Book Reviews and Recommended Reading for Connecticut Gardeners

From FCGCT Book Chairman Susan Harrison:

THE NEW HANDBOOKS ARE IN!!

I have 175 handbooks available. I am willing to bring some with me to the Exhibitor's Meeting on January 29, 2007. If you, or someone you know, will be at that meeting and want me to bring them a handbook(s), I will do so. HOWEVER, I request that you, or whomever, email me and let me know how many books to bring. I will require payment that day - a check or cash will do. Checks should be made out to FGCofCT and each book is $15.90 ($15 + .90 tax). This book shipment weighed in at a hefty 500 pounds and I am not anxious to tote around the entire 175 books until the Flower Show. I know everyone is anxious to see the new book, so I will make these books available at every meeting I attend.

For those of you having flower shows between now and July 1, 2007, the old handbook will still be in use. The new handbook will become effective July 1, 2007.

From NER Bird and Butterfly Chair Michelle Mensinger:

The Far Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer

This charming book shares the extraordinary adventures of Homer, a ruby-throated hummingbird. No bigger than your index finger, Homer journeys from the lush, tropical rain forests of Costa Rica to an artist's garden in Michigan. His journey and his life are full of danger, distance and delightful friendships. What adventures await him on his journey and what brings him home to the same spot each summer? Take flight with Homer and find out!

This children's book has beautiful illustrated pages and would make a wonderful gift to any child.


I Saw It In The Garden is a magical book about a girl and her grandfather. Can you think of a more amazing place than a garden in Springtime? It comes to life not only with plants but also with a host of other visitors who will call it home until the next frost comes. As grandpa tells his granddaughter in I SAW IT IN THE GARDEN, there are wonderous things to see, if only you look!

This adorable book has great, colorful drawings and poetic lyrics.....very cute....it would be a wonderful gift for a young child.
Seeds are included in the book for planting!


Note: Both books are autographed by the author. The books retail at $17.95 at the book stores, but will be available for $15.00 from the FGCCT Books Chairman, Susan Harrison.

From FCGCT Books Chairman Susan Harrison:

In the Company of Flowers by Ron Morgan

A large, beautiful book full of colorful photographs and brimming with ideas. This is a large book that could be deemed a "coffee table" book, but it escapes the "beautiful-to-look-at-but useless" label due to "how-to" information included. $49.95

Seedheads in the Garden by Noel Kingsbury.

This book illustrates how seedheads can bring strong impact to the late summer garden and provide focal points well into the fall and winter. $29.95

Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens by Allan M. Armitage.

A superb reference book. "Whether you are a native plant enthusiast or simply -wish to use plants that work in the landscape/ you'll find everything you're looking for in this readable information-packed volume". $49.95

Flower School: Mastering the Art of Floral Design by Paula Pryke.

For the beginning floral designer. Well illustrated and packed full of good information. $45.00

Connecticut Gardener is a wonderful publication. Published right here in Connecticut 4 times/year at a cost of $18. To subscribe write to Connecticut Gardener, P.O. Box 248, Greens Farms, CT. 06838

From the New England Region Newsletter:

Gardener's Book of Pests and Diseases: The Complete Diagnostic Guide by Dr. Roland Fox. Published by Batsford Gardening Books  (www.batsford.com)

This is a wonderful addition to a horticulture library, especially if you are enrolled in Gardening Study School Course II, which focuses on IPM (Integrated Pest Management). This book is wonderful!  
Recommended by Bonni L. Dinneen

Bulbs by John E. Bryan

Truly an encyclopedia of bulbs, corms, tubers, and rhizomes, this book includes over 230 genera with detailed descriptions and over 1,000 photos/prints. Expensive, but worth the price.  Recommended by Cathy Felton

The Savage Garden by Peter D'Amato

For those intrigued by carnivorous plants, this book is full of good information on these fascinating species. Easy-to-read text with detailed growing and propagation information, good photos and illustrations. Recommended by Cathy Felton

A Guide to Northeastern Butterflies and Butterfly Gardening by Massachusetts Audubon Society (2006) (www.massaudubon.org)

This laminated foldout is a compact but highly informative publication, complete with illustrations of butterflies, caterpillars, and their host plants in one masterful panorama. Information on life cycle, migration, anatomy, butterfly gardening and conservation as good as most books on the subject at a fraction of the cost and very handy for your hiking backpack. Visit a Mass. Audubon center and pick one up (headquarters in Lincoln, MA, near Boston). Recommended by Pat Snyder