Product Description

In this unique resource, Jim Jermyn offers not the usual botanical travelogue but instead a horticultural handbook that allows gardeners at far-lower-than-Himalayan elevations to successfully grow those plants that are native to the high Himalaya mountains. The highlights include species of Euphorbia, Gentiana, Meconopsis, Primula, Rhododendron, and more. Interest in the plants of this region is at a peak. These plants are guaranteed to add an exotic touch to any garden in which they are successfully grown, and with Jermyn's expert instructions and tips, they can be easily maintained. Whether documenting a well-known garden plant or an uncommon species, Jermyn supplies tried-and-true instructions on garden site preferences and care based on his own extensive experience. Excellent photographs round out an introduction to the plants, and the book includes a comprehensive list of recommended sources from which to purchase specimens both in Europe and the United States.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #352924 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Review
Jermyn's combined expertise and fascination with the subject of cultivating species indigenous to the Himalayas result in a manual filled with highly specific advice and instructive growing tips ... Replete with color photographs, this effective resource may intensify the trend toward growing newly introduced and more familiar Himalayan plants. Booklist 20010215 If you are among those whose pulse-rate has been kick-started by the 'Subalpine Zone' chapter, then take care as you proceed to the one on the alpine zone: you may need oxygen to take in the contents of this high altitude chapter... Packed with useful and practical advice on how to establish and maintain these plants... A most useful reference, it will certainly earn its space on many a keen grower's shelves. -- Bleddyn Wynn-Jones Hortus 20020529 [A] mouth-watering book ... Jermyn's thorough knowledge of the range of natural habitats is impressive and allows him to give a full review of the cultivation of each species discussed... An engaging read. Pacific Horticulture 20020605 The pictures undoubtedly will arouse visual pleasure and horticultural excitement, in part evoked by the soothing pink of Daphne, the winsome blue of the gentians, and the festive pastels of the primroses. -- William Burk E-Streams 20020510 Jermyn's book is a cross between a warm-hearted, friendly travelogue, a horticulture identification reference, and a gardening guide organized according to zone. -- Kathi Keville American Herb Association Quarterly Newsletter 20020718 Simply stated, this is a great book in the classic style. Written by a person who not only loves plants, but knows how to grow them and write about them in the most delightful way... A feast for the eye as well as the mind. -- John E. Bryan Gardening Newsletter 20010418 Describes and illustrates scores of exquisite perennial and woody plants from "the roof of the world," and provides extensive author's-experience instruction on growing them in gardens at far lower elevations; includes excellent source lists. Avant Gardener 20010508 The practical advice is clear and easy to follow. -- Rod Leeds Garden (Peterborough) 20020107 An inspirational book that would be especially useful for those who garden on neutral to acid soils. -- Rod Leeds Garden (Peterborough) 20020107 The photographs are stunning. -- R. P. Poincelot Choice 20011107 Do I recommend this book? Eagerly! I don't know how any gardener, whether they are generalists or have a specific interest like rock gardening, could resist this book. It will delight you during a rainy evening or while sitting in front of a fire this winter. -- Diana Pederson Suite101.com 20011026 The practical advice is clear and easy to follow... Excellent and well-sited colour photographs... an otherwise inspirational book that would be especially useful for those who garden on neutral to acid soils. -- Rod Leeds Garden (Peterborough) 20020128 This is not a book to skim. I enjoyed losing myself in his text, following his outline steps, and (mentally) planting wonderful Himalayan specimens in my garden beds. Jermyn's tone is informal and chatty. His gardening process will be of interest to beginners as well as seasoned gardeners. We are lucky, indeed, to have this book in our library. Heather Clippings 20020130 A mine of information for future reference, it is an excellent book to sit down and read through... You will not find a better book anywhere on Himalayan plants in the wild and in the garden. This is a book not to be missed. Journal of the Scottish Rock Garden Club 20020121 The book reads like an intriguing catalog of beautiful plants, enticing you to cultivate them in your own garden... The book's superior aspect was the amazing glossy, color photographs located on almost every other page throughout the book. Seeing these beautiful plants, I felt inspired to take on even the most challenging species. -- Catherine Kleier Plant Science Bulletin 20020424 A fascinating narrative account. Taxon 20011116 To the author I say 'Well done,' you have upheld the noblest and finest traditions of horticultural writing. You have contributed to our knowledge of plants, explained why we love them so, and why they fascinate us. Thank you. -- John E. Bryan Gardening Newsletter 20010418 The comprehensive number of other genera and cultivation techniques make this book as fascinating as the plants. -- Ann Milovsoroff Pappus 20011024 Not only does The Himalayan Garden offer practical guidance but also provides a new layer of information that can only increase our enjoyment of these plants. American Rhododendron Society Journal 20010820 Jim Jermyn's new book should be of immediate practical use to rock gardeners just about everywhere... Certainly the book takes an honored place as a reference work, and I expect to dip into it frequently to look at photographs or track down information about specific plants. -- Gerald Taaffe Rock Garden Quarterly 20020213 If you like to read a book that challenges you, this book is one you will enjoy, if you enjoy reading a well-written and entertaining book, you will not be disappointed. -- John E. Bryan Gardening Newsletter 20010717 My pick of the year's gardening books. -- Robin Lane Fox Financial Times 20011215 Interspersed with nuggets of personal experience on growing the plants at home... Superb photographs that will appeal to the adventurous traveler, the woodland gardener and anyone who enjoys the romance of seeing plants in the wild. -- James Compton Gardens Illustrated 20011002 The photos in this book deserve top marks, some are downright-mouth-watering, and to the best of my knowledge appear to be highly accurate for colour balance. Alpine Garden Club of British Columbia 20010924 This book is unique in its exclusive focus on using Himalayan plants in the garden; plants in the garden; with practical advice on every garden situation. Garden (Peterborough) 20010901 A practical and handsome guide for alpine and perennial lovers across the globe. Longmont Daily Times-Call 20010616 Jermyn's experience as a nurseryman has translated into practical solutions for growing and propagating some of these very desirable plants. -- Ed Buyarski American Primrose Society Newsletter 20010925 This book is unique in its exclusive focus on using Himalayan plants in the garden. Garden (Peterborough) 20010915 Lots of full-color photo illustrations of these alpines and perennials growing in their native habitat as well as in private gardens. -- Lori D. Kranz Bloomsbury Review 20020528

