Enchanted Ground: Gardening with Nature in the Subtropics

With Florida as her laboratory and museum, Miami Herald staffer Georgia Tasker has shared her knowledge and love of tropical plants in this helpful guide. Unlike many books on the topic, this one provides consideration of hazards, such as hurricane, drought, and disease, selection and use of tools, attracting birds and butterflies, and creating peaceful, restorative environments. The usual topics are covered in addition - trees, shrubs, palms and cycads, flowering plants, and fragrant and fruit-bearing plants as well. There is a useful section on invasive plants, a short list of gardens to visit, as well as a bibliography and index. Much more a hands-on workbook than a coffee table book, it nevertheless inspires and encourages the beginning or intermediate gardener. For more information on some of the plants featured, as well as additional selections, see Ornamental Plants & Flowers of Tropical Mexico.

This is my favorite Florida gardening book. It's all here- how to choose, propogate and care for both native and exotic plants, seasonal advice, post and pre hurricane gardening tips, natural & chemical pest control, you name it. The book is informative, interesting and enjoyable to read. A must have for any Florida gardener's library and an asset to any gardening collection.