Gardening

The bouquet of cut flowers is a simple but seductive creation whose history is closely linked with ancient traditions from Western cultures. This unique book traces the story of flowers as symbolic messengers at times of celebration and mourning, revealing the meaning of lilies, roses, tulips, etc., and their subtle language which was used and recreated by societies from the Romans to the Victorian era.

To create The Book of Flowers, Catherine Donzel has undertaken extensive archival research to find rare paintings, documents and texts which illuminate the complex language and symbolism of flowers through the ages. Her interviews with major flower importers and florists in Europe and the United States provide a unique insight into the contemporary world of flowers and highlights their continued importance in our social, professional and emotional lives.

Magnificently illustrated with fine art and specially commissioned photography, The Book of Rowers reclaims the traditions of floral decoration and shows why floristry today is gaining the status of haute couture design.

The quintessential heralds of spring, jaunty daffodils are as diverse and fascinating as they are adored.

In Daffodils: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden, leading garden writer Naomi Slade explores the intriguing history of the genus Narcissus along with its growing and care. Renowned floral photographer Georgianna Lane reveals the breadth of daffodil varieties in a range of breathtaking solid colors and multitoned and ruffled combinations of salmon, pink, peach, orange, and white.

Daffodils are easy to grow as garden plants or container specimens, and their bulbs multiply year after year. Indoors they add brightness and cheer as cut flowers in home arrangements, wedding bouquets, and even large-scale event decor. Plant bulbs fall through January if the soil is workable, for the most joyful spring blooms ever! Daffodils are a popular choice for bouquets, corsages, bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and forced-bloom gifts.

Gracing springtime flower beds and grassy meadows alike, these cheerful trumpet flowers are plants of poetic inspiration and mythic renown, rich with perfume and infused with optimism.

Growing your own plants from seed is the most rewarding, most economical way to create the garden you long for. In this comprehensive yet easy to follow handbook, the editors of "Martha Stewart Living" share their secrets for success:
Starting Seeds Indoors
Everything you need to begin... Simple, effective lighting... When to sow, and
how many seeds to plant... Moving seedlings outdoors...
Direct Sowing Outdoors
Dealing with frosts and hardiness zones... Timing... Getting more than one harvest... Tricks from the pros... Sower's checklists...
Garden Plans
A backyard cutting garden filled with colorful blooms... A basic kitchen garden
that's productive from spring through fall...
A Glossary of Plants
More than 100 varieties of flowers, vegetables, herbs, and vines... Martha's own selections of unusual new plants and treasured heirlooms...