New Greener Thumb Revised Edition

In Mark Cullen's The New Greener Thumb, one of Canada's best-known gardeners demystifies the art of creating a garden--from laying out a landscaping plan in the spring to protecting plants from frost in the winter. Cullen has been talking to Canadian gardeners for years on radio and television call-in shows, not to mention on the floor of his family's Weall and Cullen nurseries. No surprise, then, that he understands how to give practical and easy-to-follow advice, such as: "Roses don't like to get their leaves wet. Drops of water on the leaves can cause burning and lead to black spot disease. Always water from underneath, soaking the earth until it is damp but not soggy." This book updates Cullen's classic A Greener Thumb with sections on new perennials, native plants, and low-maintenance gardening. The author's enthusiasm is calming and infectious. "Above all, don't be intimidated," he urges. Well-organized chapters (which help alleviate intimidation) and gorgeous photographs cover annuals, perennials, bulbs, herbs, roses, lawns, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and vines. The book will appeal most to the new enthusiast learning the basics, but seasoned gardeners will also find it a useful reference. --Carolyn Leitch

Author: Mark Cullen

Publisher: Viking Canada (AHC)

Year: 1999