The Plant Hunter's Garden: The New Explorers and Their Discoveries

by Bobby J. Ward

Book Overview

Many gardeners are vaguely aware of the "greats" of plant exploration, such as E. H. Wilson, George Forrest, or John Tradescant. Fewer may know the names of today's plant explorers or recognize the makings of a new golden age of plant discovery. Nonetheless, a quick visit to almost any nursery will reveal the bounty of these intrepid plant collectors, whose handiwork enriches gardens everywhere. "The Plant Hunter's Garden" profiles 32 of today's more prolific plant hunters. From the Czech Republic to the Rocky Mountains, Bobby Ward has sought out those explorers in the private sphere who are collecting plants specifically for horticultural introduction. While providing interesting details on the lives and careers of these new explorers, the real focus of the book is on the plants themselves. Ward asked each of the hunters to choose the very best treasures from their years of collecting, and has sumptuously illustrated these jewels in stunning photos. Many plants in these pages became bestsellers quickly after introduction from the wild, but hundreds more underappreciated gems are sure to entice and surprise any reader of this book. From the comfort of the armchair or the potting-shed table, readers of "The Plant Hunter's Garden" can embark on their own voyages of discovery in these delightful pages.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0881926965
• ISBN13: 9780881926965
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Timber Press (OR)
• Length: 340 Pages
• Weight: 2.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.7" x 10.6"

Customer Reviews

Expanding your horizons

Great book--both for armchair explorers and for those curious about the origin of stock from the collectors' nurseries.

A Must Read

This is a great book for someone wanting to read about how and where different plants come from. Ward takes you on a journey of exploration making each of the entries in this book an adventure. I really enjoyed reading about the Sargents and Wilsons of our time and the great plants they have contributed to. I have already found some plants that I can't live without. The photography is first rate making each plant stand out at you with its vibrant colors. This book may not be for everyone, but is well worth a look from master gardeners and those curious about the evolution of plants.