into seven sections: Alaska, ton; and the National Agricultural Li- ering inflation, is a good buy. I recom-
Canada, New England, mid-Atlantic/ brary, Maryland. A quarterly scholarly mend that gardening history buffs add
midwestern states, southeastern states, journal (Journal of Garden History) is this to their library especially those with
western states, Botanist’s Notebook, now devoted to this field. There is a a love for gadgets and gizmos, but my
and Appendix. Each chapter focuses on tremendous number of historical gar- suggestion is to find a used copy of the
a particular species. Besides providing a den books, most profusely illustrated, original edition; you will get more for
travelogue, Keenan provides additional with many devoted to particular eras or less.
details on orchid biology, ecology, his- locations. A splendid example is the

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tory and conservation. Of course, there Gardens of Pompeii by Wilhelmina F. JULES JANICK
are many color photographs (170). One Jashemski (1979). For those interested Purdue University
of the most impressive pictures is a in garden history and who wish to start West Lafayette, Ind.
clump of Isotria medeoloides with four a collection on a particular period, I
flowering stems all in prime condition recommend you contact Elisabeth
(p. 106)! This is the rarest orchid in Woodburn, Books at Hopewell, N.J.
North America. The very few people (609-466-0522) and get on the mail- FLORIDA WILDFLOWERS IN THEIR NATU-
whom have seen this plant have seen it ing list to receive ongoing catalogues. RAL COMMUNITIES . Walter Kingsley
in flower, much less with four flowers. The illustrations used in the general Taylor. 1998. University Press of
The Botanist’s Notebook section history of gardens and gardening are Florida, 15 Northwest 15th St.,
is a great addition to the book. This often derived from common sources. Gainesville, FL 32611. 370 p. 500
section discusses many of the difficult Many of the historical illustrations are color photos. 12 figures. 5 maps.
aspects of orchid identification. Keenan derived from Marie Louise Gothein’s $24.95, softcover. ISBN 0-8130-
provides a good diagnostic key for the classic work Geschiechte der 1616-9.
myriad of little-green-flowered species. Gartenkunst (History of Garden Art),
Other chapters in this section focus on first published in 1913, and from Sir Florida’s terrestrial wildflowers
Spiranthes and Goodyera. The Appen- Frank Crisp’s unbelievable collection are discussed and categorized in this
dix contains a species checklist and iden- called Medieval Gardens, printed in new field guide according to their
tification synopsis. The identification two volumes in 1924 (reprinted by natural communities. This novel ap-
synopsis section describes the habitat Hacker Book, 1966). For scholarly treat- proach is so practical, even a novice to
for each of the species. This informa- ments of various historical eras of gar- wildflower identification should be
tion is lacking in most guide books of den design, I recommend the various placed at ease. Guesswork narrows
North American orchids. monographs from the Dumbarton Oaks considerably if you know what plant
I strongly recommend this book Colloquium on the History of Land- communities are found around the
for anyone interested in native North scape Architecture. In contrast, the best state of Florida and, since Walter Kings-
American flora. popular history on gardening is still ley Taylor provides excellent descrip-
Richardson Wright’s The Story of Gar- tions and locations of Florida’s plant
R.J. GRIESBACH dening, published in 1934 by Dodd, communities, plant identification is
U.S. National Arboretum Meade & Co. much less cumbersome. Conversely,
USDA–ARS Popular coffee table books on gar- knowing the location of its commu-
Beltsville, Md. dens and gardening include The Gar- nity facilitates finding a plant species.
den: An Illustrated History by Julia This is particularly useful for locating
Berrall (1966), A History of Gardens the various wildflowers of limited dis-
AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF GARDENING. and Gardening by Edward Hyamn tribution.
