Temperate Garden Plant Families

This book is not for those looking for a quick read, or a catalogue listing of plants for certain areas. This is a more detailed, scientific look into the classification and history of classification of plant species. If I were taking a plant college or university course, I would either use this book for a source in a paper, or be reading it as a course requirement. Though it is a little dry to read, the information is truly interesting and relevant to an understanding of how plants are and were classified. If you have an interest in learning about how plants are grouped together, or need a good source for a botanical class, this is the book to check out. If you simply want to see what plants would be good for your garden, look somewhere else, but give this a quick look if you want to impress your gardening friends.

Whilst I am most definitely not a horticulturist, I am terribly curious and I love learning. Do not be put off by the scientific sounding title or serious cover, this book is wonderful! It is designed to be a reference book but so enthralled by the interesting facts and surprising connections was I, I read it straight through! I have since referred back to it several times to guide my plant matching and planning.

Each family of temperate plant is discussed both in terms of identification, it’s flowers, fruit, relations and uses. Understanding the overarching structure of plants and how each is related helps in understanding each plant individually so much better! I also love knowing things like the agave is a relative of asparagus and is used to make tequila! Fascinating facts abound! I also have a new respect for the importance of the Latin naming as it makes remembering who is who so much easier! The drawings are gorgeous and the photos helpful!

Many of the plants are highly poisonous, and it’s deadly uses explained. I was amuse do to think, in a whodunit, this book would most definitely count against any murder suspect who owned it!

It is a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and if you have a love for plant, I highly recommend it!

Temperate Garden Plant Families
by Peter Goldblatt & John C Manning
Timber Press

I saw this book and thought of my Grandpa who was in the Horticultural Society of Rododendron. Me I do not have a green thumb at all but I did enjoyed this book at times it was a little over my head. This is a great reference book for a class on plant grouping or for someone to continue there knowledge in The plant grouping area. The photos are great and the drawings are done very well with the info under each informative. This book is not for someone that wants to have a go at planting a garden for the first time.

From the Publisher: "Based on the most up-to-date research, Temperate Garden Plant Families spans the spectrum from Acanthaceae (the acanthus family) to Zingiberaceae (the ginger family), and reflects the current scientific consensus about the family status of the most popular garden genera. "

An up to date reference book that works well in conjunction with other reference works. This would work well for the advanced gardener or horticulturist.