Hardy Bamboos: Taming the Dragon

Hardy Bamboos: Taming the Dragon
by Paul Whittaker

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Book Summary Information

Author: Paul Whittaker
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: Illustrated
Published: 2005-03-18
ISBN: 088192685X
Number of pages: 300
Publisher: Timber Press

Book Reviews of Hardy Bamboos: Taming the Dragon

Book Review: Hardy Bamboos... a Worthy Library Addition
Summary: 5 Stars

As a relatively ignorant gardener on the topic of bamboos, I was looking for a good book for gardeners (opposed to scientists) on the topic of bamboos to possibly incorporate into my temperate garden (Central PA, USDA Zone 6). Comparing this book to 'Bamboo for Gardens' (A highly recommended book based off of other customer reviews as well as several online bamboo nurseries), I found this book to be a much better read for the temperate gardener than the former.

In 'Hardy Bamboos', Paul Whittaker tells us many wonderful and personal stories about his experiences growing bamboo. I find highly personal accounts such as this a joy to read because they bring gardening to life. Furthermore, these firsthand experiences really help in the bamboo plant entries. Although 'Bamboo for Gardens' does provide sufficient information on the culture of each bamboo (i.e light requirements, max. height, min. temp. hardiness, etc) 'Hardy Bamboos' goes even further. In each entry, Whittaker also includes a pencil sketch to more specifically describe the overall habit of each bamboo (i.e. tall and stately vs. tall and arched, etc), measurements from his garden regarding actual bamboo height and spread at different ages as well as numerous observations that he's made reguarding specific varieties over the year. These details and measurements made this book more useful for me than 'Bamboo for Gardens' with regards to figuring out how a bamboo will grow and look in my garden. However, I should point out that 'Bamboo for Gardens' goes into much more scientific background on bamboos and includes both the temperate and tropical bamboos. Because of this, I find that 'Bamboos for Gardens' makes a better overall bamboo reference book.

But for those of us who live in temperate regions and wish to learn more about how to grow bamboos outside in our gardens, I found 'Hardy Bamboos' to be the better, more garden-detailed book.

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Summary of Hardy Bamboos: Taming the Dragon

Bamboos are extraordinary in their ability to transform a garden, adapt to inhospitable surroundings, survive with little care and, most of all, surprise and delight the people who view them. Too long the exclusive pleasure of those with tropical and subtropical gardens, this hand-picked selection allows gardeners in cooler climes to experience the wonder and infinite variety of these magical plants. Besieged by winter wet, summer drought and bitter, drying winds, Paul Whittaker's garden has been a rigorous testing ground. In the first part of the book his compelling anecdotes, experiences and case histories illuminate how bamboos perform in different places, draw attention to their idiosyncratic nature, and highlight their geographical origins. A further section describes the bamboo's unique physical structure and growing habits. These fascinating insights give you the knowledge you need to choose the right bamboo for your site and grow it successfully. At the heart of the book are detailed plant descriptions that join with striking photographs and evocative illustrations to highlight each plant's characteristics. Using bamboos to best effect in the garden, propagation, aftercare and their resilience to pests and diseases complete the guidance for gardeners. The distillation of years of hands-on growing experience, this is the ultimate bamboo reference book for cool-climate gardeners. Enthusiasts will delight in the variety of new possibilities for their collection and gardeners everywhere will be captivated by the charm bamboos bring to countless different garden situations.

Gardening & Horticulture Books

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Hardy Bamboos: Taming the Dragon