A Cutting Garden for Florida, Third Edition

by Monica Brandies

Grow marvelous flowers for bouquets in your Florida home landscape. Treat yourself or a friend to this new edition (the third) of "A Cutting Garden for Florida." It tells how to grow the best cut flowers for Florida, and how to harvest, condition, and arrange them, fresh or dry. The month-by-month calendar for the distinctive northern, central, and southern regions of Florida is a valuable feature. The book has in-depth information on many annuals, biennials, bulbs, shrubs, and trees, including plant-by-plant growing and conditioning details. The index, illustrations, bibliography, resource list, website list, and public garden directory add to its thorough treatment of growing flowers and filler for delightful bouquets.

Paperback

First published November 6, 2001

Reviews

[Charmaine Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful and informative read! It's dated but still seems relevant. There are helpful illustrations and tons of practical tips and charts for North, Central and South Florida planting. Reading this felt like taking advice from two older, wiser women (I guess it is!). I took off one star for the typos (there were dozens, I'm afraid!).

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sandy soil and lots of insects are two barriers that Florida residents face. High humidity that causes numerous fungal problems is another. But all is not lost because the secret to growing flowers in Florida is choosing the right time of the year to plant and this book is one to add to your keeper shelf.

Whereas many flower enthusiasts like to browse through catalogs during winter I choose the hot summers when it can be unbearable to go outside unless you are in a pool. I pull my favorite books for ideas and, because I am very visual, I love books with colorful concise pictures. This book is lacking; hence, four stars. Also, when I read about southern gardening I would like the author(s) to recommend cultivars and very few are listed here. Even though it can be time consuming Latin names are given so you can cross-reference with the internet.

On the upside A CUTTING GARDEN FOR FLORIDA reminds flower gardeners things we tend to forget. The proper way of cutting and condition matters. Living arrangements of container plants are an alternative, not everything need to be direct seeded in the ground. Beneficial insects are used for a healthier environment and more. Can I recommend this book to you? Yes, no matter how long you have lived here you will find something to learn.