Product Description

"A thorough update and the introduction of new topics such as biodiversity and conservation has greatly enhanced this new edition: it is a ′must read′ for all interested in horticulture and gardening"

John MacLeod, RHS Professor of Horticulture

Most conventional gardening books concentrate on how and when to carry out horticultural tasks such as pruning, seed sowing and taking cuttings. This book is unique in explaining in straightforward terms some of the science that underlies these practices. It is principally a book of ′Why′ – Why are plants green? Why should one cut beneath a leaf node when taking cuttings? Why do plants need so much water? But it also goes on to deal with the ′How′, providing rationale behind the practical advice.

The coverage is wide–ranging and comprehensive and includes the basic structure and functioning of garden plants, nomenclature, genetics and plant breeding, soil management, environmental factors affecting growth, methods of propagation and production, pest and disease control, post harvest management and storage, and conservation and sustainable horticulture.

Now with full colour throughout, the second edition provides the reader with:

∗ Completely revised and updated chapters from the first edition, with new information and clearer focus on the topics
∗ Four new chapters, dealing with matters that have become of increasing concern since the first edition, namely: Diversity in the Plant World; Conservation and Sustainable Gardening; Gardens and the Natural World; and Gardens for Science.

Published on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society, this book remains a key text for those sitting RHS examinations, particularly at levels 2 and 3; it will also appeal to gardeners, growers and scientists.

Key Features

∗ Bestselling essential text for all horticulture students
∗ Edited and written by a group of highly regarded scientists
∗ Covers the scientific information of greatest importance to gardeners and horticulturists
∗ Jargon–free scientific explanations, a comprehensive glossary, and copious colour illustrations

About the Editors
Professor David Ingram, Formerly Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, RHS Professor of Horticulture and Master of St Catharine′s College, Cambridge, UK
Dr Daphne Vince–Prue, Formerly Reader in Botany, University of Reading, Scientific Advisor to the Agricultural Research Council and Head, Physiology and Chemistry Department, Glasshouse Crops Research Institute, UK
Professor Peter Gregory, Institute Director, SCRI (Scottish Crop Research Institute), Dundee, Scotland, UK

Royalties from the sale of this book go towards the charitable work of the RHS, promoting horticulture and helping gardeners. www.rhs.org.uk

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45839 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Review
"A key book for those sitting their RHS examinations, but should also interest those gardeners interested in the science … I guarantee you will learn quite a few things you never knew." (The Professional Gardener, October 2008)

“This book has wide application due to its wide scope and lack of highly technical language. Color photos, diagrams, and text boxes are very helpful, as is an extensive glossary.” (Southeastern Naturalist, Volume 7, Issue 3)

From the Back Cover
“A thorough update and the introduction of new topics such as biodiversity and conservation has greatly enhanced this new edition: it is a ‘must read’ for all interested in horticulture and gardening”

John MacLeod, RHS Professor of Horticulture

Most conventional gardening books concentrate on how and when to carry out horticultural tasks such as pruning, seed sowing and taking cuttings. This book is unique in explaining in straightforward terms some of the science that underlies these practices. It is principally a book of ′Why′ – Why are plants green? Why should one cut beneath a leaf node when taking cuttings? Why do plants need so much water? But it also goes on to deal with the ′How′, providing rationale behind the practical advice.

The coverage is wide–ranging and comprehensive and includes the basic structure and functioning of garden plants, nomenclature, genetics and plant breeding, soil management, environmental factors affecting growth, methods of propagation and production, pest and disease control, post harvest management and storage, and conservation and sustainable horticulture.

Now with full colour throughout, the second edition provides the reader with:

• Completely revised and updated chapters from the first edition, with new information and clearer focus on the topics
• Four new chapters, dealing with matters that have become of increasing concern since the first edition, namely: Diversity in the Plant World; Conservation and Sustainable Gardening; Gardens and the Natural World; and Gardens for Science.

Published on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society, this book remains a key text for those sitting RHS examinations, particularly at levels 2 and 3; it will also appeal to gardeners, growers and scientists.

Key Features

• Bestselling essential text for all horticulture students
• Edited and written by a group of highly regarded scientists
• Covers the scientific information of greatest importance to gardeners and horticulturists
• Jargon–free scientific explanations, a comprehensive glossary, and copious colour illustrations

About the Editors
Professor David Ingram, Formerly Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, RHS Professor of Horticulture and Master of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, UK
Dr Daphne Vince–Prue, Formerly Reader in Botany, University of Reading, Scientific Advisor to the Agricultural Research Council and Head, Physiology and Chemistry Department, Glasshouse Crops Research Institute, UK
Professor Peter Gregory, Institute Director, SCRI (Scottish Crop Research Institute), Dundee, Scotland, UK

Royalties from the sale of this book go towards the charitable work of the RHS, promoting horticulture and helping gardeners. www.rhs.org.uk

About the Author
Dr David Ingram, University of Cambridge, St Catharine′s College, Cambridge, UK

Dr Daphne Vince–Prue, Royal Horticultural Society, UK

Professor Peter Gregory, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Dundee, Scotland, UK

Customer Reviews

Science and the garden review
I bought this book to help with the RHS advanced certificate and found it quite useful. I have to admit that it is fairly heavy going and I found myself falling asleep when I tried to read it at night. It is better as a reference book to assist in certain subjects rather than a good read. I would recommend it for horticultural students but not for the basic gardener, unless they were very keen on the scientific side of gardening.

Review of Science and the Garden
I am a chemist not a horticulturalist but I wanted a book to answer questions about 'how plants work' ie detailed explanations into how plants perform various tasks at the molecular level. It is not a book to read from beginning to end but is good for searching out particular operations. I think the detail was just at the right level for myself. Perhaps some would find the info of help in applying knowlege to gardening but for me it is the theory which is of interest. I think the book title sums up the content extremely well and would recommend the book to anyone interested in science in the garden or with similar interests.

botany
Updated to new edition because doing RHS Diploma. Not so very different in most sections, but don't regret purchase. It's still not an easy read but loads of good stuff for anyone doing all grades of RHS exams.