Book Description

Gardening is now the favorite leisure pastime in America. Homeowners are realizing the health benefits derived from gardening and the increase in their home's property value.

Book retailers are well aware that the trend in gardening books is to regional titles that provide credible information on the plants that perform well in specific regions.

Contains easy to use advice on the top landscape plant choices (more than 160 entries) for North Carolina.

Recommends specific varieties and provides advice on how to plant, how to grow and how to care for North Carolina's best plants.

Reviews (2)

A Must for NC gardeners
For anyone who is interested in gardning in NC, this book is a must. Most gardinging books would only concentrate on how good the plant is. BUt this book also tells us some of the "problems" one might have with the plants and what kind of pests/diseases a plant might be susceptible to. I should have given 5-Stars for this book. The reason I did not give is the indexing is a bit confusing -- the botanical and common names are used in mixed mode. This is not a big problem though, once you get used to the book.

Again, this book is a must for all gardeners in NC -- experience as well as novices.

Excellent book for North Carolina gardeners
This book has been very helpful for me in choosing, planting and understanding how to take care of annuals, perennials, groundcovers, shrubs, trees, bulbs, vines and herbs that will grow well in North Carolina. The choices at a gardening center can be overwhelming, but Tony Bost's advice can help you focus on plantings that have a good chance to succeed in a N.C. garden. I especially like the great detail that goes into the exact way to plant your selection, and the maintenance of the plant, so that you know how often and with what to fertilize the plant, and how to water and prune it. Tony Bost has also included up to date information on new cultivars that are being developed and relies a lot on excellent research that is currently being done at the Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. ... Read more

Book Description

This practical reference provides professional growers with the tools necessary to make in-the-field identifications of tropical foliage disorders. Listing more than 70 varieties of foliage plants, this guide covers a broad range of disorders, including pest damage, disease, phytotoxicity, and environmental problems. Each disorder listing includes a visual identification, brief description of damage, and solution for treatment, including ecologically benign applications whenever possible. Timely recognition can save a crop or landscape, and this guide is ideal for foliage growers, interior landscapers, educators, and plant retailers. ... Read more

Book Description

Tree ferns in the landscape command the attention of both devoted gardeners and casual passersby. The stately form of these ferns resembles that of the palm tree and evokes a feeling of the quintessentially exotic. Tree ferns are successful survivors from the distant past, with plant forms dating back to the Jurassic period. Yet tree ferns are still rapidly evolving---they have been discovered growing among the cinders of active Hawaiian volcanoes.

In the wild, tree ferns occur in certain subtropical and tropical environments and in Southern Hemisphere temperate forests, where they give an immediate and characteristic flavor to the vegetation. They are commonly cultivated in warmer regions of the world, but various species grow well in cooler climates. There are hundreds of different kinds of tree ferns, and the authors have traveled extensively to study and photograph them in the wild, in addition to observing tree ferns in collections.

This volume is the source of information on the living tree ferns. It surveys families, genera, and species that are suitable for the home garden. It offers up-to-date taxonomy and detailed descriptions, as well as in-depth coverage of everything from tree fern use to conservation. In recognition of the horticultural importance of tree ferns, the authors provide extensive cultivation information, including propagation and diseases and pests. Although some emphasis is placed on those species cultivated in Australasia and the United States, species from around the world are also discussed. ... Read more

Book Description

This newly expanded fourth edition text offers the latest information in the field of agricultural mechanics, providing instruction on basic mechanical skills and applications, as well as career opportunities. Topics covered range from tool identification and maintenance, small engines, electricity, and electronics, to construction and masonry.The units are presented in a logical, easy to read and follow format, allowing readers to comprehend concepts and apply them to laboratory or field settings. Vividly portrayed illustrations complement this work with the most current full color photos, charts, and diagrams, reinforcing the book's fluid movement between the principles and application of modern agricultural mechanics. The comprehensive appendices also include extensive reference material, making "Agricultural Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications" an invaluable resource for education and industry. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

not sure if this is the right edition that i'm reviewing
as an agriculture student,i find this book to be a very well-written,highly informative book. all ag. teachers should have copies of this. ... Read more

Book Description

With the advent of genetic engineering, "designer" crops might interbreed with natural populations. Could such romances lead to the evolution of "superweeds", as some have suggested? But haven't crops had sex with wild plants in the past? Has such gene swapping occurred without consequences? And if consequences have indeed occurred, what lessons can be gleaned for engineered crops?

