Product Description

Palms that grow in Canada? Bananas that overwinter in Michigan? How about southern crape myrtles that flower in Birmingham, England, instead of Birmingham, Alabama? Although the voice of authority --- and nursery labels --- might say, "You can't grow those plants here," author Dave Francko has a different message for gardeners: "Plants can't read the information on their tags." Laced with humorous anecdotes and based on years of first-hand observations and research, this book provides real-world information to help adventurous gardeners grow plants they never before dreamed possible. Nobody who reads this book will ever look at a plant label the same way again.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #212725 in Books
• Published on: 2003-01-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 308 pages

From Booklist
An irresistible title combined with Francko's solid credentials--as a scientist, botany professor, and, moreover, a zealous gardener--should signal to other keen gardeners that here is someone who understands the desire to push the proverbial envelope when it comes to selecting plant material for the garden. In a wonderfully forthright style, Francko sets about defining warm-climate plants and offering advice on how to grow such specimens in temperate climates. Green thumbs of varying abilities will find the guidance to introduce unusual species, as Francko arms readers with the know-how to acclimate plants; identify microclimates; choose companion plants; and provide for adequate culture and care of cold-hardy palms as well as a wealth of architectural evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs, and exotics. With this highly readable guide in hand, plant lovers can look forward to the challenge and the prospect of animating their gardens with a new and expanded palette of exciting possibilities. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"A 'must-have' book for the adventurous gardener. . . . The definitive text for those not afraid to the push the envelope." -- Tamar Myers, The Temperate Zone Chapter of the International Palm Society

"Adventurous gardeners will welcome this book ... With humorous asides and practical tips, Francko challenges cool-temperature gardeners to consider growing exotic, tropical plants that they have previously considered too tender for their climate." American Gardener, March/April 2003 (American Gardener )

"An indispensible, fun-to-read resource for amateur as well as seasoned gardeners. . . . David Francko's book will revolutionize your gardening ideas." -- Gerry McKiness, owner, Gerry's Jungle

"Francko's book is a treasure. His tips will help increase the odds thta we'll be able to get away with planting ... species that up until" George Weigel, People Places Plants, Spring 2004 (People Places Plants )

"Helps adventurous gardeners grow plants they never dreamed possible." Publishers Weekly, May 17, 2003 (Publishers Weekly )

"Adventurous gardeners will welcome this book ... With humorous asides and practical tips, Francko challenges cool-temperature gardeners to consider growing exotic, tropical plants that they have previously considered too tender for their climate."
—American Gardener, March/April 2003 (American Gardener )

"Francko's book is a treasure. His tips will help increase the odds thta we'll be able to get away with planting ... species that up until"
—George Weigel, People Places Plants, Spring 2004 (People Places Plants )

"Helps adventurous gardeners grow plants they never dreamed possible."
—Publishers Weekly, May 17, 2003 (Publishers Weekly )

Witty and knowledgeable . . . [Francko] gives gardeners hope of having a garden singularly different from all others. -- — Joanne S. Carpender, The National Gardener Magazine, February 2003

About the Author
Hardy palm expert David Francko has recently been a featured guest on Martha Stewart Living TV, as well as NPR's Science Friday with Ira Flatow. Francko is chair of the Department of Botany at Miami University in Ohio and his academic specialty is aquatic plants. He is co-investigator on the unversity's Hardy Palms Project, and for many years he has experimented with warm-climate plants in his own gardens. Francko's findings have been published in scientific journals and presented at national and international conferences. As part of a network of adventurous gardeners living in cooler regions of the world, Francko refuses to accept the common wisdom that "Palms won't grow here."

Customer Reviews

Thorough, through and through
After numerous trips to Florida and parts of the Caribbean I had developed a homesickness for the exotic. I bought the book and read it three times before gaining enough confidence to act. Two windmills, a mexican fan and one washingtonian later, I'm seeing surviving palms in my yard. If you're looking for good science for gardening, this is your book.

great reading!
very informative book for gardeners who like to grow plants that are not common to their zone. David has already made all the mistakes, and tells you what really works.

Great for Tropical Gardens in Non-Tropical Regions
David Francko has done his research through trial-and-error and has written a great book, listing palms and plants that may grow in your region with a little TLC.