Product Description

As an accomplished gardener and professional florist, Linda Beutler offers unique insights into creating inspired floral arrangements and growing the plants that go into them. Among the topics that Beutler discusses are the philosophy of floral design; making creative use of plants you're already growing; techniques of harvesting and preparing cut flowers; "bouquet basics"; and creating arrangements for special occasions. The book culminates in "Plants for the Cutting Garden: Flowers, Foliage, and Fruit," which contains detailed descriptions of more than 200 outstanding plants. Adding greatly to the book's appeal and usefulness are Allan Mandell's breathtaking photographs of flowers in every stage from the garden to finished arrangement.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #355102 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Review
"There is something magical about a garden-grown arrangement that makes it different from the commercially grown roses, lilies, and tulips that we buy at the store...homegrown blossoms are lovable because of, not in spite of, their imperfections. Who couldn't love a crazy, homemade, one-of-a-kind bouquet?
—Amy Stewart, San Francisco Chronicle (The San Francisco Chronicle )

There is something magical about a garden-grown arrangement that makes it different from the commercially grown roses, lilies, and tulips that we buy at the store...homegrown blossoms are lovable because of, not in spite of, their imperfections. Who couldn't love a crazy, homemade, one-of-a-kind bouquet? Amy Stewart, San Francisco Chronicle (The San Francisco Chronicle )

Review
"Garden to Vase will encourage even the most reluctant flower arranger to wield a pair of clippers." Valerie Easton, The Seattle Times June 24, 2007

From the Inside Flap
When you feel the urge to re-create the combinations of color and texture that enliven your garden in arrangements to enjoy indoors, does a crisis of confidence follow? Which flowers should I use? Will they last in a vase? At what stage should I pick them? Do they need some kind of conditioning? Could I be growing other plants that would add excitement to my arrangements?

The answers to these questions, and many more, can be found herein. An accomplished gardener and professional florist, Linda Beutler offers unique insights into creating inspired floral arrangements and growing the plants that go into them.

In her lively and down-to-earth syle she explores the essence of floral design; making creative use of plants you're already growing; techniques for harvesting and preparing cut flowers; bouquet basics; and creating arrangments for special occasions. She devotes an entire chapter to the well-loved mainstays: lilies, narcissi, tulips, roses, peonies, hydrangeas, and tropical flowers.

A wealth of expert information culminates in an alphabetical directory that describes the flowers, foliage, and fruit of more than 200 oustanding plants that are as lovely in the garden as in a vase. Each entry includes the plant's botanical and common names; its habit, hardiness, height, fragrance, and appearance; when it can be harvestedd; how to grow it; how it should be conditioned; and insider tips about what to look for if you're purchasing cut stems rather than growing the plant yourself.

Allan Mandell's breathaking photographs show flowers in full color at every stage from the garden to finished arrangement. Visually stunning and replete with information both practical and inspirational, Garden to Vase will help you grow both as a gardener and as an artist of the garden's bounty.

Customer Reviews

Misses the Mark on Several Points
When this book arrived and I perused the first time, I was thrilled. However, now that I have used this book for about a month, I am disappointed about some important and missing details. First, the good news: photos are gorgeous, author has a wonderful style and wit and this book has been helpful for me on several occasions.

My disappointments: NO index! There is a plant name index, flower meaning table, a botanical latin guide, bibliography, etc.; however, this book is much more than a listing of flowers. If one wants to research foliage or conditioning solution, good luck finding it without an index. One has to leaf through the entire book.

Second, the flower arrangements are gorgous but the flowers are not identified in any of the photos. The arrangement on the book's cover is breathtaking, and although I am an avid gardener, I could only identify two of the flowers in that particular photo. Considering the subject matter of this book, it is a travesty to not provide more detailed information on the many arrangements.

Third, very little information is provided on foliage or filler flowers for arrangements or a guide as to ratios of flowers to fillers to foliage, etc.

Fourth, the author beats up hybrid tea roses pretty hard (which is fine) and then waxes eloquently about old garden roses and how they should be the choice for a garden. Only one problem--there are many old garden roses that do not work as cut flowers because they shatter. And, when the author provides a list of the 12 best roses to grow for cutting, none of them are old garden roses (unless you consider the Austin roses to be old garden roses), and nearly half are hybrid teas!

Do I like this book? Yes; however, when I need essential information and it is not available in this type of reference, it is annoying, and especially knowing it may be in the book, but I cannot find it quickly because of the lack of an index.

Comprehensive, useful and fun.
I have been working on a cut flower project for two years and have done a lot of reading on the subject. I didn't think I really needed another book, but the lovely photos talked me into it. I am so glad they did! Not only have I learned some new things (like how to rinse sap producing flowers so they don't hurt the others in the vase) but the author's friendly and eloquent writing style is so much fun to read. Her rich experience with cut flowers and clear and enjoyable style will benefit everyone. Definitely a gem.

Garden to Vase: Growing and Using Your Own Cut Flowers, By Linda Beutler
What a treasure to add to my gardening library. Linda Beutler offers insights into the creation of floral arrangements and the growth of plants that go into them. The book covers the basics of floral design, giving the reader confidence to explore a fascinating aspect of gardening. Creative uses for plants from your current garden are explored. The tips for harvesting and preparing flowers for arrangements are written in a clear style for beginner and more advanced gardeners. This book includes an alphabetical directory, that describes the flowers, foliage, and fruit of more that 200 plants. Each entry includes the plants habit, hardiness, height, fragrance, and appearance; when it can be harvested; how to grow it; and how it should be conditioned. The photography of flowers and arrangements, done by Allan Mandell, is absolutely exquisite. I would highly recommend this book to all who love the beauty and possibilities of flowers.