The Pocket Flower Expert
Book Review by Trevor Edwards
22 August 2002

The convenient size makes the book an easy to go anywhere reference book. Full colour illustrated A - Z of over 300 flowers you are likely to find in a garden or at the garden centre. Each page provides detailed information and colour illustrations on three flowers. Each page provides guidance on the propagation and care of flowering annuals, perennials, and bulbs. Each of the subjects is primarily identified by the all-important Genus or botanical name followed by the common name. The plant type (bulb, perennial or bedding plant etc) is identified together with a general description. Whilst each flower type has a list of varieties together with their height and flower colour, space limitations allow for only one colour photograph and one colour illustration. Thankfully since this is a very recent publication all of the species or varieties listed should be readily available from your garden centre or plant shop. I was particularly impressed with the easy to use site & soil and propagation tables. Each flower has a "site & soil" number (1-20). Simply look up the number on the inside front cover, for details of the sun, soil and drainage needs of the plant. Similarly, to find the best methods of propagation simply look up the propagation number on the inside back cover. Of the 127 pages, 107 of the pages are dedicated to the A-Z with only 3 pages covering Plant Care. Brief and simple instructions are given on watering, Weeding, Feeding, Mulching, Hardening Off, Cutting Back, Winter Care and Staking. Only the dedicated professional can carry the wealth of knowledge, experience and information that The Pocket Flower Expert offers. I find it easy to recommend this £3.99 book and the others in the series, to the beginner or seasoned gardener, arming them with fingertip and convenient access to expert information.

Book: The Pocket Flower Expert
Author: Dr D.G Hessayon
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
Price: £3.99