Heirloom Flowers: Vintage Flowers for Modern Gardens

When you see names like Diane and Kent Whealy and David Cavagnaro you know you are getting a great book. They are the consultants and photographer for 'Heirloom Flowers'. These veterans have been actively involved for many years with the Seed Savers Exchange, a wonderful source for heirloom vegetables, fruits, berries and flowers. Tovah Martin gives us a fascinating history on many flowers we take for granted, those that grandma had in her garden years ago. She gives you the Latin name followed by common names of each flower she describes. Soil descriptions, sun or shade, disease problems you may encounter and when to propagate are also included. As a seasoned gardener even I was given a whole new understanding on bee balm, forget-me-nots and phlox. The Directory of Resources located at the back of the book is fantastic and, if nothing else, you have to get this book for the excellent pictures. They are up-close and personal, the colors and detail are superb. This is a keeper that I'll add to my already crowded book shelves. Enjoy!

I haven't read the book through yet, but the pictures are stunning, and the author clearly loves her subject. As you would expect, she provides an historical perspective on gardening in America, which is wonderful. There is also an extensive list of resources. The only thing that seems to be missing -- needed only for novices such as myself -- are suggestions for combining the flowers into beds.