Crazy About Cacti and Succulents

by Ray Rogers (Editor), Steve Buchanan (Illustrator)

Overview

Cacti and succulents are among the most bizarre and beautiful plants a gardener can grow—and included here are some of the most remarkable of them all: stapeliads and ceropegias. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has brought together master gardeners from across the country, who show how easy it is to cultivate a collection of cacti and succulents on a windowsill or under artificial lights. They also introduce varieties that are hardy enough to grow outside in most climates. There are chapters on medicinal plants and succulent bonsai, plus advice on how experts groom their plants for competition. Finally, readers can learn how to help save the cacti and succulents that are threatened with extinction in the wild.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781889538723
Publisher:	Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Publication date:	05/28/2006
Series:	Brooklyn Botanic Garden All-Region Guide Series
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)

Editorial Reviews

Although both of these titles are for novice gardeners interested in learning about cactus and succulents, they differ significantly. Cactus Basics is a misleading title because it covers both cacti and succulents. In fact, the book is just a slight revision of Cactus and Succulents: A Care Manual (1998) by the same authors, who are British cactus and succulent enthusiasts. Regardless, it is a well-illustrated, if generic guide, with an A-to-Z directory of popular genera and brief chapters on cultivation, propagation, pests and diseases, and collection building. While the focus is on growing cacti and succulents indoors or in greenhouses, there is some information about outdoor cultivation. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden publication, by contrast, is a more sophisticated introduction, intended for North American gardeners (especially those in cold winter climates) who are interested in growing cacti and succulents in a variety of environments. Thematically arranged, this guide includes chapters by notable American horticulturists on hardy cacti and succulents, bonsai with succulents, the construction of green roofs with sedums and hardy succulents, and basic information about propagation and growing plants on windowsills and under lights. Unlike other introductions to cacti and succulent cultivation, this title contains a strong environmental message, with a cautionary chapter on the dangers posed by the collection of threatened plants for cultivation. By all counts, this Brooklyn Botanic Garden publication is highly recommended for all libraries with gardening collections; the other title is an optional purchase.-Brian Lym, Hunter Coll. Lib., New York Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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