Burpee Complete Flower Gardener

This colorfully illustrated encyclopedia of flower gardening is chock full of instructions on modern and older methods that work in today's gardens. Quoting liberally from authors, poets and painters of different eras, the author helps the reader understand the science, practice and beauty of gardening.

Whether discussing tools or how to treat recalcitrant seeds to germinate, the suggestions are practical and pertinent. The majority of pages present illustrated discussion of individual plants such as asters and salvias with headings of how to grow them, what species to grow and how to use them in the garden. This book uniquely includes a table of average spring and fall frost dates and number of frost-free days for several cities in each U.S. state and Canadian Province. I like it!

Norman Pellett, author of Gardener's Quiz Book

I'm thoroughly enjoying this book. I started by just looking at the excellent photos and perusing the informative Plant Portrait section (half the book!). I particularly liked the inclusion of related native plants in this section. Then I dove back into the first half of the book, with its helpful and friendly approach to all areas of flower gardening and its sidebar tips and lists. Whether you're an active long-time gardener, a wanna be or even an armchair gardener, this book will give you much pleasure.

My last gardening book was the "Complete Vegetable and Herb Gardener:
A Guide to Growing Your Garden Organically" written by the same author
as this book on flower gardening. Although the photos and layout are gorgeous
in this book, it is the writing that is truly stellar. For me, flower gardening
has been hiding bulbs from squirrels and scattering mixed wildflower seeds into
a section of unused vegetable garden, where the flowers eventually appear but I
have no idea what they actually are. But, because of this book, I now do know.
And I know so much more! The author quickly enveloped me in her eloquent
and witty prose and got me fascinated by historical and scientific topics
I never thought I'd find interesting. I enjoy just sitting down and
reading this book for the depth and variety of information it provides.
It's a perfect addition to any flower gardener's library.

We love this book. It's beatufiful to look at, fun to read, and full of helpful information. I bought one for myself (a gardening novice), then another for a Master Gardener who is helping me learn, then another for a neighbor who did us a favor, then two more for two friends who had surgery. Everyone - no matter what their gardening experience - loves this book. This is the perfect gift for Christmas, birthdays, and thank you's. Even better, it's the perfect way to brighten up the dark days of winter planning my spring garden.

The new Burpee Complete Flower Gardener by Cutler and Ellis is a treasure. Although written as an encyclopedia of perennial plants in alphabetical order and beautifully illustrated, it reads more like a a conversation with a fellow flower lover.