Garden reference books and miniature orchids
Miniature orchids book review
Among my garden books, I probably own more references than any other kind. Part of that is because I get asked a lot of questions and part is because I鈥檓 curious and want to know the who, what, when, why, and how of just about any hort. topic.
I鈥檓 pretty picky about garden reference books, though. They鈥檙e generally expensive, which causes me to expect more from them. I want them to be well-organized and easy to use. After all, they usually sit on the shelf until I need some information, and I want to find what I'm looking for quickly and simply.
I also expect them to use language that鈥檚 accurate but accessible. If the book is marketed to the general public, the reader shouldn鈥檛 need a PhD. to understand it. That鈥檚 not to say I expect anything 鈥渄umbed down,鈥� but I don鈥檛 want to spend three hours trying to decipher one chapter.
I鈥檓 always surprised at how few reference books meet every one of those criteria. The Southern Living Garden Book/Sunset Garden Book pass my test -- although I wish they had photos instead of drawings of the encyclopedia plants.
I also like 鈥�,鈥� by (Timber Press, $29.95, 264 pages, hardcover), which was published last year. It definitely delivers on its subtitle promise: 聽鈥淓verything you need to know to choose and cultivate 300 diminutive gems.鈥�
Step by step you鈥檙e introduced to the world of 鈥� what it takes to grow them (from light levels and temperature聽 to potting mixes and purchasing advice). The plant聽profiles provide what you need to know at a glance, including pronunciation of the botanic name. Decent-size color photos abound.
At the back of the book come helpful lists of mini orchids by ease of culture, size, light requirements, temperature preferences, season of bloom, and fragrance. Plants sources are also included.
It鈥檚 a well-written, well-organized book that鈥檚 perfect for beginners as well as those already hooked on miniature orchids. I consider it聽a true gem.
Also currently available is a , which is $11.99.