Botany for Gardeners

(Revised Edition)

A bestseller since its debut in 1990, this indispensable and handy reference has now been expanded and updated to include an appendix on plant taxonomy and a comprehensive index. Two dozen new photos and illustrations make this new edition even richer with information. Its convenient paperback format makes it easy to carry and access, whether you are in or out of the garden. An essential overview of the science behind plants for beginning and advanced gardeners alike.

Media reviews of this book:

"A combination of crisp, friendly writing and detailed, understandable illustrations (both line drawings and photographs) yields a great book that will be a welcome addition to the reference shelf."

—Kim Long, Bloomsbury Review, March 2005

"Gives the basics in a layperson's language, and it's not the size of a typical scientific tome, which in my book recommends it highly. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—Dulcy Mahar, Oregonian, November 21, 2002

"In this magical little volume Capon covers the entire breadth of botanical science in concise, clear terms that anyone can understand and enjoy, but he doesn't make the mistake of talking down to the reader. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles, May 1991

"Botany for Gardeners is a handy reference book for all questions relating to the growth of plants and the processes of seed germination, growth, photosynthesis, development of roots and shoots, reproduction, and adaptation."

—Rosemary Read, Social Gardener, Spring 2006

"Not just for gardeners, this book is highly recommended for all who are curious about the world around them."

—Marilyn K. Alaimo, Chicago Botanic Garden, March 2006

Customer reviews of this book:

"Well set out, very informative and pitched at the correct level for informed ... laymen who are non-scientists. ... All in all money well spent."

—James C. from United Kingdom, June 10, 2008

"Wonderfully accurate, informative, and complete. I love science!"

—Margaret P. from Colchester, Vermont, June 20, 2007

"Brian Capon has the gift of taking a complicated subject and making it understandable."

—John M. from Shelton, Connecticut, October 9, 2006

"Great book, awesome information, well made, great read, and very informative to the last page."

—Daniel B. from New Milford, New Jersey, October 9, 2006

"An indispensible resource for brushing up on botanical concepts and explaining them to my youth garden groups. Thank you!"

—Janet Q. from Issaquah, Washington, May 4, 2006

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An excerpt from this book:

The progress of a plant's growth is a summation of its responses to separate, but interacting components of the environment in which it is living. The plant may be favored with adequate water and optimum temperatures but be limited in its ability to photosynthesize by inadequate illumination, perhaps because of shading from taller plants or buildings. Another plant may receive full sunlight, plentiful irrigation, and sufficient fertilizer, but still not express its growth potential because prevailing temperatures are too high or too low. Even if climatic and soil conditions are ideal, stunting may occur because pathogenic fungi or predatory insects have invaded the plant ...

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