Naturalizing Bulbs

I would not normally have purchased a book on such a specialized topic --- especially since Proctor and co-author Lauren Springer cover much of the same ground for my area of the country in Passionate Gardening --- but at the price I bought it, this book was a steal. Proctor is knowledgeable and opinionated, and his books are always a delight to read. Here, he covers the process of selecting and planting bulbs for long-term, self-sustaining growth and enjoyment. He divides the bulbs up by season of bloom and discusses bulbs appropriate for all areas of the country. This is a useful reference work for selecting and situating bulbs to mazimize their performance.

Proctor uses stories, pictures and great text to explain how to use bulbs in a practical way. He presents the limitations, as well as the advantages, of each kind of bulb. He is realistic about the maintenance issues involved, and does a great job of explaining the use of different bulbs in different environments around the country. He does all of this with a sense of humor that makes reading the book a pleasure.

Read a great review of this book in the Denver Post recently (12/97). Lauren Springer loved it and I bought it for no other reason than Rob's name and her praise. If you are looking for guidance from someone who knows what's up with high altitude and mountain states gardening, this is it.