Hardy Bamboos: Taming The Dragon

by Paul Whittaker

Bamboos are extraordinary in their ability to transform a garden, adapt to inhospitable surroundings, survive with little care and, most of all, surprise and delight the people who view them. Too long the exclusive pleasure of those with tropical and subtropical gardens, this hand-picked selection allows gardeners in cooler climes to experience the wonder and infinite variety of these magical plants. Besieged by winter wet, summer drought and bitter, drying winds, Paul Whittaker's garden has been a rigorous testing ground. In the first part of the book his compelling anecdotes, experiences and case histories illuminate how bamboos perform in different places, draw attention to their idiosyncratic nature, and highlight their geographical origins. A further section describes the bamboo's unique physical structure and growing habits. These fascinating insights give you the knowledge you need to choose the right bamboo for your site and grow it successfully. At the heart of the book are detailed plant descriptions that join with striking photographs and evocative illustrations to highlight each plant's characteristics. Using bamboos to best effect in the garden, propagation, aftercare and their resilience to pests and diseases complete the guidance for gardeners. The distillation of years of hands-on growing experience, this is the ultimate bamboo reference book for cool-climate gardeners. Enthusiasts will delight in the variety of new possibilities for their collection and gardeners everywhere will be captivated by the charm bamboos bring to countless different garden situations.

Genres: Gardening

299 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not long after moving to Oregon, I discovered bamboo growing along our driveway. I've always loved bamboo and the arching sense of mystery it seems to carry. After a bit of research, I found this book and was immediately lost in its narrative style and depth of experience.

The information on individual species is exhaustive, lyrical and straight-forward. No single page is difficult to read, but each section is a challenge simply because of the quality and quantity of information. This is also the case for the chapters on physiology, growing patterns, and geographic history.

The pictures, both the photographs and the hand-drawn diagrams, are fantastic. This book is both practical and artistic. It will be the first one I grab when I'm ready to start planting.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - this book is beautiful and informative about bamboo types and growing bamboo - especially for the more norther climates. I really wish it was longer - more text. But everything else was perfect. I do grow bamboo and I learned so many new things about this amazing grass.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book when you have a garden full of bamboo.
Taming the dragon; oh yes...! :-)

[Josh Cottom]

Excellent owner's manual with pretty pictures for hardy bamboos.