The author, a Scottish nurseryman, is a leading figure in the world of rhododendrons. The dividing line between the two books occurs at about the 5-foot (1.5-meter) level for mature plants. Both offer detailed information on how rhododendrons grow in the wild & perform in cultivation.

Rhododendrons are a most versatile garden plant, large and evergreen, with glorious flowers and wonderful foliage, and the big-leaf species (Falconera and Grandia) take these attributes to a whole new level. All of the big-leaf rhododendrons known to date are covered in this book, including descriptions of each, how and where they were discovered, and by whom, as well as information on the public and private gardens around the world with the best collections, and what new species are still being discovered. International expert on the genus Graham Smith and garden writer Glyn Church, both New Zealand-based, also give practical advice on growing these spectacular plants in your own garden, and how to create the best conditions in which to enjoy them. Illustrated with over 190 photographs, the majority of these from photographer Pat Greenfield.

"From the towering Burmese magnificum, with its three-foot-diameter trunk and its masses of sweet-smelling purple flowers, to the potted pink azalea, glowing like a burning bush on the backyard garden patio, Rhododendron is a genus of infinite variety and beauty. There are 1,025 known species: it is a native of the snows of the Himalayas and the swamps of the Carolinas, the jungles of Borneo and the island inlets of Japan. It is also one of the oldest of plants - many believe the dove that returned to Noah's ark was carrying a rhododendron sprig - although it has been known to western horticulture for only 300 years. The curious history of Westerners and rhododendrons is full of swashbuckling plant collectors and visionary gardeners, colonial violence and ecological destruction, stunning botanical successes and bitter business disappointments. And it is here related with consummate skill by Jane Brown, an English garden writer."--BOOK JACKET.

From Minnesota to Moscow — how to grow fresh figs in cold climates 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.

This handy guidebook highlights the most important morphological features relevant to the recognition and identification of virtually every currently cultivated species of rhododendron. The more than seven hundred photographs in the volume present detailed illustrations of every aspect of the plants, accompanied by succinct descriptions of such characteristics as flower color, height, and leaf characteristics--which are crucial aids to identification when rhododendrons are not in bloom. Fully up to date, Pocket Guide to Rhododendron Species is certain to become the standard field guide to these flowers.