Anthony Huxley. 1978. Paddington (1971), The History of Gardens by Taylor had two motivations in
Press, New York; 1998. Reprinted by Christopher Thacker (1977), and An writing this book: first, to help the
Lyons Press, 123 West 18th Street, Illustrated History of Gardening by reader discover, learn and enjoy Florida
New York, NY 10011. 368 p., 500 Anthony Huxley (1978). This latter wildflowers and, second, to motivate
b&w illustrations. $35.00. ISBN 1- work has been republished by Lyons the reader to be actively involved in
55821-693-6 Press in 1998 with a new Foreword by protecting and preserving these plants
Charles Elliott. Huxley, the indefati- and their natural communities. He
The history of gardens and gar- gable editor of the Royal Horticultural has included 175 species that are en-
dening has an enormous literature. Two Society’s Dictionary of Gardening, demic in Florida. A number of these

510 ●
July–September 1999 9(3)
species have such limited distribution ences, an index to people and places, every assignment of scientific names
that they have never been documented and an index to species and families. nor the taxonomic ranking of each
photographically in a book of this type Overall, Florida Wildflowers in taxon, the plants are consistently and
before. He repeatedly stresses the fra- their Natural Communities is a thor- logically presented. The use of example
gility of certain communities and the ough, well- considered field guide. It plant taxa in definitions in the glossary
plants that reside in them. Federally should be kept in the car rather than is a nice feature for students.
endangered or threatened species are on the bookshelf. Florida students in introductory
specifically noted and he consistently plant materials courses and Florida in-
notes a plant’s uniqueness as an en- TERESA K. HOWE dustry or extension personnel inter-
demic. PanAmerican Seed Company ested in plant identification will find the
This book is divided into two Palmetto, Fla. text useful. While the title of the text
major parts. Part I describes in detail, implies that the book is intended for a
Florida’s major terrestrial communi- wide geographic region, and in fact the
ties. He discusses pine flatwoods, san- back cover carries the banner “Plant
dhills, clayhills, scrubs, temperature LANDSCAPE PLANTS FOR SUBTROPI- selection and care for USDA zones 8 to
hardwood forests, coastal uplands, CAL CLIMATES. Bijan Dehgan. 1998. 11”, the information presented on cul-
rockland pinelands, rockland hard- University of Florida Press, 15 North- tural considerations is almost exclu-
wood hammocks, and ruderal sites. west 15th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611. sively geared to Florida. This severely
Geology, topography, history, and 638 p. Line drawings. $24.95, soft- limits the utility of the text for students
field biology are combined to orient cover. ISBN 0-8130-1628-2. and professionals in other regions. A

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the reader to the complexities of the detailed discussion in the introduction
various plant communities. Valuable Landscape Plants For Subtropi- concerning the climates, soils, other
information about the locations of cal Climates is, as the name implies, a cultural conditions associated with the
these communities is provided so that plant materials text for subtropical cli- different regions in the state of Florida
finding plant species among the third mates. Discussions of plant groupings might allow greater extrapolation of
largest flora in the lower 48 states is are arranged in a taxonomic hierarchy. information presented about plant taxa
easy. Part II of Taylor’s guide is a Major headings include ferns, gymno- to other regions with similar conditions
listing of the species by plant commu- sperms, angiosperms—monocots, and or might allow recognition of limita-
nity. Further, he organized the species angiosperms—dicots. Within these tions related to plant usage in similar
alphabetically by family, then genus. larger categories, plants are covered USDA zones that have different pre-
Each of the more than 450 species alphabetically by family and then ge- cipitation patterns, soils, etc.
listed includes a color photograph, nus. For each family information on Green industry professionals in the
common name, synonym, botanical genera covered, geographic distribu- southern United States in USDA zones
description, flowering time, habitat, tion, growth habit, description of leaves, 8, 9, and 10 outside Florida will likely
range, comments on status as threat- flowers, and fruit, and economic uses find that Riffle’s (1998) The Tropical
ened, endangered or endemic and are included. In addition to the plant Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic
conservation information. Care must discussions, a short introductory sec- Landscape Plants and Odenwald and
be used when using the species de- tion dealing with plant taxonomy and a Turner’s (1996) Identification, Selec-
scriptions. Each plant is only listed few key plant morphology features used tion, and Use of Southern Plants for
once and even though Taylor does in identification are included. A glos- Landscape Design (3rd ed.) provide
cross-reference a species to other habi- sary of plant identification terms and an cultural and design information more
tats, this may cause confusion. For index round out the book. readily extrapolated to their regions.
