READ THIS: Geraniums: The Complete Encyclopedia by Faye Brawner Our Coverage Sponsored by Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner
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Did you know that geraniums, some of the most popular flowers in the world, are not truly geraniums, but pelargoniums? I sure didn't! Pelargoniums and geraniums both come from the same family, but, in actuality, are very different plants! That's just one of the facts you'll learn from Geraniums: The Complete Encyclopedia, a fascinating and informative book written by Faye Brawner and published by Schiffer. Once she clears up this misconception, Ms. Brawner fills over 150 pages with all kinds of interesting information about pelargoniums. The amount of varietals is simply staggering - I had no idea that there were so many different kinds of this beautiful flower! The pages are filled with gorgeous photos of all of the different types of pelargoniums, providing readers with an informative yet enjoyable read. Ms. Brawner also includes great tips on growing pelargoniums, including information on propogation and hybridization, pots and potting soils, food and water, diseases, and insect pests. A true treasure trove of information on one of the world's most popular plants!
Spring is here, and it is time to get out into the garden! Geraniums are a great way to add color and beauty to any garden or home. If you are like me, however, you need a little extra training when it comes to planting and growing. That is why I love the book, Geraniums: The Complete Encyclopedia, by Faye Brawner. The book is packed full of information about all varieties of geraniums. It even has tips for gardeners on how to grow the perfect flowers. With this book, your garden will be the envy of all your friends and neighbors!
Faye Brawner and I share a love: geraniums. From gay pots in windowsills all over France, to tiny fragrant buds on your own ledge in the garden, geraniums provide a spot of happiness in our daily lives, all throughout the Spring and Summer. Schiffer give us this Encyclopedia of pelargoniums, with extensive photographs of their flowers, for identification and cultivation. Know how and where to plant them, Learn how they are best cultivated, and where they thrive. Dwarf varieties, and the scented leaf grow more familiar to the botanist in all of us. There's even one re-named "Peach" because of it's familiar scented leaves ( the change from "Gooseberry Leaf" gives the little lovely a new lease on life!). Easy to cultivate, easy to look at, and such a fulfilling little flower as a reward , when you are successful, the geranium shares it's many moods readily. Some of them can be trained into topiary shapes, and some are lovely as bushes. However you choose to introduce the happy little plant into your life, and garden, it will give back fourfold. Use the scenteds for a whiff of summer love, and as a side effect, have fewer mosquitoes in your house. Choose them for their spots of color, and learn how easy they are to propagate. Even my friends who have no green thumb talents are quite successful keeping their cutting alive. And cuttings abound! What else to give as house gifts? A bag of soil, a lovely pot, and this book, of course!
For someone without a green thumb, I just love the geranium flower. Why, because it is hardy and blooms all summer and early fall. Plus it comes in great colors so I can make a major statement with them. So reading the Complete Encyclopedia on them was right up my alley. Learning that they originated in South Africa and arrived in England in the 1700’s was interesting. Finally they made it to us in the USA by the late 1800’s. After the Rose it has the most hybrids. It made me want to spice it up this summer and try those hybrids then the typical species. I liked that the book dedicated a section to propagation which I have not quite tackled yet. They also wrote about pots and potting soil, food & water and diseases. Everything you could ever want to know and more. Like how to fight insects and pests and special uses for your plants. Hurry up Spring so I can get going with my new knowledge of geraniums.
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This beautiful and comprehensive volume on easy-to-grow geraniums (pelargoniums) provides a wealth of new information for hobby growers from all climates, including valuable tips on the challenges each region presents. Chapters provide detailed background on the many varieties of geraniums, including scented leaf pelargoniums, zonals, dwarfs, stellars, regals, angels, and more. Hundreds of stunning photographs provide a visual reference of the many colors available. Current and aspiring gardeners will find practical information on propagation and hybridization, pots and potting soils, food and water, and dealing with diseases and insect pests. In addition, many common errors in plant nomenclature are corrected. This is a wonderful reference for everyone who enjoys beautiful flowers, on windowsills or in the garden.