In Dangerous Liaisons? Norman Ellstrand examines these and other questions. He begins with basic information about the natural hybridization process. He then describes what we now know about hybridization between the world's most important crops—such as wheat, rice, maize, and soybeans—and their wild relatives. Such hybridization, Ellstrand explains, is not rare, and has occasionally had a substantial impact. In some cases, the result was problematic weeds. In others, crop genes have diluted natural diversity to the point that wild populations of certain rare species were absorbed into the gene pool of the more common crop, essentially bringing the wild species to the brink of extinction.

Ellstrand concludes with a look to the future. Will engineered crops pose a greater threat than traditional crops? If so, can gene flow and hybridization be managed to control the escape of engineered genes? This book will appeal to academics, policy makers, students, and all with an interest in environmental issues. ... Read more

Book Description

Creeping Bentgrass Management presents a difficult management problem throughout the summer season. This complex dilemma is related to numerous and often interrelated factors such as: extreme air and soil temperatures, drought or excessively wet soils, dense thatch or organic mats, mechanical and other physical stresses, improper management practices, the misuse of chemicals, and other physical stresses. The goal of this useful manual—complete with helpful color photographs—is to give golf course superintendents practical tools to better understand the many stress factors that contribute to the creeping bentgrass decline complex. It will help you pinpoint problems, and implement cultural and chemical solutions to maintain the integrity of your course. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Most comprehensive bentgrass management book available!
This is the most comprehensive book dealing with creeping bentgrass management. The author covers all aspects of bentgrass management from disease identification, management and control to the control of annual bluegrass with various growth regulators and chemicals. Unlike other books, however, this one talks about common problems that arise that are mistaken for disease issues and lead to the application of wasted chemicals. If you are a golf course superintendent or a turf student there are two books that you must have; The Turf Compendium and this one. You will not be disappointed.

The Turf Guy ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive book offers an introduction to the floral design industry.It includes step-by-step instructions complete with illustrations and material lists for dozens of projects.Projects are built around low-cost materials and include suggestions on how to incorporate native materials to further reduce costs. It is written in a concise, easy-to-follow manner that is appropriate even for readers with no background in floral design. The book includes a rating scale to enable readers to evaluate their own work.This highly illustrated floral design guide provides the instruction and inspiration necessary to create unique floral designs. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Scholarly, But Astonishingly Good
This is a comprehensive volume of the bamboos native to the Americas (only one of which is native to the United States). Anyone fascinated with the giant bamboos (as well as others) of Central and South America will love this beautifully illustrated and well written book. For anyone who is already a bamboo lover, this book is a must-have. An instant classic, books on bamboo just don't get any better than this. Highly recommended.

Bamboos in color!
An excellent resource for American Bamboos. There is not much out in the market on these often forgotten plants. There are loads of color pictures that make the book invaluable. East-to-read text with plenty of location maps so you know where the plants are found. Anyone interested in bamboos must get this resource!

An excellent book for the bamboo expert
there is not much information out there on bamboos and this book fills the gap. It's a must buy for the biologist in the grass world. Lots of excellent pictures of the plants and good text to go with it. Well written.

super photos, great text
A wonderful introduction to bamboo for anybody. This was my first "scholarly" book on this fascinating plant, and the background material (which generalizes to all bamboo of the world) is outstanding.

So many great pictures, and so many vivid descriptions, and such erudite yet well written text.