example, shiny blueberry (Vaccinium The bulk of the information in the However, the costs of both of these
myrsinites) is listed for pine flatwoods text is presented in an encyclopedic texts are two or more times that of
and it is noted in the habitat section of format and is of good technical quality. Dehgan’s text. Professionals on the
the description as also being found in For each species listing a pronunciation western coast of North America, North-
scrubs, upland mixed forests and san- guide, one or more common names, ern Mexico, and the warmer regions of
dhills. However, shiny blueberry will derivation of the scientific name, growth the southwestern U.S. will likely find
not be listed under these other habitat form, size, hardiness zone, native habi- the Sunset Western Garden Book
sections of the species descriptions. tat, descriptions of leaves, stem, bark, (Brenzel, 1995) to be more directly
The reader must be diligent in becom- flowers, and fruit, cultural information, applicable for cultural information and
ing actively involved with the com- potential problems (diseases, pests, etc.), appropriate species selection, although
plete text to use it successfully. propagation information, potential probably not for plant identification
One of the most valuable parts of landscape uses, and a short comments issues.
Taylor’s book is the 13-page Places to section are included. Related species or Direct alternatives for use as plant
Visit section. Here he lists the various subtaxa are sometimes mentioned un- materials texts for Florida in the same
plant communities’ locations through- der the comments section for each spe- general price range as Dehgan’s book
out the state by county. Most of these cies, but little information beyond a are two older books: Florida Land-
are preservation areas such as parks, name is provided for these additional scape Plants: Native And Exotic (re-
but a few are simply areas he directs taxa. The range of species covered is vised ed.) by Watkins and Sheehan
the reader to by mentioning major fairly extensive and line drawings assist (1975) and Florida, My Eden: Exotic
roadways and county lines. Taylor in- in visualization of features. While not all and Native Plants for Use in Tropic
cludes a long list of selected refer- taxonomic authorities will agree with and Subtropic Landscape by Stresau

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July–September 1999 9(3) 511
(1986). Watkins and Sheehan’s text is requirements (i.e., soils and climate), though Richard Widmer was my un-
arranged similarly to Dehgan’s, but is general botany and phenological char- dergraduate advisor at the Univ. of
less technically exhaustive in descrip- acteristics of the crop, cultivar devel- Minnesota and also was the unofficial
tions and thus somewhat more read- opment, cultural management (e.g., advisor for my MS degree. I feel no guilt
able. In several respects, Dehgans’ text propagation, fertilization, pest man- at reviewing his book, however, as he
can be thought of as an updated version agement), harvesting and postharvest always was candid with me when I was
of Watkins and Sheehan’s book. management, and crop use. a student and I always have been candid
Stresau’s book offers a plant materials There are several minor draw- with him. I felt that my experiences at
text presented from a landscape backs to what is otherwise a very good the Univ. of Minnesota helped me in
architect’s perspective. Stresau’s text is book. There is an inadequate descrip- the review of this very thorough book.
arranged by landscape usage catego- tion of subtropical climates; sections I use the word thorough for a very
ries, is less technical in descriptions, and of text are not referenced frequently good reason—it is a thorough review.
less extensive in species coverage than enough, thus making identification of The only way an author could get such
Dehgan’s book, but provides color the source of information difficult; information is to dig for it in whatever
plates for all major taxa and is written in references cited in the text are listed in archives are available, to interview people
a style that may appeal to the less- either the chapter or at the end of the about the history of their establish-
structured plant materials student. book, which makes the reader search ments, and to know the people in-
in two places for a citation and; some volved in Minnesota floriculture for the
MICHAEL ALOYSIUS ARNOLD information from major, well-estab- last 4 decades. Many readers, unaware
Dept. Horticultural Sciences lished research work is not used and of the families involved in the industry,

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Texas A&M Univ. referenced. One major defect is the might want to skip over several pages
College Station specific pesticide recommendations they may consider to read like Genesis
made in the pest management sec- with all the “begats,” but those lineages
tions of some chapters. These should are very revealing. Why did some green-
TROPICAL FRUITS. H.Y. Nakasone and be removed before reprinting this oth- house firms thrive briefly and then com-
R.E. Paull. 1998. CAB International, erwise excellent book. pletely disappear while others thrived
New York, NY. 445 p. 35 color plates. Despite the problems mentioned generation after generation?
