You are here

Back to top

Bamboo for Gardens (Hardcover)

Bamboo for Gardens Cover Image
Email or call for price.
Out of Print

Description


Bamboos evoke an exotic atmosphere wherever they are used — unfortunately, they are too often kept out of our gardens for fear of their invasive qualities or lack of hardiness. In truth, these elegant grasses, encompassing both woody and herbaceous forms, can achieve dramatic yet restrained effects in a range of climates. Their uses include both the ornamental, offering striking foliage and culms, and the practical, such as for screening or erosion control, not to mention the culinary treat of bamboo shoots and the structural qualities of the culm wood. Tropical and subtropical bamboos present many possibilities for landscapes in warmer climates, while the hardier species can be grown as far north as Minnesota in the United States and in the cooler climes of England and continental Europe. Bamboo culture has a long and distinguished legacy in East Asia, but much remains to be explored by Western gardeners and landscapers.

Bamboo expert Ted Jordan Meredith provides a thorough and multifaceted treatment of these ancient grasses, covering origins and history, structure and form, cultivation and propagation, landscaping, and taxonomy and identification. He offers insight into selecting the right plant for the right situation, and presents useful advice on the best methods for containing or eradicating potentially invasive forms. The bulk of the book is an encyclopedia of bamboo genera, species, and cultivars. More than 300 bamboos from 40 different genera are described in detail, including information on size, lighting and temperature requirements, native range, physical characteristics, and landscape and other uses. Meredith's excellent color photos and clear line drawings effectively illustrate both the details and broader effects of these exquisite plants.

About the Author


Ted Jordan Meredith has written books on viticulture, enology, wine appreciation, garlic, and bamboo. His work has been awarded the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries Literature Award and The New York Times Editor's Choice for Best Books for Gardening. He and his wife garden and grow bamboo at their home in Washington state. In addition to writing and photography, he enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, and music.

Praise For…


“Will help gardeners understand the practicalities as well as the aesthetics of bamboo gardening.” —New York Times Book Review

“Surely the best all-around and certainly the most up-to-date treatment of these curious grasses. . . .  Both a good introduction and a worthy guide.” —American Gardener

“Meredith’s approach perfectly suits this objective, with engaging personal experience illuminating comprehensive coverage of the subject at hand. The book’s attractive format opens the door to the usefulness and beauty of bamboos, presenting a vast range of possibilities to enhance a garden or landscape. Meredith’s fine resource offers clarity and enlightenment to new and experienced gardeners alike.” —Booklist

“From ground covers to timber types, Ted Jordan Meredith, author of Bamboo for Gardens, knows his subject.” —Oregonian

“This leading handbook in this specialized gardening subject has a catalog of innumerable kinds of bamboo with color photos, descriptions, and points of interest.” —Small Press Book Review

“A wonderful reference for both the confirmed and the up-and-coming bamboo geek.” —NYBG’s Plant Talk

“All interested in Bamboo should obtain this book. There is certain to be surprises in store for you. . . . It is quite simply a very good book.” —Gardening Newsletter

“This is a landmark, in that a book on growing bamboo for Americans by an American has finally been written. I would not be without Bamboo for Gardens, and would recommend it to both the newcomer and expert alike—it is a required read.” —Bamboo
 
Bamboo for Gardens is a full treatise on bamboos and falls into the category of ‘reference book’ for gardeners—the kind of book Timber Press does so well.” —American Rhododendron Society Journal
 
“Another winner from the folks at Timber Press. THE definitive guide to growing bamboo in American gardens, and worth every penny.” —Garden Works Online

“Sufficient documentation and relevant consultation with specialists in these grasses give extra value to this publication.” —Plant Science Bulletin

“This book is sure to expand your horizons as a gardener. If you live where bamboos are perennial grasses, you should have this book on your shelves.” —Suite101.com
 


Product Details
ISBN: 9780881925074
ISBN-10: 0881925071
Publisher: Timber Press
Publication Date: September 20th, 2001
Pages: 408
Language: English