Geranium

Geranium

Author: Kasia Boddy

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Published: 2013-02-15

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13: 1780230583

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

They are sometimes called storksbills and originated in South Africa. They may be star-shaped or funnel-shaped, and they range in color from white, pink, and orange-red to fuchsia and deep purple. The geranium and its many species, much loved and also much loathed, have developed since the seventeenth century into one of the most popular garden plants. In this book, Kasia Boddy tells the story of geranium’s seemingly inexorable rise, unearthing the role it has played in everything from plant-hunting and commercial cultivation to alternative medicine, the philanthropic imagination, and changing styles in horticultural fashion. Boddy shows how geraniums became the latest fad for wealthy collectors and enterprising nurserymen after they were first collected by Dutch plant-hunters on the sandy flats near present-day Cape Town. She explains that the flower would not be rare for long—scarlet hybrids were soon found on every cottage windowsill and in every park bedding display, and the backlash against the innocent plant followed quickly on the heels of its ubiquity. Today, geraniums can be found throughout the world, grown as annuals in the regions too cold for them to regenerate. In addition to exploring the history of geraniums, Boddy reveals the plant’s other uses, including how they are cultivated and distilled for their scents of citrus, mint, pine, rose, and various spices to use in perfumes. With their edible leaves, they are also used to flavor desserts, cakes, jellies, and teas, and some people believe that certain species provide an effective treatment for a cough. Featuring over one hundred illustrations, Geranium shows how the plant is portrayed in painting, literature, film, and popular culture, and provides an intriguing example of the global industrialization of plant production.


The Plant Lover's Guide to Hardy Geraniums

The Plant Lover's Guide to Hardy Geraniums

Author: Robin Parer

Publisher: Timber Press

Published: 2016-04-20

Total Pages: 261

ISBN-13: 1604694181

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Hardy geraniums are a staple in the garden and are among the best-loved and most widely grown plants. The Plant Lover’s Guide to Hardy Geraniums, by nursery owner Robin Parer, highlights 140 of the best species and cultivars. Featuring information on growth, care, and design, along with suggested companion plants and hundreds of gorgeous color photographs, it covers everything a home gardener needs to introduce these delightful plants into their garden.


Gardening with Hardy Geraniums

Gardening with Hardy Geraniums

Author: Birgitte Husted Bendtsen

Publisher: Timber Press (OR)

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 152

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Hardy geraniums were the first plants to shrug off the rigours of her coastal climate and grow in Birgitte Husted Bendtsen's garden every bit as well as they did in the fertile, sheltered plots further east in Denmark. Add to this their tolerance of dogs and children, resistance to pests and diseases, interesting foliage, and delightful flowers in a wide range of colours, and it is little surprise that Birgitte developed an insatiable passion for them. In this book, she shares her knowledge of cultivating the plants and highlights the most garden worthy species and varieties. Expert cultivation advice, including comments on soil preferences and hardiness, is followed by fascinating information on pollination, and failsafe propagation secrets. Captivating colour photographs display key characteristics of hardy geraniums including their legendary range of flower colour and intricate, often highly marked, foliage. Here readers may marvel at the many cultivars of Geranium x oxonianum, enjoy favorites like Geranium 'Ann Folkard' with its striking black eye against magenta background, and covet the fine-leaved, blue-flowering Geranium himalayense. Smaller varieties ideal for growing in rockeries, containers and troughs are described along with perfect geraniums for associating with roses of all colours. Birgitte Husted Bendtsen communicates like a true enthusiast and the text is peppered with interesting anecdotes including news of an exciting variety that is prized for its blue flowers and modest stature. With over 400 species and hybrids of hardy geraniums and 450 beautiful colour photographs, this book is both rich in information and beautiful to browse. It is a long-awaited reference that will delight seasoned enthusiasts and introduce a whole new generation of gardeners to the charms of the hardy geranium.


Edible & Medicinal Flowers

Edible & Medicinal Flowers

Author: Margaret Joan Roberts

Publisher: New Africa Books

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 9780864864673

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This guide brings together an extraordinary collection of over 80 flowers, trees and herbs that not only give a magnificent show in the garden, but also have remarkable healing properties and can be used in cooking and as cosmetic alternatives.


Scented Geraniums

Scented Geraniums

Author: Jim Becker

Publisher: Interweave

Published: 1996-08

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Scented Geraniums are plants for all seasons. They are a delight in the garden, whether grown in the ground or in containers. The joy of these plants is that they can be brought indoors to overwinter, and you can take pleasure in them throughout the year. The authors offer easy-to-follow instructions for growing these olfactory delights both indoors and out, recipes and ideas for using them in the kitchen, in flower arrangements, in potpourri, and more.


Florida Gardener's Guide

Florida Gardener's Guide

Author: Tom MacCubbin

Publisher:

Published: 2002-06-21

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 1930604785

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Gardening experts Georgia Tasker and Tom MacCubbin present advice on choosing plants for the diverse landscape of Florida. More than 160 entries provide information on planting, growing, and caring for a myriad of plants.


The Complete Language of Herbs

The Complete Language of Herbs

Author: S. Theresa Dietz

Publisher: Wellfleet

Published: 2024-02-06

Total Pages: 259

ISBN-13: 1577154126

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Complete Language of Herbs is a comprehensive and definitive dictionary/reference presenting the history, symbolic meaning, and visual depiction of over 500 herbs and spices from around the world in one volume—now in a pocket-size edition for easy, on-the-go reference.


Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

Author: Roberta Wilson

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 370

ISBN-13: 9781583331309

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Aromatherapy, the centuries-old practice of using naturally distilled botanical essences and oils for physical and psychic benefit, is more popular than ever today. It can effectively prevent and relieve the discomforts associated with a wide variety of health problems, and can also help reduce stress, lift depression, and restore or enhance a sense of well-being. In addition, it offers a host of revitalising beauty-care treatments for skin, hair, and body. Roberta Wilson's Aromatherapy- Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beautyis designed to provide all the information you need to understand and benefit from aromatherapy. If you've been searching for one good resource to show you the many advantages and practical applications of aromatherapy, look no further. Aromatherapyis a clear, comprehensive, up-to-date guide that affords easy access to this gentle healing art.


Geraniums

Geraniums

Author: Faye Brawner

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780764317385

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Provides detailed background on geraniums (pelargoniums), including scented leaf pelargoniums, zonals, dwarfs, stellars, regals, angels, and more. Hundreds of stunning photographs provide a visual reference of the many colors available. Also includes information on propagation and hybridization, pots and potting soils, food and water, and dealing with diseases and insect pests. A wonderful reference for everyone who enjoys beautiful flowers, on windowsills or in the garden.