Hardy Geranium

Hardy geraniums were the first plants to shrug off the rigours of her coastal climate and grow in Birgitte Husted Bendtsen's garden every bit as well as they did in the fertile, sheltered plots further east in Denmark. Add to this their tolerance of dogs and children, resistance to pests and diseases, interesting foliage, and delightful flowers in a wide range of colours, and it is little surprise that Birgitte developed an insatiable passion for them. In this book, she shares her knowledge of cultivating the plants and highlights the most garden worthy species and varieties. Expert cultivation advice, including comments on soil preferences and hardiness, is followed by fascinating information on pollination, and failsafe propagation secrets. Captivating colour photographs display key characteristics of hardy geraniums including their legendary range of flower colour and intricate, often highly marked, foliage. Here readers may marvel at the many cultivars of Geranium x oxonianum, enjoy favorites like Geranium 'Ann Folkard' with its striking black eye against magenta background, and covet the fine-leaved, blue-flowering Geranium himalayense. Smaller varieties ideal for growing in rockeries, containers and troughs are described along with perfect geraniums for associating with roses of all colours. Birgitte Husted Bendtsen communicates like a true enthusiast and the text is peppered with interesting anecdotes including news of an exciting variety that is prized for its blue flowers and modest stature. With over 400 species and hybrids of hardy geraniums and 450 beautiful colour photographs, this book is both rich in information and beautiful to browse. It is a long-awaited reference that will delight seasoned enthusiasts and introduce a whole new generation of gardeners to the charms of the hardy geranium.

Hardy geraniums are a staple in the garden and are among the best-loved and most widely grown plants. The Plant Lover’s Guide to Hardy Geraniums, by nursery owner Robin Parer, highlights 140 of the best species and cultivars. Featuring information on growth, care, and design, along with suggested companion plants and hundreds of gorgeous color photographs, it covers everything a home gardener needs to introduce these delightful plants into their garden.

With descriptions of more than 1,000 species, hundreds of line drawings, and 1,200 color photos, the "Taylor's Encyclopedia of Garden Plants" will be as useful 20 years from now as it is today.

A full account of the genus Geranium, for gardeners and botanists. It provides a combination of botanical information with practical guidance. There are full descriptions and keys to identification and photographed silhouettes of the leaves of all the geraniums described. It should be of interest to both gardeners and botanists.

Hardy geraniums are among the most useful garden plants in British gardens because they are reliable, easy to grow and delicately beautiful. Not to be confused with their more tender South African relations pelargoniums, geraniums do not just belong in pots on conservatories and sunny balconies. Instead, they are hardy perennials that can be planted in sun and semi-shade to give colour for much of the year. This concise, illustrated handbook contains detailed information on all aspects of geranium care, providing invaluable reference for amateur gardeners and experienced growers alike. The straightforward approach to essential techniques, together with advice on tackling pests and other problems, and the directory of recommended varieties, will ensure successful results.

Planning a spectacular perennial garden just got easier! Forget the time-consuming research needed to determine if one short, spreading flower will look good with a tall, stately grass. Plantswoman Nancy J. Ondra has spent 30 years experimenting with plant combinations, and she shares her one-plant-at-a-time approach for choosing plant partners--think of it as a favorite perennial looking for friends! By focusing first on one perennial and its attributes, gardeners can select companion plants that complement it to create an endless number of groupings with eye-catching color combinations, dramatic textural displays, and stunning seasonal effects. The Perennial Matchmaker features 90 individual perennial profiles, 300 exquisite photographs of plant partnerships, and Ondra's insight into the array of plants, including annuals, bulbs, grasses, shrubs, and other perennials, that make great combinations. Each profile features dozens of ideas for pairings, the reasons why the pairings will work, and region-specific choices. Whether you are just starting with perennials or are a long-time gardener who wants to elevate plantings for a more cohesive look, The Perennial Matchmaker is the go-to guide for creating stunning plant medleys.

Turn your outdoor landscape into a rich, living canvas of color and texture. Encouraging experimentation, Stephanie Cohen and Nancy J. Ondra show you how to plan a garden that incorporates unique combinations of plants to achieve stunning effects. With an overview of garden design fundamentals and 20 sample garden plans, Cohen and Ondra will inspire you to play with creative juxtapositions of vibrant hues and subtle textures. Let your imagination run wild as you create your own unique and original garden designs.

Celebrate shade! That's author Larry Hodgson's call to gardeners everywhere, no matter if you have a small shady corner or an entire landscape overshadowed by trees. His hands-on "been there, done that" advice will help you tackle planning, planting, and problem-solving, as well as create color, texture, and light-filled areas in the shade. He also shares more than 200 outstanding plants - perennials, annuals, bulbs, ferns, ornamental grasses, and climbing plants - that you can use to create a beautiful garden that will flourish under shady conditions. In fact, after reading Making the Most of Shade, even the gardener with the sunniest yard will want to create a shady nook!--COVER.