Many botanical drawings and black above, Tropical Fruits is a valuable One can tell when one is reading
and white photographs. $50.00, soft- update to Fruits of Warm Climates the book that Widmer is not only en-
cover. ISBN 0-85199-2544. (J.F. Morton, 1987), which also de- thusiastic about the history of floricul-
scribes many tropical and subtropical ture in Minnesota but also is proud of
Tropical Fruits will appeal to fruit crops. Tropical Fruits is ideal as Minnesota horticulture in general.
students, extension faculty, research a textbook for undergraduate horti- Three public parks had been donated
scientists, teachers, commercial grow- cultural students and as an introduc- by individuals in St. Paul in 1849, be-
ers, and fruit enthusiasts interested in tory text for a graduate level course on fore New York City had its Central
tropical and subtropical fruit crops. tropical fruit culture. The book is also park. These green spaces revealed an
The book describes the cultural prac- a valuable reference for extension fac- appreciation of the public for grass and
tices for five major fruit crops (i.e., ulty and commercial producers. The trees 150 years before some other cities
banana, mango, pineapple, avocado, price ($50.00) for this softcovered discovered this innovative idea. The
and papaya) and many other commer- book is reasonable. role of the university in the develop-
cially important tropical and subtropi- ment of horticulture also is mentioned.
cal fruit crops (e.g., guava, carambola, JONATHAN H. CRANE Daniel A. Robertson, the first president
litchi, and passion fruit). Regionally University of Florida of the Minnesota State Horticultural
important fruit crops of the Asian Homestead Society (1866), also was the first Univ.
(e.g., durian, mangosteen, and jack- of Minnesota professor of agriculture
fruit) and American tropics (e.g., (1869) and Samuel Green was its first
acerola and sapodilla) are also de- A HISTORY OF MINNESOTA FLORI- professor of horticulture (1888). In
scribed. The book has 35 very good CULTURE. Richard E. Widmer. 1997. 1895, the Horticulture Department
color plates and numerous excellent University of Minnesota Agricultural was offering five courses in horticul-
botanical illustrations, black and white Experiment Station Report 238-1997, ture, several years earlier than such a
photographs, figures, and tables. MES Distribution Center, 1420 Eckles course was available at universities that
The book begins with a chapter Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108-6069. later developed strong reputations in
on climates and soils of the tropics and 232 p. 49 black and white photos. horticulture.
a chapter on general fruit culture and The history of Minnesota floricul-
postharvest handling. These chapters Barbara Gastell, in her article “A ture also is a good case study on the
set the stage for the 12 chapters that Strategy for Reviewing Books for Jour- economic and social changes that oc-
describe the culture of specific fruit nals” (HortScience 31:635–637), ques- curred. The flu epidemic after World
crops. The sequence of information in tions the advisability of someone to War I, which caused so many deaths,
each chapter (or section within a chap- review a book if the author were a also gave birth to many new green-
ter) follows logically from botanical former mentor or student, as a conflict houses as the demand for flowers in-
classification, important genera and of interest could occur. Her advice is to creased. The optimism of society in the
species within the family, origin and suggest another candidate for the re- 1920s is substantiated by the contin-
distribution of the crop, ecological view. I did not follow her advice, al- ued increase in greenhouse construc-

512 ●
July–September 1999 9(3)
tion and new firms during that period. his is in the caption for one photograph dener. Embryo culture techniques make
The increase was not confined to the that states John Erwin is on the left and it possible to germinate seed from crosses
Twin Cities but also occurred in small Mark Strefeler is on the right, while it is that have a weak embryo.
