Gardening With Hardy Geraniums

Hardy geraniums were the first plants to shrug off the rigours of her coastal climate and grow in Birgitte Husted Bendtsen's garden every bit as well as they did in the fertile, sheltered plots further east in Denmark. Add to this their tolerance of dogs and children, resistance to pests and diseases, interesting foliage, and delightful flowers in a wide range of colours, and it is little surprise that Birgitte developed an insatiable passion for them. In this book, she shares her knowledge of cultivating the plants and highlights the most garden worthy species and varieties. Expert cultivation advice, including comments on soil preferences and hardiness, is followed by fascinating information on pollination, and failsafe propagation secrets. Captivating colour photographs display key characteristics of hardy geraniums including their legendary range of flower colour and intricate, often highly marked, foliage. Here readers may marvel at the many cultivars of Geranium x oxonianum, enjoy favorites like Geranium 'Ann Folkard' with its striking black eye against magenta background, and covet the fine-leaved, blue-flowering Geranium himalayense. Smaller varieties ideal for growing in rockeries, containers and troughs are described along with perfect geraniums for associating with roses of all colours. Birgitte Husted Bendtsen communicates like a true enthusiast and the text is peppered with interesting anecdotes including news of an exciting variety that is prized for its blue flowers and modest stature. With over 400 species and hybrids of hardy geraniums and 450 beautiful colour photographs, this book is both rich in information and beautiful to browse. It is a long-awaited reference that will delight seasoned enthusiasts and introduce a whole new generation of gardeners to the charms of the hardy geranium.

This practical guide to growing hardy geraniums offers advice on improving plants through cultivation techniques, provides instructions on where and how to plant hardy geraniums, and makes suggestions on how to use them for camouflage and in association with other plants. An A-Z section serves as a comprehensive reference and includes American and Australian species and exotics from all over the world, and propagation is examined in depth.

Hardy geraniums are a staple in the garden and are among the best-loved and most widely grown plants. The Plant Lover’s Guide to Hardy Geraniums, by nursery owner Robin Parer, highlights 140 of the best species and cultivars. Featuring information on growth, care, and design, along with suggested companion plants and hundreds of gorgeous color photographs, it covers everything a home gardener needs to introduce these delightful plants into their garden.

Resource added for the Landscape Horticulture Technician program 100014.

Full descriptions of over 140 types of geranium, their natural geographical distribution and details of variations, hybrids and new discoveries in the wild. In addition, there is a wealth of information on the history, nomenclature, classification, behaviour and use in cultivation of these beautiful and varied plants.

From Minnesota to Moscow — how to grow fresh figs in cold climates Growing Figs in Cold Climates is a complete, full-color, illustrated guide to organic methods for growing delicious figs in cold climates, well outside the traditional hot, arid home of this ancient fruiting tree. Coverage includes: Five methods for growing figs in cold climates including overwintering Cultivar selection for cool and cold climates Pruning techniques for a variety of methods of growing figs in cold climates Pest problems and solutions Harvesting, including ways to speed ripening, identify ripe fruit, and manage an overabundance Small-scale commercial fig production in cold climates. Fresh figs are juicy, full-bodied, and filled with a honey-sweet flavor, and because truly ripe figs are highly perishable, they are only available to those who grow their own. By choosing the right cultivars and techniques, figs can be grown across cool and cold growing zones of North America, Europe, and beyond, putting them within reach of almost every gardener. Easy and delicious — if you can grow a houseplant, you can grow a fig.

Explains that many plants grown in cool climates as annuals can thrive for many years through overwintering in containers.

A full account of the genus Geranium, for gardeners and botanists. It provides a combination of botanical information with practical guidance. There are full descriptions and keys to identification and photographed silhouettes of the leaves of all the geraniums described. It should be of interest to both gardeners and botanists.

Hardy geraniums are among the most useful garden plants in British gardens because they are reliable, easy to grow and delicately beautiful. Not to be confused with their more tender South African relations pelargoniums, geraniums do not just belong in pots on conservatories and sunny balconies. Instead, they are hardy perennials that can be planted in sun and semi-shade to give colour for much of the year. This concise, illustrated handbook contains detailed information on all aspects of geranium care, providing invaluable reference for amateur gardeners and experienced growers alike. The straightforward approach to essential techniques, together with advice on tackling pests and other problems, and the directory of recommended varieties, will ensure successful results.

“A veritable goldmine for gardeners.” —Plant Talk We’ve all seen gorgeous perennial gardens packed with color, texture, and multi-season interest. Designed by a professional and maintained by a crew, they are aspirational bits of beauty too difficult to attempt at home. Or are they? The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden makes a design-magazine-worthy garden achievable at home. The new, simplified approach is made up of hardy, beautiful plants grown on a 10x14 foot grid. Each of the 62 garden plans combines complementary plants that thrive together and grow as a community. They are designed to make maintenance a snap. The garden plans can be followed explicitly or adjusted to meet individual needs, unlocking rich perennial landscape designs for individualization and creativity.