Aimed at the increasing number of growers who wish to cultivate these unique and interesting plants, this book provides comprehensive information on the origin, distribution and habitat of bromeliads, concentrating on those genera which are most commonly found in cultivation. There are also chapters on lesser known genera, propagation and variegation.

The indispensable guide to the ever popular bromeliad family. The Bromeliaceae family consists of about 46 genera, several thousand species and a bewildering number of hybrids and cultivars. All are well able to adapt to their surroundings, which can range from steamy jungles to deserts. They are assisted in survival techniques by their rosetted cups, which efficiently catch water and nutrients. Bromeliads differ greatly in appearance. Some amaze with their brilliant inflorescences in glowing colour, while others are esteemed for the luminous light of their distinctive foliage, strong outlines and structural form. Their diversity makes bromeliads endlessly fascinating. Gardening trends wax and wane, but bromeliads have never gone out of favour. This book is a fully revised edition of Andrew Steens' first and highly successful book for bromeliad growers. With many many new species and toally revamped images, no bromeliad lover can be without it.

This is not your grandmother's gardening book. You Grow Girl is a hip, humorous how-to for crafty gals everywhere who are discovering a passion for gardening but lack the know-how to turn their dreams of homegrown tomatoes and fresh-cut flowers into a reality. Gayla Trail, creator of YouGrowGirl.com, provides guidance for both beginning and intermediate gardeners with engaging tips, projects, and recipes -- whether you have access to a small backyard or merely to a fire escape. You Grow Girl eliminates the intimidation factor and reveals how easy and enjoyable it can be to cultivate plants and flowers even when resources and space are limited. Divided into accessible sections like Plan, Plant, and Grow, You Grow Girl takes readers through the entire gardening experience: Preparing soil Nurturing seedlings Fending off critters Reaping the bounty Readying plants for winter Preparing for the seasons ahead Gayla also includes a wealth of ingenious and creative projects, such as: Transforming your garden's harvest into lush bath and beauty products Converting household junk into canny containers Growing and bagging herbal tea Concocting homemade pest repellents ...and much, much more. Witty, wise, and as practical as it is stylish, You Grow Girl is guaranteed to show you how to get your garden on. All you need is a windowsill and a dream!

If there's one category of the gardening market that's hot and getting hotter, it's bromeliads, those extraordinary epiphytes whose collectors and connoisseurs quickly become complete addicts. In this follow-on from his highly successful Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden, bromeliad expert Andrew Steens takes bromeliads fanciers-both newbies and experts-on a wonderful journey into the wilds of South America, explaining bromeliad habitat and threats to their ecosystems with David Attenborough-like energy. Then he proceeds to a roll call of over 300 exotic, rare and must-have bromeliad species. Complete with growing (greenhouse and outdoors), hybridising and collecting advice, this comprehensive book is a must-have for the bromeliad lover.

Brilliantly illustrated with more than 100 color images, this straightforward, easy-to-use guide focuses on the most popular species. Kramer has grown each one of the 200 plants featured in the work, in climates as diverse as those found in Illinois, California, and Florida. He writes with clear, practical information that gardeners of any skill level can use.

This book will guide you through the steps needed to select the perfect plants for your windowsill and cultivate them to both fit in with your space and to survive the conditions, whether inside or outside.

Offers advice on buying and growing different kinds of plants with an emphasis on the use of native plant species and the techniques of organic gardening.