towns throughout the state. Twin City really the reverse. Widmer also listed The cultivation of lilies is reviewed,
growers who had supplied small town people affiliated with the Univ. of Min- covering phases such as bulb, site, and
florist shops with plants and flowers lost nesota who became ASHS presidents, soil selection; light requirements; wa-
those customers who began to buy but he neglected to mention Russell tering; and mulches.
locally grown products. Then the de- Larson, who obtained three degrees in Two chapters cover pests—aphids,
pression came along, and expansion horticulture from the university and bulb mites, and nematodes—and dis-
declined but did not stop completely. eventually attained the position of pro- eases, including viruses and their iden-
There is a saying in commercial floricul- vost at Pennsylvania State Univ. tification, transmission, and control.
ture that “when times are bad business I can’t think of any one aspect of Lily growers will appreciate the list of
is good” because the more expensive floriculture that Widmer doesn’t cover varieties that are tolerant or virus free.
recreational activities are curtailed and in this comprehensive history. Such Other diseases are described with con-
gardening is enhanced. World War II histories can only be written if the trol indicated: root rot, botrytis, and
caused a decline in the availability of historian is willing to spend a great deal damping off of seedlings.
labor and supply shortages, but flori- of time and effort on such a project, and Section two may be of greatest
culture still flourished. they usually cannot expect a large audi- interest to the lily fancier. Chapter VI
The advent of jet freight brought ence. Perhaps some readers of this re- describes >85 species, many of which
cut flowers from Florida and the West view will have contemplated writing a have one or more botanical varieties.

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Coast, and cut flower growers in Min- history of their segment of horticulture. Each species description includes com-
nesota were hard pressed by the compe- I strongly recommend A History of ments on the origin of the species name,
tition. The problem was intensified Minnesota Floriculture as a good ex- country of origin, date of introduction,
when the cultural technology improved ample of a thorough compilation of growth characteristics, and important
in Central and South America, and the historical facts. varieties or hybrids.
same need for change occurred in Min- The chapter “Hybrid lily classifi-
nesota as in all other states. Some grow- ROY A. LARSON cation” presents the eight divisions of
ers solved the problem by going out of North Carolina State University lily hybrids developed by the Royal
the flower business, while others Raleigh Horticultural Society in 1964. The
changed the crop they were growing. North American Lily Society in 1995
Although Minnesota winters can revised this into 10 divisions, because
be harsh and make greenhouse heating LILIES: A GUIDE FOR GROWERS AND many newer hybrids are produced from
expensive and deliveries sometimes COLLECTORS. Edward Austin McRae. more detailed pollination, seed germi-
impossible, Widmer and the growers 1998. Timber Press, Inc., 133 S.W. nation, and embryo culture.
do not pay attention to hardships as Second Avenue, Suite 450, Portland, The three most important groups
much as most outsiders would. OR 97204-3527. 392 p. 27 line draw- of hybrids—Asiatic hybrids, Chinese
Widmer is quite candid about the ings. 108 color photos. 4 botanical trumpets, and oriental hybrids—are each
impact that curtailment of state and paintings. $34.95 + 5.50 S&H. ISBN considered in separate chapters. A chap-
federal funds is having on horticulture 0-88192-410-5. ter on polyploid lilies begins with an
programs, not only in Minnesota but in explanation of polyploidy followed by a
almost every state. He seems particu- This is a book for lily growers, discussion of some of the important tetra-
larly to regret the loss of the one-on- amateur or professional. Chapter I de- ploid lilies. The final section includes other
one relationships that growers and aca- scribes the genus Lilium, botanically topics, starting with exhibiting lilies as a
demic personnel enjoyed in the past. I and horticulturally, and the several varia- way of seeing new hybrids firsthand.
