Native Treasures: Gardening With the Plants of California by Michael Nevin Smith PDF
Preview Native Treasures: Gardening With the Plants of California by Michael Nevin Smith
MADRONO 180 [Vol. 55 — two subspecies for F. viviparoidea based on Pavlick Rob Massatti, Rocky Mountain Herbarium, (Can. J. Bot. 62: 2448-2462. 1984), taxonomic uncer- Department of Botany, 3165, UnivWerYsity ofWyoming, tainties persist (Aiken et al. Festuca ofNorth America: 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, 82071-3165 and descriptions, illustrations, identification, and informa- AARON WELLS, Department of Ecology, Montana tion retrieval. Version: 19"^ October 2005. http://delta- State University, P.O. Box 173460, Bozeman, MT intkey.com. 1996- 59717-3460. ). Madrono, Vol. 55, No. 2, p. 180, 2008 REVIEW Native Treasures: Gardening With the Plants of ofNative Plants" generallydescribespropagation CaUfornia. By MICHAEL Nevin Smith. 2006. techniques honed with Smith's years of experi- University of California Press, Berkeley, CA. ence. 288 pp. ISBN 0-520-24425-2 $60.00, hardcover. For many years, Mr. Smith contributed ISBN 0-520-24426-9 $24.95, paperback. articles to the journal of the California Native Plant Society on some ofthemore prominent and MichaelNevin Smith, DirectorofHorticulture desirable of California's genera. These have at Suncrest Nurseries, Inc., is a well-respected provided the basis for the plant profiles in "A plantsman and propagator. Attributes that make Few of My Favorite Things". This section is him outstanding in his field-his attention to divided into "Trees," "Shrubs," "Subshrubs and detail, powers of observation & nurturing spirit Herbaceous Perennials," "Bulbs and Corms," arebeautifullyconveyed throughout Native Trea- and "Annuals" -and each further divided into sures; Gardening with the Plants of California. "Ode to an Oak," for example; "Sages for the Thoughtful and lyrical prose-make this book a Senses", or "Fragrant Clouds of Lupine." Each thoroughly engaging enjoyable practical, yet plant entry consists of a vibrant description, literary adventure. Its strength unquestionably including notable characteristics of the genus, rests on the fact that the author has such a strong additional cultivars, typical natural habitat as personal presence within its pages. well as cultural preferences along with enlighten- In the introductory chapter, Smith focuses ing photographs. Most prized is the inclusion of upon California's botanical heritage, shaped by each genu—s' specific time-tested propagation the forces ofclimate, and environment-ultimately techniques information that is hard to come providing his own compelling rationale for by and to be treasured when shared. cultivating native plants. Subsequent chapters — "Designs Great and Small" and "Nuts and Melanie Baer-Keeley, Restoration Horticulturist, Bolts" relate the design process to the selected Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, 47050 species' origins to best methods of planting and Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271; Melanie_ cultivation. "Filling Your Garden: Propagation [email protected]. Volume 55, Number 2, pages 93 180, published 15 December 2008
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