Overview

"The Essential Guide to Gardening and Landscaping with Native Ferns, Moss, and Grasses Acclaimed botanist and bestselling author William Cullina completes his authoritative three-part series on the native species of North America with Native Ferns, Moss, and Grasses. As in his other titles--The New England Wild Flower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating Wildflowers and Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines--this user-friendly guide brings a fresh, engaging style to encouraging ecological gardening with native flora. Cullina notes that these so-called ""background"" plants are overlooked in favor of bright, showy flowers, but reminds us that their rich tapestry of colors and textures offer a deep sensuous beauty of their own, adding extra dimension to any natural setting. The thorough discussion of the vital details necessary to cultivate each species includes their taxonomic and genetic data, optimal geographic ranges, soil needs, light and habitat requirements, and aesthetic considerations. Cullina helpfully notes the level of difficulty you can expect when growing and propagating these varieties, the threat of invasive species, and the effects that climate change could have. More than a botanical reference book, Native Ferns, Moss, and Grasses is beautifully illustrated with over 400-color photographs, and includes information detailing the conditions likely to allow each species to thrive. By highlighting lesser-sung species that give a garden true refinement and balance, Cullina takes environmentally-responsible native plant landscaping to a new level and provides an indispensable resource for any home or ornamental gardener's library. Another indispensable tool in your potting shed will be Cullina's companion work Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines and The New England Wild Flower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United States and Canada."

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9781635618969

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Reviews

Reigning over a trove of native flora at the New England Wild Flower Society, Cullina directs his expertise primarily to conservation, research, and education while bringing artistry to the horticultural realm of the society's Garden in the Woods. In previous books, Cullina dealt with wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and vines. His latest effort looks at the panoply of textures available to the gardener who wishes to incorporate ferns or mosses into a shady, woodland setting or perhaps needs help selecting grasses for a sunny meadow. Cullina stresses the importance of each native plant's genetic makeup as he guides readers to an understanding of hardiness factors from coast to coast, invasive species, and the effects of global warming. For the keen gardener or nursery professional, the book should prove an invaluable and authoritatively selective resource, with listings that provide common names, natural habitats, and cultural requirements as well as Cullina's lively plant descriptions and personal musings. --Alice Joyce, Booklist There is an elegance to the writing of Bill Cullina that is rarely found in reference books. His distilled prose, I believe comes from an intimacy with the subject and the palpable affection he possesses for the greater whole. This is yet another great book that Bill has written! --Daniel J. Hinkley, author of The Explorer 's Garden I have always respected Bill Cullina's work. His new book is an indispensable guide that I'll use while designing with these native beauties, with their fantastic forms and textures. I particularly welcome the way he indicates the degree of difficulty with the mosses. --Tracy DiSabato-Aust, author of The Well-Tended Perennial Garden

Author Information

William Cullina has been passionate about plants since he was a child. He has traveled extensively in the United States and Canada to study and photograph the plants in this book, most of which he as grown himself. His wide interests include collecting orchids (one thousand miniature epiphytes), making wheel-thrown stoneware, and building furniture from wood he has cut and turned into lumber himself.

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