cannot think of anyone who was more tions or forms of the bulb, stems, leaves, Other chapters include hybridiz-
adept at this form of communication flower types, inflorescence, and seed ing, lilies around the world, lily bulb
than Widmer. He had an advantage in capsule. production in Oregon and Washing-
that most Minnesota growers were in Chapter II deals with lilies as a ton, and commercial cut flower and
the Twin Cities area, but he did not garden or woodland plant with a list of potted plant production. The final chap-
confine his technical assistance to local species and hybrids suitable for these ter comments on >30 persons world-
growers. He also stressed the need for locations. Other uses include rock gar- wide who have contributed to our
support from industry for academic dens, with shrub plantings, in contain- knowledge of lilies.
programs, and few growers’ associa- ers, and how to recycle the lily used as McRae is a professional lily grower
tions exemplify that support better than a potted plant. and hybridizer, and the book is written
Minnesota growers. Lily propagation is described con- for either the gardener or commercial
As is true of every book that an cisely, with excellent illustrations. It is grower in an easily read manner. A glos-
author has the courage to write, this essential to know the germination type sary of terms, a short bibliography of
one is not free of mistakes. In a discus- of each lily propagated by seed to pro- books on lilies, and >100 color photos add
sion on the successful solution to the vide the proper environmental condi- to the value of the book to the reader.
chrysanthemum stunt problem, tions. Vegetative methods are described:
Widmer credits Curt J. Olson, but the bulb division, bulb scales, bulblets, and CONRAD B. LINK
plant pathologist’s name was Conrad J. bulbils. Tissue culture is reviewed as a University of Maryland
Olson. One error that probably wasn’t laboratory technique and for a gar- College Park

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July–September 1999 9(3) 513
EDIBLE LEAVES OF THE TROPICS. 3rd able. Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) leaves as well as to those who will use
ed. Franklin W. Martin, Ruth M. has joined his “top ten,” replacing it in their work and to add diversity to
Ruberté, and Laura S. Meitzner. 1998. cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta). The their diet. Personally, I now view the
ECHO, 17430 Durrance Road, North discussion on poisonous plants in weeds and other plants in my sub-
Fort Myers, Florida 33917. 194 p. 56 Chapter IX ends with useful caveats tropical garden in a new light! If you
black-and-white illustrations, $29.95 for those wishing to try heretofore know a missionary, Peace Corps or
hardback; $14.95 + S & H paperback. untested species. The most important other volunteer, or other workers in
ISBN 0-9653360-1-8. being “know the species before at- the tropics, this would be a very wel-
tempting to eat the leaves” and “leave come gift.
The title of this long awaited experimentation with unknown leaves
third edition is an apt description of its to the laboratory of experts.” MARY LAMBERTS
contents. The book is divided into 10 This edition is easier to use than Univ. of Florida
chapters that cover a range of topics: the second edition, primarily because Homestead
1) the place of green leaves in the diet; of changes in formatting. The refer-
2) culture and care of green-leaved ences in Chapter I have been italicized
vegetables; 3) poisonous tropical and the italics used for scientific names BALL IDENTIFICATION GUIDE TO GREEN-
leaves; and 4) specific crop groups, are more pronounced. Other changes HOUSE PESTS AND BENEFICIALS. Stanton
including a) green leaf herbs, b) veg- include: the addition of a section dis- Gill and John Sanderson. 1998. Ball
etables, fruits, and ornamentals, c) cussing the “place of green leaves in Publishing, 335 North River Street,
common weeds, d) tropical trees, e) the diet” (Chapter I); adding Batavia, IL 60510. 244 p. 480 color

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spices and teas, f) temperate zone leafy Althernanthera sissoo and Compositae photographs. $66.95, hardcover.
greens, and g) lettuce. plus noting Florida’s noxious weed ISBN 1-883052-17-3.
