The Complete Book of Plant Propagation

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing for advanced gardener, good for beginner
Review: Plant chapters included in this book are: annuals and biennials; herbaceous perennials; ferns; bulbs, corms and tubers; alpines and rock garden plants; conifers and heathers; shrubs, trees, and climbers; houseplants, water plants, herbs, fruit, and vegetables. Each chapter consists of two parts, the first is an illustrated guide of propogation techniques; the second part is a "directory" or a mini encyclopedia of plants. This book is mostly plant directory rather than propogation techniques. For example, in the longest chapter, Shrubs, Trees and Climbers, there are 10 pages of propogation techniques and 14 pages of directory. The book's strong points are in this chapter also, it has a good section on tree grafting. However, my biggest complaint about this book is that it does not mention roses at all. Nor does it mention carnivorous plants or other exotics. On the plus side, the photographs and illustrations are excellent. If you are interested in growing a specific plant type, like begonias or cacti, you would be better off with a plant-specific book, this book is too general.