| Reviews by Judith Millar Botany in a Day—The Patterns method of Plant Identification Thomas J. Elpel’s Guide to Plant Families of North America 5th Edition, 2008 by Hops Press, LLC Don’t know the difference between the Rosaceae and Ranunculaceae families? Can’t tell Marsh Marigold and Marshmallow apart? Don’t want to spend a year deciphering the divisions and subdivisions of the plant world? Then this book is for you! More than 200 pages of plant family info are presented in a fun and easy format, with many detailed line drawings. Using the principle that related plants have similar patterns for identification, as well as having similar uses, Thomas Elpel demystifies plant ID techniques in a step by step process. While it may take more than 24 hours to master, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a wizard of botanical nomenclature! _______________________________________________ The Pronouncing Dictionary of Plant Names American Nurserymen Publishing Co. 2006 And after you’ve correctly identified all those plants, wouldn't it be nice to pronounce their Latin names correctly? More than 3000 tongue-twisting, jaw breaking Latin plant names are phonetically spelled and succinctly defined in this little 93 page gem of a pocket reference. Whip it out at Garden Club gatherings. Impress your friends and annoy your enemies as these formerly intimidating names roll effortlessly off your tongue. |
| Member Book Reviews |
| Review by Art Martello On my bookshelves I have lots of gardening books and magazines. It seems, however, that whenever I need to know something about a plant that I cannot find in the other books or just general information about a specific plant, this is the book I always come back to. It is a great reference book for all sorts of plants, shrubs, trees, indoor, outdoor, etc. Not sure what changes from the original version are, but from what the reviews on Amazon are saying is that it is even better than before. If that's the case, then it must be spectacular. This book has it all. If you don't already have it, you should. The All New Illustrated Guide to Gardening Readers Digest Publication |
| The years 10 best gardening books from Boston.com Gardening section |
| Agnes Freas suggested this book. Click the photo for a summary and sample. Agnes also recommends the magazines Fine Gardening and Garden Gate. |
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| The 2 books listed below were discussed at the March 6 lecture on native plants by Francis Groeters. Click the links below to take you to Amazon and get a preview of these books. |
So far this season, the book club has met twice to discuss the books: The Botany of Desire-Michael Pollan The Essential Earthman-Henry Mitchell |