Discusses the use of foliage plants in a garden and offers advice on the planting and care of foliage plants

Previously illustrated with black and white photographs, this reference now provides professionals with a colorful guide to the production of commercial foliage crops. Featuring updated and expanded information, including cultural changes, new technological advances, and eight new foliage crops, the guide now covers more than 70 species of foliage appropriate to commercial environments--anthuriums, bromeliads, ferns, bamboos, birds-of-paradise, and African violets. In addition to exploring each plant's natural habitat, varieties, and propagation, this reference also counsels growers on uses, nutrition, pests, disorders, interior care, and the most common problems affecting these types of foliage. Tables also list leaf analysis rating standards for nutrients for many of the crops discussed.

Foliage comes in a mind-boggling variety of color, shape and growth habit. But which ones complement each other and work best for the many garden situations people have? Fine Foliage gives the home gardener 60+ examples of plant combinations that work for every purpose, whether in sun or shade, path or meadow, porch or poolside. Each plant combination is introduced with an on-site photograph and "Why This Works" text, accompanied by individual close-up photos and quick-tip info about care, site, soil, zone and season - a complete "recipe" that even a beginner gardener can follow. Fine Foliage brings elegant, expert design and style to the garden and patio. Full color photographs throughout. Includes an index. Fine Foliage was named one of Amazon's "Best of the Year" garden books for 2013. The Garden Writers Association has recognized Fine Foliage with a 2014 Silver Award of Achievement The Garden Writers Association has also recognized Fine Foliage with a 2014 Gold Award of Achievement

Covers diseases of palms, ferns, ivies, cacti, and dozens of other ornamentals.

With their fascinating marbling and mottling, veinings, splashes and contrasting edges, variegated plants contribute uniquely to the creative gardeners palette. This book describes 700 such plants, including annuals, perennials, grasses, climbers, trees and shrubs, together with specific advice on cultivation and propagation. The superb photographs were commissioned specially for this book from the noted garden photographer, Andrew Lawson.--COVER.