Product Description

Gardiner starts out by giving a brief introduction into magnolias relationship with mankind, including exploration, the beginning of cultivation and hybridization, medicinal and economic uses, and their role in art and folklore. He touches on their distribution and methods of pollination. Speaking from his own wide experience and that of his colleagues, Gardiner provides detailed cultivation advice, specific even to particular countries or regions. Ideas on garden uses, hints on dealing with pests and diseases, and information on propagation round out the introductory chapters leading up to the real meat, the chapters on species and hybrids. Detailed species and hybrid descriptions include the origins of the plant, information about its habit, hardiness, flowering times, and any special cultivation requirements.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #721854 in Books
• Published on: 2000-05-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 330 pages

Review
"A valuable reference."
—American Gardener, September/October 2001 (American Gardener )

"Magnolia growers, particularly those living in cooler climates, will find this ... a valuable reference."
—American Gardener, September/October 2001 (American Gardener )

"The charm and beauty of magnolias are shown in the 155 color photographs offering a wider variety of exquisite cultivars than we usually see grown."
—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, December 2000 (National Gardener )

A recommended pick for any serious horticultural library." -- The Gardening Shelf, August 4, 2000

A valuable reference. American Gardener, September/October 2001 (American Gardener )

Altogether this new book should be high on the wish list of every magnolia gardener. -- — Eileen Wheeler, The Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group Bulletin, May 2000

Fine and abundant color photographs. -- SciTech Book News, September 2000

For magnolia lovers who don’t or can’t grow them, Jim Gardiner’s monograph yields vicarious pleasure very nicely indeed. -- Homeground 2000

Magnolia growers, particularly those living in cooler climates, will find this ... a valuable reference. American Gardener, September/October 2001 (American Gardener )

Magnolia growers, particularly those living in cooler climates, will find this... a valuable reference. -- The American Gardener, September/October 2001

The charm and beauty of magnolias are shown in the 155 color photographs offering a wider variety of exquisite cultivars than we usually see grown. Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, December 2000 (National Gardener )

There can be no more welcoming introduction to the great genus Magnolia than this beautiful and gracefully written volume. -- Pacific Horticulture, Fall 2000

This admirable volume contributes in a positive and original way to the rich tradition of magnolia literature. -- Mark Flanagan, The Garden, November 2000

From the Publisher
Jim Gardiner is president of the Magnolia Society and curator of the renowned Royal Horticultural Societys Garden at Wisley, Great Britain, so is well suited to write such a handbook. A skilled photographer, Gardiner has assembled a collection of more than 150 breathtaking color photographs from his own and others collections. Gracious line drawings and maps also complement his text. For all its beauty, however, the chief strength of Magnolias: A Gardeners Guide is its detailed examination of the charms and challenges of growing the variety of magnolias available to contemporary gardeners. Full treatment is given to all significant species and hybrids, and particular attention is paid to cultural concerns such as siting and selecting, propagation methods, and coping with pests and diseases. Where to see and buy magnolias, who to contact, and a guide to selecting the best magnolias complete the book. No keen gardener will want to be without this vital information on such an esteemed family of garden shrubs and trees.

From the Author
Jim Gardiner is currently president of the Magnolia Society and curator of the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at Wisley.

Customer Reviews

Everything you need to know
The book is a very thorough examination of the genus magnolia, both species and hybrids, with chapters on history, cultivation, propagation, pests and an excellent section on which species and hybrids to choose for your garden.

While not for the casual gardener, I found much to recommend to any serious gardener considering an ornamental tree.

This is no doubt the authoriative text on the subject and a very interesting read.

A "must" for the serious horitculturalist and home gardner.
Gardeners interested in an in-depth coverage of magnolia hybrids, species, and their care will find this offers all the detail they require, charting the magnolia's culture, characteristics, and history. Magnolias isn't for the casual gardener, but for those devoted to the magnolia in particular and horticulture in general: a recommended pick for any serious horticultural library.

Outstanding Magnolia References
This is a fabulous reference for owners of magnolia trees and all persons considering planting a magnolia at any time in the future. This book will give you detailed information on habit, growth rate and hardiness that is a level of specificity well above most nurseries. My only wish was for more pictures, there seem to be multiple pictures of a few select species but none for the majority of those listed in the book. However, the title includes "A gardener's guide" rather than "Encyclopedia" so I did not feel misled.