I am no scholar of bamboo, just mostly enjoy reading about plants and looking at pictures, but this should be a classic among students of bambooology I am sure. ... Read more

Book Description

Agribusiness provides students with the financial management skills necessary for making effective decisions, setting goals, assessing and solving problems, valuing financial progress and success, and evaluating the management of resources useful in everyday life.It is the first agricultural education text that is based on the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and also follows the National Council's Decisions and Dollars curriculum. ALSO AVAILABLE Electronic Record Book, ISBN:0-8273-7952-8 INSTRUCTOR SUPPLEMENTS CALL CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO ORDER Instructor's Guide, ISBN:0-8273-6730-9 ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Quick Read
This was a good book for the novice with no experience in the tree industry. It was a quick read and enjoyable. But not for someone in who works in the field already.

Great book for both hobbyist and serious grower
This is a hobby for me, and Hill's book has all the answers. He has been a professional grower for many years. He covers all the details: planting, weeding, pruning and selling.

Easy to read and reasonably priced. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

New Zealand HIAI Monthly email Newsletter
This is a monumental effort, 220 page plus book well laid out and researched with heaps of references and an easy to follow index of pests and diseases plus biological solutions as the title indicates. Members may recall that John McPartland in fact all the authors were very helpful to NZHIAI some time back regarding MAF's (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) request for information regarding industrial hemp pests and diseases. By NZ standards this book is quite pricey (NZD 150-00 plus landed) That said I would suggest if you are re serious regarding growing industrial hemp this book will become as it is rapidly for me "Your bible." There is so much information my head is spinning. It is attractively bound and could well become a collectors item. No problems with NZ customs. In a word it is BRILLIANT. A credit to the authors. It can be obtained from the website below. Only took a week to get here.

Review from CC Archives
Hemp diseases and pests An amazing new tome on cannabis cultivation. from CC On-line, by Pete Brady

Here's the perfect recipe for a book about cannabis: use three authors who have spent decades studying cannabis horticulture, combine them with an international publishing company, and give them enough resources to create an oversized book with professional citations, illustrations, and binding.

This perfect recipe has produced a gorgeous new book, HEMP DISEASES AND PESTS - MANAGEMENT AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL. The authors - Dr. John McPartland, Robert Connell Clarke, and David Watson - are premier marijuana researchers whose credibility and breadth of knowledge are legendary.

McPartland is a medical doctor, botanist and cannabinoid researcher. Clarke is the author of two epic texts, MARIJUANA BOTANY and HASHISH!. Watson runs HortaPharm, the Dutch cannabis breeding consortium supplying specialty cannabis to UK med-pot research projects conducted by GW Pharmaecuticals.

HEMP DISEASES AND PESTS is a fascinating, practical book, and an upcoming issue of CANNABIS CULTURE will give a more complete summary of its features. For the purposes of this brief online review, however, I assure you that this book will significantly increase yield, efficiency and quality for any marijuana grower who follows its advice.

The book includes photos that help growers diagnose dozens of plant dysfunctions, including enemy insects, mites, mammals, and fungi, environmentally-caused problems, overwatering, and nutrient deficiencies. It tells growers how to protect their crops using biocontrols instead of toxic chemicals. It describes ideal soil components, harvesting guidelines, and curing procedures.

Although HEMP DISEASES AND PESTS is not intended as a "grow book" that focuses on lighting, security, and clandestine techniques, its scope, accuracy and detail make it an incomparable textbook that every marijuana grower should have. It is interesting and entertaining, immaculately presented and organized, and features the most innovative and reliable techniques for keeping your plants healthy and happy.

HEMP DISEASES AND PESTS is a large, 251 page, professional book with a professional price. It's well worth it. When I grew my own marijuana, I was often puzzled by plant problems. If I'd had this book, I could have easily eliminated those problems. HEMP DISEASES AND PESTS will likely increase the yield of your garden by at least 50%- if that's not worth, I don't know what is!

overwhelmingly thorough
Having only been able to get an overview of this imposing tome, I came away thorougly impressed. for by far the most comprehensive book on the subject, this book should become indispensable. in a field dominated by the likes of ed rosenthal and jorge cervantes, it's nice to see a work that's more academic than either e.r. or j.c. are inclined to churn out (not that they don't provide a great service to the public as well!) if you've got the time, and are serious about cultivation, this work will resolve a lot of nagging questions and issues you might have in a professional, well-organized fashion. ... Read more