This reference book will be of concerns (Ipomoea aquatica) (Chap-
special interest to horticulturists, ex- ter II); adding Psophocarpus and rad- Ball Identification Guide to
tension agents, nutritionists, garden- ish, grouping the Euphorbs, and in- Greenhouse Pests and Beneficials is
ers, NGOs dealing with agriculture, creasing the discussion on chaya written and published to assist in the
and others living in the tropics and (Chapter III); Portulaceae has been identification of arthropod pests and
subtropics. As a Peace Corps volun- regrouped with the edible weeds beneficial insects on crops grown in
teer living in Thailand, I was amazed (Chapter IV); and the tables in Chap- greenhouses throughout the United
to watch people gathering presum- ters VII, VIII and IX have been incor- States. The authors emphasize in their
ably edible leaves from a number of porated into the text. That has also introduction the importance of cor-
shrubs and other plants that I struggled reduced the number of pages from rectly categorizing pests for selecting
to identify. This book explains that 235 to 194. The illustrations are mostly appropriate control measures in an
there are at least 140 genera of plants, the same as in the second edition and integrated pest management (IPM)
encompassing >1500 species, with are somewhat less sharp; the four new program. Since it often becomes nec-
edible leaves. Martin’s preface explains photographs are very clear. The lack essary to ship samples of pests and
that edible leaves have an invaluable of a header for all but the beginning of plant materials to a diagnostic lab for
role in the diet of many people in the the species list makes it more confus- identification, suitable methods for
tropics, especially those with limited ing than the second edition. proper sampling and shipment are also
financial resources. Unlike their tem- The appendix listing seed sources briefly described in the introductory
perate counterparts, sources of tropi- and resources has been updated and part of this book.
cal leaves are usually perennial, are now contains Internet addresses, Following the introduction, the
rarely cultivated as edibles, and are where available. The nutritional refer- book is divided into three sections.
often found in close proximity to the ences are contemporary as are the The first section defines initiating an
household. As the world’s population cookbooks. The selected bibliogra- IPM approach and how to maintain
increases, this book will become an phy has 75 additions, though a few are and run an IPM program for control-
increasingly valuable reference for not the most recent editions (Knott’s ling pests in a greenhouse environ-
those of us working to make sure Handbook for Vegetable Growers and ment. Since an integral part of an IPM
everyone has a nutritionally adequate World Vegetables). A personal favor- program is scouting and monitoring
diet. It will be especially important to ite, Tindall’s Vegetables in the Trop- pests, using yellow and blue sticky
those trying to combat xerophthalmia. ics, was not included. Regrettably, the cards is covered in some detail. Color
As the senior author says, edible discussion of some of these references photographs showing the appearance
leaves do not have a large caloric role in Chapter I was not expanded to of insect pests most commonly trapped
in diets since daily consumption should include some of the newer references. on sticky cards complement this pre-
be limited to one-half cup of cooked The food composition tables are still sentation. The differences and diffi-
leaves. They are, however, important quite dated. The bibliography is, how- culties in identifying insects on sticky
sources of vitamins, especially vitamin ever, a more comprehensive list of cards compared to live insects in mo-
A. He found that “of the thousands of references than will be found any- tion are also discussed. Biological con-
leafy vegetables available throughout where else. trol measures including predators,
the tropics, relatively few are great The cost of this book is well parasites and pathogens are covered
winners.” The preface highlights the within the reach of most anyone who briefly in the first section of the book
ten most important of these, adding might need to use it. I recommend it as well as the limited use of pesticides
that another 25 are frequently avail- to those who are curious about edible in an IPM program.

514 ●
July–September 1999 9(3)
 The second and largest section of piece of paper providing the correct these beautiful and varied flowering
the book contains descriptions of com- captions is included in the front of the plants. More than 1000 of the
mon greenhouse pests with a chapter book. However, it must be a streak of world’s most popular camellias are
dedicated to each major pest group. bad luck when the picture number is
This section includes chapters on still not correct in the enclosed revi-
illustrated in color.
aphids, caterpillars, fungus gnats (shore sions. Hardy and resistant to disease,
flies, humpbacked flies and moth flies), No prior knowledge of entomol- thriving in shady situations and in
leafminers, mites, scale insects and ogy is required to understand and use containers, camellias reward the gar-
mealybugs, thrips (beetles, weevils), the information presented in this iden- dener with blooms of stunning color
whiteflies, and other greenhouse pests tification guide. Specific technical and profusion at a time of year when
(mollusks, symphylans, millipedes, terms are briefly explained as they first the rest of the garden offers little.
