Book Reviews by Librarian Beverly Donaldson
Current Reviews from the Summer 2003 Bulletin.
These books and more are available in the DGC Library. Visit and find something of interest to you.
A Garden for All Seasons
Readers' Digest Association, 1991.
Here's a book to keep you
busy in the cold of winter or any other time. There are many tips to assist you
in planning and planting a garden that is appealing all year `round. Although
these tips are from English gardens and specialists, the information can certainly
be used in our area. Not only are all four seasons covered but plants of all sorts
are mentioned in a chapter called "All Season Plants." The Plant Selector chart also
is helpful for at-a-glance information. The beautiful photographs make this a pleasure to use.
Salvage Style for Outdoor Living
By Moira & Nicholas Hankinson (Rodale, 2001)
Here is a whole book
of ideas for decorating your garden with garden art. The materials used are objects
you may already have, but couldn't figure out just how to use. The pictures in this
book accompanied in many cases by specific directions should be a great help. Lists of
sources for tools and supplies, antiques, reclamation and salvage dealers, as well as
plants and shrubs, are found in the back of the book. How interesting it is to see how
people have recycled all sorts of things to make attractive additions to their property.
Gardens in the City: New York in Bloom
By Harry Abrahms. Inc., 1999.
You're a gardener and on your way to
New York City. Lots of sights to see and many cultural activities are available as
we all know. Do not miss the gardens! This wonderfully photographed book can show
you exactly where they are. Oh you're not on your way to NYC? You'll just enjoy the
pictures, the information and seeing to plants used too. The forward is by David
Rockefeller whose family was involved in many of the famous New York City gardens.
Past Reviews from the Spring 2003 Bulletin.
1001 Questions Answered about Flowers
By Norman Taylor (Dover, 1996)
Acquaints us with flowers
by beginning with flower form (parts of flowers) and how they work.
A question and answer format helps readers satisfy their plant curiosity
including the botanical names and practical advice on planting and cultivation.
A 21-page index helps locate the information in this series which includes
trees, birds, the mineral kingdom and the weather.
Herbs That Work
By David Armstrong (Ulysses, 2001)
Describes herbs considered medicinal, their potential health benefits or inherent dangers, the scientific evidence to support their claims, and the ways they may be used. Much of the information comes from Commission E, the government appointed blue ribbon panel in West Germany formed in 1978 to determine the efficacy or herbal varieties.
The author is a journalist not a physician. He and the publisher caution readers to consult with their care-giver and not to use the information for medical advice. (The information is given so that the reader can learn whether the health claims made for the 480 herbs tested are supported by scientific evidence.)
Be sure to read the introduction. Also, the glossary contains explanations of useful terms, charts, cautions, and a good index.