( 6 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 8 2009
If you want an encyclopedia on wildflowers of the U.S. and Canada, you can't beat this one. It has an excellent introductory section on how to use the book and a succinct discussion of the effect of environmental factors such as light, soils, fertility, and temperature on native plants. He describes the floristic provinces of North America describing how the climate, soils and rainfall affect the vegetation of each region. The heart of the book is the encyclopedia of species listed in alphabetical order by genus with a plant description, hardiness zone, light requirements, soil, size, color, propagation and culture headings. Unique to this book is a section on time of seed ripening and germination requirements. Appendices list wildflowers for various sites, sources of plants and seeds, native plant societies, hardiness zone map, a bibliography, glossary and index. While there are may be better sources on how to grow wildflowers in your garden, I find this book demonstrates Cullina's experience and expertise in understanding the wildflower world and putting his knowledge to work. Gardeners, as well as professional plants people, should have this book. Norman Pellett, author of Gardener's Quiz Book
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( 15 of 15 found this review helpful ) Posted: Feb 2 2004
If you happen to be visiting The Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA, you will probably notice a man puttering in the gardens or working in the nursery. More than likely he will instinctively know that you have a question about the wildflowers you are examining and he will be more than happy to share his knowledge. This amiable person is William Cullina of the New England Wildflower Society. For those who are unable to visit the garden, or have a question about wildflowers, Cullina's book GROWING AND PROPAGATING WILDFLOWERS is the next best thing. This coffee table style book is filled with lavish photographs and wonderful commentary about many wildflowers found in North America. The book not only assists the reader in identifying various wildflowers, but helps the reader who wishes to incorporate wildflowers in a home garden. Cullina mentions in the introduction that horticulture has been a life long passion. This is evident in his writing style. The information in the book is informative and while it is presented in a formal manner, it is non-threatening for the novice gardener. This work is not helpful just for gardeners. Photographers will appreciate the wonderful shots of the flowers, many of which were photographed by Cullina himself.
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( 11 of 20 found this review helpful ) Posted: Jan 3 2003
I was under the impression that this book would provide the information I needed to cultivate these plants on some scale. I was very disappointed. There is no way that you could reliably produce these plants with the information provided in this book. There are much better books out there for that purpose. If you are a novice, homegardener wanting to learn about wildflowers and grow a few in your backyard, this book would be okay for you. But if you are knowledgeable on the topic already, I think you will be disappointed.