springtail, sowbugs and pillbugs, cen- appear in the text. A short, educa-
Camellias were cultivated in China
tipedes, scorpions, whip scorpion, and tional and easy to use glossary is in-
occasional insect pests). The outline cluded clarifying the most commonly and Japan for centuries before their
for each chapter starts with the charac- used terminology of entomology. The discovery by Western gardeners. The
teristics and biology of the pest fol- index is comprehensive including sci- fascinating story of the camellia is
lowed by descriptions of plant dam- entific and common names of both told in the chapter introductions
age symptoms. Pest monitoring and the pests and plant species covered. and in the seven feature spreads.
species identification are then covered For the use of this book as a reference, Many of the renowned oriental va-
and each chapter concludes with a the index allows for quick and efficient

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rieties from which the modern vari-
description of currently available bio- guidance to the appropriate sections.
logical control measures. Readers with experience in IPM and
eties derive are described in the book,
The third and last part of the the identification of common pests as are the beautiful formal japonicas
book describes in one chapter how to and beneficials should also find this that were so prized by the 19th
diagnose causes of plant injury in spe- book informative. century European aristocrats.
cific crops. General plant symptoms This guide to greenhouse pests
such as leaf stippling, leaf and flower and beneficials is a must for everybody CAMELLIAS. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO
distortion, leaf chewing or skeletoniz- involved in the production of green- THEIR CULTIVATION AND USE. Jennifer
ing, leaf spots and blotches, yellow- house crops. All major pests currently
Trehane. 1998. Timber Press, 133
ing, wilted foliage, honeydew, leaf of concern to the greenhouse industry
drop, flower shatter, and petal drop are covered with suggestions for moni- S.W. Second Ave., Suite 450, Port-
are characterized and the most com- toring, preventive and biological con- land, OR 97204-3527. 176 p. 109
mon pests causing that type of dam- trol measures. Although the book is color photos, line drawings. $34.95
age. The third part ends with a series written for the United States, the in- hardcover + S & H. ISBN 0-88192-
of photographs showing pest damage formation can also be expected to be 462-8.
to a variety of greenhouse grown relevant to readers in other countries.
plants. The photographs are arranged This is a complete, up-to-date
in alphabetical order of the plant ge- MERIAM KARLSSON guide to all aspects of successful
nus name. A concluding series of color University of Alaska propagation and culture of camel-
pictures show the most common pests Fairbanks lias for anyone interested in the ge-
found on plants grown in water under nus. The origin of camellias in China
greenhouse conditions.
This book is informative, well
and the history of their introduction
written, and easy to comprehend. For into Europe, Australia, and the
the most part, the photographs are of Books in Brief United States is fully documented,
high quality and carefully selected to with precise but accessible botanic
support the information presented in by Donald N. Maynard information offered to aid in under-
the text. The pictures appear in close standing and identifying the species.
proximity to the corresponding text. The central core of the book details
This arrangement is convenient with THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF all aspects of cultivation, drawing on
minimal searching through pages to CAMELLIAS. Sterling Macoboy with
find the illustrations referred to. The the author’s many years of experi-
captions are descriptive allowing the Roger Mann. 1998. Timber Press, ence managing the family nursery.
use of photographs for quick refer- 133 S.W. Second Ave., Suite 450, Included is full information on ca-
ence without necessarily locating the Portland, OR 97204-3527. 304 p. mellia hardiness in varying climatic
information in the text. Unfortunately 1096 color photos, 19 color paint- zones and guidance on growing
a couple of the picture captions are ings, line drawings. $39.95 + $6.50 camellias under glass. An up-to-date
printed incorrectly in the book. The S & H. hardcover. ISBN 0-88192- A-to-Z encyclopedic listing of ca-
number of one picture is out of se- 421-0
quence and does not correspond to mellia varieties, a discussion of pests
the number referred to in the text. and diseases, plus companion plant-
Errors can easily appear when >450 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of ings ideas and helpful resource list-
pictures are used in a book. A small Camellias is the definitive guide to ings, complete the book.
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July–September 1999 9(3) 515