The redbud tree that is so prominent in the landscape of eastern Kentucky during the early spring when they are profusely blooming is something that “draws” people back to the mountains. “I want to come back when the redbuds are blooming” is a common refrain from many folks who want to come back home or a stranger who wants to just come and experience the beauty of the mountains. Yet the redbuds are not red; they are a deep pink, and neither are all of the natives of the Appalachian Mountains and the hills of eastern Kentucky lazy, illiterate, apathetic, drug addicts, and generally low-class citizens. But still this region is identified as being a society made up of these individuals. Redbuds Are Not Red is written to illustrate that just as the tree is known for its “red” name, there is a misconception about it. The same is true of the people who are perceived in a negative sense, and this story attempts to describe a region that has good people, respectable and honest people, who need to be seen through a different perspective. It is written to illustrate that despite the poverty, deprivation, and lack of many needed resources, there is a way of life here that is good, decent, and deserving of the same respect and acknowledgment as any other segment of this great nation. People can come out of these hardships and rise to positions of productivity, respectability, and prominence.

The redbud tree that is so prominent in the landscape of eastern Kentucky during the early spring when they are profusely blooming is something that "draws" people back to the mountains. "I want to come back when the redbuds are blooming" is a common refrain from many folks who want to come back home or a stranger who wants to just come and experience the beauty of the mountains. Yet the redbuds are not red; they are a deep pink, and neither are all of the natives of the Appalachian Mountains and the hills of eastern Kentucky lazy, illiterate, apathetic, drug addicts, and generally low-class citizens. But still this region is identified as being a society made up of these individuals. Redbuds Are Not Red is written to illustrate that just as the tree is known for its "red" name, there is a misconception about it. The same is true of the people who are perceived in a negative sense, and this story attempts to describe a region that has good people, respectable and honest people, who need to be seen through a different perspective. It is written to illustrate that despite the poverty, deprivation, and lack of many needed resources, there is a way of life here that is good, decent, and deserving of the same respect and acknowledgment as any other segment of this great nation. People can come out of these hardships and rise to positions of productivity, respectability, and prominence.

The Study of Plants in a Whole New Light “Matt Candeias succeeds in evoking the wonder of plants with wit and wisdom.” ―James T. Costa, PhD, executive director, Highlands Biological Station and author of Darwin's Backyard #1 New Release in Nature & Ecology, Plants, Botany, Horticulture, Trees, Biological Sciences, and Nature Writing & Essays In his debut book, internationally-recognized blogger and podcaster Matt Candeias celebrates the nature of plants and the extraordinary world of plant organisms. A botanist’s defense. Since his early days of plant restoration, this amateur plant scientist has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection. Using gardening, houseplants, and examples of plants around you, In Defense of Plants changes your relationship with the world from the comfort of your windowsill. The ruthless, horny, and wonderful nature of plants. Understand how plants evolve and live on Earth with a never-before-seen look into their daily drama. Inside, Candeias explores the incredible ways plants live, fight, have sex, and conquer new territory. Whether a blossoming botanist or a professional plant scientist, In Defense of Plants is for anyone who sees plants as more than just static backdrops to more charismatic life forms. In this easily accessible introduction to the incredible world of plants, you’ll find: • Fantastic botanical histories and plant symbolism • Passionate stories of flora diversity and scientific names of plant organisms • Personal tales of plantsman discovery through the study of plants If you enjoyed books like The Botany of Desire, What a Plant Knows, or The Soul of an Octopus, then you’ll love In Defense of Plants.

Discover how to grow fresh figs organically in cold climates—from Minnesota to Moscow—with the help of this informative guide. Growing Figs in Cold Climates is a complete, full-color, illustrated guide to organic methods for growing delicious figs in cold climates, well outside the traditional hot, arid home of this ancient fruiting tree. Coverage includes: Five methods for growing figs in cold climates including overwintering Cultivar selection for cool and cold climates Pruning techniques for a variety of methods of growing figs in cold climates Pest problems and solutions Harvesting, including ways to speed ripening, identify ripe fruit, and manage an overabundance Small-scale commercial fig production in cold climates Fresh figs are juicy, full-bodied, and filled with a honey-sweet flavor, and because truly ripe figs are highly perishable, they are only available to those who grow their own. By choosing the right cultivars and techniques, figs can be grown across cool and cold growing zones of North America, Europe, and beyond, putting them within reach of almost every gardener. Easy and delicious—if you can grow a houseplant, you can grow a fig. Praise for Growing Figs in Cold Climates “Lee Reich is a master at growing food, especially fruits, and his extensive personal knowledge about figs comes through clearly in his writings. . . . Follow his advice for growing figs and you are guaranteed success.” —Robert Pavlis, author, Garden Myths, Building Natural Ponds, and Soil Science for Gardeners, owner, Aspen Grove Gardens “We have grown this delicious fruit on Maine’s chilly coast, but Lee shows us how to do it even better.” —Barbara Damrosch and Eliot Coleman, farmers, Four Season Farm, authors

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

Unveil the enchanting world of Jataka tales, ancient folklore from India, in this collection retold by Ellen C. Babbitt. Witness the consequences of disobedience in 'Beauty and Brownie', the rise of a humble bowman in 'The Brave Little Bowman', and the triumph of friendship in 'The Elephant and the Dog'. Explore tales of bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, as characters like the foolhardy wolf, the penny-wise monkey, and the wise goat navigate their journeys. Let these timeless stories ignite your imagination and impart timeless wisdom through their timeless charm.

After the 1986 and 1989 volumes, this is the third volume on biotechnology for propagation of trees. Comprising 28 chapters contributed by international experts the book deals with fruit, ornamental, and forest trees, such as Black cherry, Sour cherry, Pomegranate, Loquat, Ficus, Yellow poplar, Horse chestnut, Judas tree, Linden tree, Saskatoons, Taiwan sassafras, Plane-tree, Rattans, Bamboos, Engelmann spruce, White spruce, Larches, Hinoki cypress, Western redcedar, and various types of pines, i.e. Jack, Carribean, Eldarica, Slash, Egg-cone, Maritime, Ponderosa, Eastern white, Loblolly pine. Trees III is an excellent reference book for scientists, educators, and students of forestry, botany, genetics, and horticulture, who are interested in tree biotechnology.