Book Description

Fish and Wildlife: Principles of Zoology and Ecology, 2E enlightens readers to the principles of biology in the context of how science relates to the survival of fish and wildlife. Captivating and informative, the book seemlessly integrates the principles of zoology and ecology with the lives of different kinds of wild animals that inhabit North America. It gives descriptions of the lives, structures, growth, and classification of species in their natural habitats, and raises critical thinking questions to initiate the steps taken in the process of scientific discovery. The book helps readers appreciate how each animal is adapted to its environment and highlights ways that humans and animals can reduce competition for resources that are needed by both. Whether for high school classes, local agriculture programs, or as a reference work, Fish and Wildlife: Principles of Zoology and Ecology, 2E presents the enjoyment and wonder of our animal world. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is a wealth of information and advice on growing blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries and dozens of lesser-known relatives, otherwise known as the vacciniums. Jennifer Trehane explores the historical, ornamental and edible aspects of Vaccinium, a diverse genus of more than 400 species that grow worldwide from Malaysia to Scandinavia. The culinary importance of these berry-bearing plants is well known: who has not savored blueberry pie or drunk a refreshing glass of cranberry juice?

Too few people, however, are aware of the ornamental potential of vacciniums. Many of the plants described in these pages have brightly colored young growth, flowers that are sometimes scented and either evergreen or deciduous leaves of brilliant fall color. Some vacciniums become large, bold shrubs, while others remain small and compact, making them ideal for containers and small gardens. The author lists dozens of little-known species deserving more attention, and all who read this book will find a range of plants suitable for each garden habitat.

The author sorts out huckleberries from bilberries, highbush blueberries from rabbiteye and lowbush blueberries and cowberries from cranberries. Detailing their cultivation, harvest and uses, she also offers expert guidance on pests and diseases while providing a fascinating summary of the commercial methods used to grow these wonderful plants. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Resources and details for ornamentals as well as fruits
Gardeners having troubles tracking down that elusive variety will welcome the latest edition of The Plant Locator Western Region: an excellent reference. Jennifer Trehane's Blueberries, Cranberries And Other Vacciniums packs in technical growing advice about growing these varieties and more. The entire Vaccinium genus holds more than 400 species worldwide: her guide covers resources and details for ornamentals as well as fruits. ... Read more

Book Description

This new text provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of plant science.From the basic requirements for plant growth, to genetic engineering and biotechnology, this easy to understand book is ideal for the high school level agriscience curriculum or college freshman level plant science course.Each chapter begins with learning objectives and key words and ends with a cumulative review -- complete with hands-on activities, instructor and student resources and references for further research. Students will learn about the origins of cultivated plants, structure and anatomy, photosynthesis, respiration, propagation, production of major agronomic crops and much, much more. ALSO AVAILABLE Lab Manual, ISNB: 0-7668-1542-0 Activity Software, ISBN: 0-8273-7955-2 Computerized Lab Manual, ISBN: 0-8273-7953-6 INSTRUCTOR SUPPLEMENTS CALL CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO ORDER Instructor's Lab Manual, ISBN: 0-7668-1543-9 Instructor's Manual, ISBN: 0-8273-7308-2 ... Read more

Book Description

This book is an ideal teaching manual for high school agriscience and consumer science programs, as well as for post-secondary food science courses.It is an excellent overview for anyone interested in attaining a basic understanding of food science. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a broad but provocative examination of the evolution of plants from the earliest forms of life to the development of our present flora. Taking a fresh, modern approach to a subject often treated very stuffily, the book incorporates many recent studies on the morphological evolution of plants, enlivens the subject with current research on ancient DNA and other biomolecular markers, and places plant evolution in the context of climate change and mass extinction.It is written to be accessible to undergraduates, so, for example, geological time is discussed in terms of 'millions of years ago' as well as by the names of the ages, and English equivalents of plant names are prefered, e.g. seed plants (instead of gymnosperms), flowering plants (instead of angiosperms). ... Read more