book recommendations - horticulture

[buzzingtalk]

Hi, I am looking for the equivalent of the hillier gardener's guide to trees and shrubs, but for flowers? I need a detailed book, with pictures, describing full botannical names and characteristics. All the ones I have found so far are too basic, or don't have pics/descriptions.

Thanks

[Two_Sheds]

Something like this?

[Two_Sheds]

I've just looked in my stash, and I have this Readers Digest Encyclopaedia I can't remember the last time I read it, so you're welcome to it if you want it? It's too heavy to eBay that's why I still have it.

[Glutton4...]

I have the RHS Book, in TS' first link, and the Herb one, too! I find them very good reference books, to the point I have old tatty copies in my car for everyday reference as well as good copies in the bookcase, indoors!

Don't be put off by the retail price - my first copies were free when I joined a book club (the only reason I joined), the others were eB*y bargains - about a tenner each, I think.

My only complaint is they are soooo heavy!

[buzzingtalk]

ooooh excellent guys! Just what I was looking for

TS - that would be lovely! Do you want any seeds in exchange? I will pay the postage of course

Glutton - cheers for the advice. Two of my flatmates work in a book factory and can get up to 80% off so I might see if they can get me a cheap deal, but if not, ebay will be the one

Its been bugging me, as the hillier guide is indispensable for looking up trees and shrubs. Sounds like we have found the equivalent for flowers

[veggiechicken]

I like the Roger Phillips books http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roger-Phillips/e/B000APS1MO I think I have most of them. Excellent photos (with dates so that you know when to expect the plants to look as they do in the photo) and clear descriptions.

[northepaul]

How about the flower expert books?
The Flower Expert: The world’s best-selling book on flowers Expert Series: Amazon.co.uk: Dr D G Hessayon: Books

[buzzingtalk]

VC & NP - great reccomendations. Only problem is I am a total newbie when it comes to flowers (i'm much more into trees and edibles!) so need a one-stop-shop for flower id's for my rhs level 2 course. I wouldn't know if the collection of books is 'complete' as I don't know different types of flowers. I will however grab a few, such as the roses book, as we have to do a bit about different types of them and I am utterly clueless on them!

[Glutton4...]

Darn it - now I have to have the Hillier book...

[northepaul]

I started with the 'expert' books BT, usually you can pick em up at the carboot or similar for not much and they are quite in depth.

I would offer you one but I dont have the flower one.

[buzzingtalk]

The hillier book is amazing! Make sure you get the one calld 'the gardeners guide to trees and shrubs' as it has pictures in. there is another edition with no pictures, but under similar name.

[Two_Sheds]

TS - that would be lovely! Do you want any seeds in exchange? I will pay the postage of course

More seeds? God, no. And it's too heavy to post. Mr TS works in Norwich (Anglia Square) so we'll work out a drop-off point. I drive up there now & again too, so delivery isn't a problem. PM me

[Glutton4...]

OK, managed to get the Hillier book, in Hardback, on eB*y for less than a fiver and free postage!!!!!


*Does a silly little dance.


I like the Hessayon books too, I only have the Houseplant one, but often thumb through them in shops when I need tips!

[buzzingtalk]

good work!

i have my eye on a few Hessayon books xmas present list will be easy for everyone this year!

"not MORE horticulture books!" says the OH.

[Glutton4...]

The Hillier book has arrived! It is as big and heavy as the RHS books, and just as good. Thanks for the recommendation - even if that wasn't your original intention!