Magnolias: A Gardener's Guide [Paperback]

Revered by gardeners since ancient times, when they were brought into cultivation in Asia, magnolias have lost none of their allure. In fact, a steady supply of new magnolias has become available in recent years, from both newly discovered species and newly created hybrids, making the genus a source of greater horticultural excitement than ever before. Though loosely based on the author's 1989 book of the same name,Magnoliasis so extensively revised and expanded as to be considered an entirely new book. This highly illustrated survey of the genus includes species and hybrids, and extensive information on cultivation and propagation. The appendices list societies, plants for specific landscape situations, plants that have received awards, and places to see and buy magnolias.

This book is only available through print on demand. All interior art is black and white.

Jim Gardiner is Director of Horticulture and Chief Curator for all the Royal Horticultural Society gardens in the United Kingdom. Previously he was (Chief) Curator at RHS Garden Wisley for 22 years, Curator at the Hillier Gardens and Arboretum, and held a variety of position at other botanic gardens.

A highly respected plantsman in the international gardening community, Jim frequently lectures and writes for a range of horticultural publications. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture, an author of several books, includingMagnolias: A Gardener’s Guide, and was President of the Magnolia Society International.

In the journal of the Magnolia Society (1994) Dick Figlar of Pomona, New York, related how in 1971 Francis Krenbaum had been grading a section of his land near Clarkia, Idaho, in the valley of the St. Maries River, when he uncovered the best-preserved Miocene (5-25 million years ago) plant fossil site in the world.

What he had exposed were black leaves being turned in the soft shale; some were even blowing in the wind. Charlã-