Ever wonder if plants sleep or why their leaves are shaped a certain way? The inner workings of the plants you love are revealed and celebrated in this guide by botany expert Dr. Scott Zona. A Gardener’s Guide to Botany is not just another book on how to grow plants. Instead, it’s a lushly illustrated botanical journey into what makes plants tick, delivered in layman’s terms that are easily understood and appreciated by both advanced gardeners and first-timers. It’s the chlorophyll-infused science behind the plants you know and love, whether you grow them indoors or out. You’ll learn how different plant parts function (do you know what stomata are and why every leaf has hundreds of them?), the traits that separate plants from animals, and how through eons of evolution the plants we grow in our gardens and homes have developed a million different fascinating adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive. From their leaf shape and growth habit to how they have sex and metabolize the nutrients they absorb, A Gardener’s Guide to Botany covers it all in an accessible and thought-provoking way. Divided into chapters based on what plants need to survive, some of the topics you’ll discover include: How plants convert water, air, and sunshine into roots, stems, leaves, and flowers through photosynthesis How plants react to their environment and “know” when it’s right for supporting growth and reproduction How light can inhibit or facilitate chemical reactions in a plant How plants access and use water and different nutrients, including through lifelong partnerships with other living organisms How plants reproduce in some pretty ingenious ways, both with and without sex How plant genes are dispersed via seeds spread by wind, water, animals, or by the mechanics of the plant or the seed itself Up your #plantnerd status by going on a knowledge expedition to learn about all things botanical, including the enlightening science of plant communication, hormones, insect relationships, and even plant sleep. Plus, learn the many varied ways plants protect themselves, from growing spines and producing toxic leaf compounds to emitting volatile chemicals that serve as messages to insect predators or warning signals to neighboring plants. Through beautiful illustrations, full-color photographs of plants from around the world, and fascinating and relatable text, get to know your plant family like you never have before! Whether you grow houseplants on a windowsill, vegetables in raised beds, or shrubs and perennials along your front walk, A Gardener’s Guide to Botany takes you on a beautiful adventure into the amazing kingdom of plants.

The burgeoning demand on the world food supply, coupled with concern over the use of chemical fertilizers, has led to an accelerated interest in the practice of precision agriculture. This practice involves the careful control and monitoring of plant nutrition to maximize the rate of growth and yield of crops, as well as their nutritional value.

The proteas (Proteaceae) are a large and ancient plant family of Gondwana origins with an impressive diversity of flower and form, and an intriguing distribution pattern throughout mainly the Southern Hemisphere. In his spectacular photography, Lewis J. Matthews captures the exceptional beauty and unique characteristics of a broad range of cultivated species and cultivars—some are well known, while others are either new introductions or lesser-known examples that deserve wider cultivation. For inclusion in Protea, Matthews has chosen a comprehensive selection of the best species and varieties, including a large number not previously seen in print. They are certain to inspire readers to grow them in their gardens where climate and soils are suitable. After The Protea Book by Matthews was published in 2002, numerous outstanding hybrids were introduced; many with exquisite blooms that are very dramatic. The stunning hybrid leucospermums (“Pins”), bred at the University of Hawai`i Research Station on Maui, are a prime example of the successful work being carried out by plant breeders. In this latest book, a multitude of related species and new varieties are described and illustrated: · from the giant king protea of South Africa to the spidery grevilleas of Australia; · from the delicious macadamia nut of Queensland to the unusual New Zealand rewarewa (Knightia); · from the richly colored New South Wales waratah (Telopea) to the dainty blushing bride (Serruria) of South Africa’s Cape; · from the beautiful South American Lomatia ferruginea to subtly colored Australian examples. In climates unsuitable for growing proteaceous plants, the flowers are often imported and featured in exotic, long-lasting floral arrangements. Even gardeners who are unable to cultivate these extraordinary plants will be fascinated by their incredible variation of form and color. Whether for the home gardener, commercial flower grower, or nursery professional, this lavishly illustrated volume is a valuable reference tool, providing a fresh look at the world of proteas. Chapters include advice on growing requirements, propagation, uses in garden situations, which ones attract birds, cut-flower production—all facets of protea are covered in this truly extensive guide. 366 color illustrations A Latitude 20 Book published by University of Hawai‘i Press