About the Author
After obtaining his horticultural qualifications in 1973, Jim Jermyn held a variety of posts in Germany, Italy and the U.K. and was for twenty years the proprietor of Scotland's distinguished Edrom Nurseries, which was established in 1930. He has led many botanical tours to the Dolomites and is now a horticultural consultant and show manager for "Gardening Scotland," a large national show held annually in Edinburgh. He is a frequent lecturer on gardening topics in the U.K., Europe, U.S.A. and Canada.

Customer Reviews

Excellent
An excellent book both as a read and a continuing reference. Written by an expert plantsman with a thorough knowledge of the plants he writes about. This book will be enjoyed by the weekend part timer with only an hour or so to spend in their garden and the enthusiastic plantman alike. Beautifully illustrated with excellent photographs throughout.

A whole other dimension to the garden
This is a book for the knowledgeable gardener who loves to make the link between flowers native to exotic places and the home garden, and for the plantsman who will take immense trouble to grow specific plants.

In my experience it is an unique book because it combines the adventure and awe of the plant hunter in the Himalaya with practical advice about how to grow the plants that were discovered. The colour photographs of the Himalaya are impressive and help the reader to understand the natural environment of the plants described later.

The book has seven chapters. The first helps the reader understand the ecological divisions of the Himalaya and the different plant habitats. The second chapter takes a brief look at some of the plant hunters who ventured into the area and brought back new species to challenge our gardening skills. The next three chapters detail how to develop gardens to grow plants from the three main climate zones - temperate, subalpine and alpine. The final chapters cover propagation and pests and diseases. There is a list of sources for seeds and plants in both Europe and North America, a glossary, bibliography and index of plant names.

This book really added to my knowledge of plants. I'd never given much thought to the huge variety of plants from the Himalaya. If asked, I'd say primulas, rhododendrons and the blue poppy, Meconopsis. I had never realized how many species of Meconopsis there are. For a start you can find deep blue ones (M. x sheldonii), yellow ones (M. integrifolia)....
The primula species are even more numerous and some of the orchids take your breath away. The flower photography in this book is exceptional.

This is not a book for everyone, but it will be a joy to the serious plantsman. The author writes clearly and knowledgeably and his depth of experience and love for his topic come across to the reader.