Book description
"A thorough update and the introduction of new topics such as
biodiversity and conservation has greatly enhanced this new edition: it
is a 'must read' for all interested in horticulture and gardening."
-John MacLeod, RHS Professor of Horticulture
Most conventional gardening books concentrate on how and when to
carry out horticultural tasks such as pruning, seed sowing and taking
cuttings. This book is unique in explaining in straightforward terms
some of the science that underlies these practices. It is principally
a book of 'Why' - Why are plants green? Why should one cut beneath a
leaf node when taking cuttings? Why do plants need so much water? But
it also goes on to deal with the 'How', providing rationale behind the
practical advice.
The coverage is wide-ranging and comprehensive and includes the basic
structure and functioning of garden plants, nomenclature, genetics and
plant breeding, soil management, environmental factors affecting
growth, methods of propagation and production, pest and disease
control, post harvest management and storage, and conservation and
sustainable horticulture.
Now with full colour throughout, the second edition provides the
reader with:
- Completely revised and updated chapters from the first edition,
with new information and clearer focus on the topics
- Four new chapters, dealing with matters that have become of
increasing concern since the first edition, namely: Diversity
in the Plant World; Conservation and Sustainable
Gardening; Gardens and the Natural World; and
Gardens for Science
Published on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society, this book
remains a key text for those sitting RHS examinations, particularly at
levels 2 and 3; it will also appeal to gardeners, growers and scientists.
Key Features
- Bestselling essential text for all horticulture students
- Edited and written by a group of highly regarded scientists
- Covers the scientific information of greatest importance to
gardeners and horticulturists
- Jargon-free scientific explanations, a comprehensive glossary,
and copious colour illustrations
Royalties from the sale of this book go towards the charitable work
of the RHS, promoting horticulture and helping gardeners. www. rhs.
org. uk
About the Editors
Professor David Ingram,
Formerly Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, RHS
Professor of Horticulture and Master of St Catharine's College,
Cambridge, UK
Dr Daphne Vince-Prue, Formerly Reader in Botany, University of
Reading, Scientific Advisor to the Agricultural Research Council and
Head, Physiology and Chemistry Department, Glasshouse Crops Research
Institute, UK
Professor Peter Gregory, Institute Director, SCRI (Scottish
Crop Research Institute), Dundee, Scotland, UK
