For some reason, I'm not a great fan of Monarda, but I just might change my mind and give it a try after seeing the photo of 'Gardenview Scarlet' beebalm in the garden of Adrian Bloom.
Bloom, of course, is famous for his past ownership of the Blooms of Bressingham nursery in Britain, and here in the U.S., many know him from the Victory Garden TV show.
Now, in his new book, Bloom's Best Perennials and Grasses: Expert Plant Choices and Dramatic Combinations for Year-Round Gardens
(Timber Press, 2010), he offers his expert advice on his favorite choices for home gardens.
As he puts it in the preface, "This book highlights the best perennials and ornamental grasses and explains how to use them, but equally it is about the pleasure and benefits, the excitement and the drama that can come from gardening–and often stay with us for life." And to say the least, the book is definitely dramatic.
The first chapter is a photo essay on his garden at Bressingham … showing in great detail the possibilities for garden drama throughout the seasons. Chapter two focuses on design, from the very formal to the very informal as well as prairie gardens, small gardens, sustainable gardens and more. Bloom names 12 winning plants that he believes are standouts in any garden: among them are black mondo grass, Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost', golden hakone grass and Sedum 'Matrona'.
Finally, there's a directory of perennials and grasses, with a written description of each one, along with a very welcome list of recommended cultivars. Bloom also includes, at the end of book, some useful lists of plants that are moisture, shade, and drought tolerant, those with variegated leaves; others that attract bees and butterflies, that are resistant to deer and rabbits; and shorter cultivars for small gardens.
All in all it's a book most gardeners will find useful, and designers will find the photos of plant combinations an important reference. A recommended "buy."
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