Synopses & Reviews
In 1999, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston reportedly paid $1.25 million for a single painting,and#160;
Magnolias on Gold Velvet Cloth. A striking close-up of magnolia buds, this painting is just one high-profile example of the evocative power magnolias have on art and culture. Gardeners have revered the plants since they were first introduced into cultivation more than three hundred years ago, and they continue to be a showpiece addition to gardens. From serving as medicine in Japan and China, to dotting lawns and flags in the American South, magnolias are a true worldwide favorite.
Magnolias in Art and Cultivationand#160;celebrates our centuries-long love of this plant. The first illustrated book on magnolias, it is a perfect blend of science and art. All magnolia species are included along with nearly one hundred hybrids. Informative text and comprehensive botanical descriptions from magnolia experts are joined by breathtaking paintings created especially for the text. An educational and entertaining read,and#160;Magnolias in Art and Cultivationand#160;will delight anyone captivated by these beautiful plants.
Review
andquot;A valuable reference.andquot;
and#8212;American Gardener, September/October 2001
Review
"Magnolia growers, particularly those living in cooler climates, will find this ... a valuable reference."
—American Gardener, September/October 2001 American Gardener
Review
"A valuable reference."
—American Gardener, September/October 2001 American Gardener
Review
"The charm and beauty of magnolias are shown in the 155 color photographs offering a wider variety of exquisite cultivars than we usually see grown."
—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, December 2000 National Gardener
Synopsis
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, Magnolias is so extensively revised and expanded as to be considered an entirely new book. This highly illustrated survey of the genus includes species and hybrids, extensive information on cultivation and propagation, and more than 150 fine photographs. The appendices list societies, plants for specific landscape situations, plants that have received awards, and places to see and buy magnolias.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. ).
About the Author
Jim Gardiner began his career in horticulture at the age of 18 as a trainee at the Royal Gardens and Great Park, Windsor. Today he is the curator of the Royal Horticultural Society at Wisley. Equipped with a National Diploma in Horticulture from Askham Bryan College in York, he has previously worked at several other botanic gardens, including the Hillier Gardens and Arboretum and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. His botanical interests extend beyond his job as curator. In addition to being the president of the Magnolia Society and a Fellow of the Institute of Horticulture, Jim continues to lecture and write articles for such publications as The Garden Magazine, The New Plantsmanand Reader's Digest.
Table of Contents
List of paintings
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Foreword
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Preface
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Introduction
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The story of the magnolia
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Magnolia species, hybrids and cultivars
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Acknowledgements
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Bibliography
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Index
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Index of magnolia hybrids