Bulb

by Anna Pavord

In this personal selection and authoritative guide to the most gorgeous bulbs on the earth, Anna Pavord, world-famous author of "The Tulip", writes charmingly about her favourite subject from Acis to Zigadenus via Tulip and Crocus. After a fascinating introduction explaining why bulbs are different from other kinds of plant, where they come from, and their history, the different types of bulbs are featured alphabetically in a jewel-box-like gallery. Throughout this gallery, each plant is beautifully illustrated by award-winning photographer Andrew Lawson. Anna describes each of the bulbous plants in detail, furnishing us with all the information we could ever need, including facts common to each group, growing information, and how to use the bulb in the garden. Bringing each bulb to life with beautiful description, anecdote and historical tale, Anna's enthusiasm for these delicious plants can only be described infectious.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Reference

544 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Anna Pavord is the gardening correspondent for THE INDEPENDENT and the author of widely praised gardening books including PLANT PARTNERS and THE BORDER BOOK. She wrote for the OBSERVER for twenty years, has contributed to COUNTRY LIFE, ELLE DECORATION and COUNTRY LIVING, and is an associate editor of GARDENS ILLUSTRATED. For the last thirty years she has lived in Dorset, England where she is currently making a new garden. Constantly experimenting with new combinations of flowers and foliage, she finds it a tremendous source of inspiration. -http://www.bloomsbury.com/author/anna...

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a late friend said, what she liked about bulbs was that when they poked their heads up each year, it was as if they were saying, 'Hello, we're still here!'

This is a beautifully designed book, easy to find your way around. Every bulb covered has a large & clear photograph. The book is basically an A-Z. There are short general chapters on history, cultivation & using bulbs in the garden. The better-known (in the northern hemisphere) genera have an introductory essay & then entries on selected species & cultivars. Less well-known genera are also included. Although plants such as spring-flowering crocus, galanthus & tulips will only grow in the cooler parts of Australia, there is plenty to interest gardeners in warm temperate climates. The text is informative & amusing. Expensive but worth it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deliciously gorgeous volume full of magnificent photos, helpful information on bulbs, and a MUST for anyone who grows bulbs. I adored reading this over a couple of stressful days. It was an incredible reminder of the beauty all around me!

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs paired with pleasingly cheeky text.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often give a five-star review, but this tome on its namesake is amazing. Great detail on each type of bulb with lots of beautiful photos and sound written information. I also have and another book by the same author.

One of the things which makes this book so good is Pavord's witticisms about plants and gardeners. She is very funny. Also, she provides history on the naming of some of the bulbs in the books. Very interesting reading.

Her information is for England which isn't hot like Oklahoma, but I just adjust for that. Wonderful book.

[Elizabeth Licata · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly exhaustive book on bulbs, but also written with opinion and personality by Pavord, who is a real bulb obsessive. Worth the price, as it is gorgeously illustrated with pictures of every single bulb it describes.

Mitchell Beazley is a publisher worth seeking out; they are one of the few who clearly believe in creating beautiful books. Who know how much longer they'll be around!

[Victoria Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of beautiful pictures and useful information.