Hardy Bamboos

Taming the Dragon

Bamboos are extraordinary in their ability to transform a garden, adapt to inhospitable surroundings, survive with little care and, most of all, surprise and delight the people who view them. Too long the exclusive pleasure of those with tropical and subtropical gardens, this hand-picked selection allows gardeners in cooler climes to experience the wonder and infinite variety of these magical plants. Besieged by winter wet, summer drought and bitter, drying winds, Paul Whittaker's garden has been a rigorous testing ground. In the first part of the book his compelling anecdotes, experiences and case histories illuminate how bamboos perform in different places, draw attention to their idiosyncratic nature, and highlight their geographical origins. A further section describes the bamboo's unique physical structure and growing habits. These fascinating insights give you the knowledge you need to choose the right bamboo for your site and grow it successfully. At the heart of the book are detailed plant descriptions that join with striking photographs and evocative illustrations to highlight each plant's characteristics. Using bamboos to best effect in the garden, propagation, aftercare and their resilience to pests and diseases complete the guidance for gardeners. The distillation of years of hands-on growing experience, this is the ultimate bamboo reference book for cool-climate gardeners. Enthusiasts will delight in the variety of new possibilities for their collection and gardeners everywhere will be captivated by the charm bamboos bring to countless different garden situations.

Media reviews of this book:

"Wonderful book packed with useful information for anyone interested in bamboos."

—L. G. Kavaljian, Choice, September 2005

"To convey the visual opulence of Hardy Bamboos by means of language is challenging indeed. Suffice it so say that if you never read a single word of this book, if you never cultivate even one bamboo plant, if you only turn the pages and look at these pictures, you will be very glad you did."

—Josephine Bridges, Asian Reporter, September 5, 2006

"Will help gardeners in cooler climates experience the wonder and infinite variety of these magical plants."

—Michigan Gardener, July 7, 2006

"This is a must–have for gardeners who love bamboo. ... Whittaker infuses his book with striking and lush photography; a very personal yet authoratative storyteller's voice, and beautiful illustrations that show bamboo in all its glory. ... If you're looking for a book about bamboo, you need look no further. It's a winner."

—Madeline Caliendo, Washington Gardener, January/February 2006

"Well-written and beautifully illustrated; perhaps the best book on hardy bamboos yet published."

—Jon Ardle, The Garden, November 2005

Customer reviews of this book:

"The most beautiful and helpful book! Thank you."

—William F. from Tampa, Florida, April 26, 2007

"The best book on bamboo that I have ever seen."

—Keen T. from Sonoma, California, February 28, 2007

"The book is delightful. I have been wanting to add bamboos, but was afraid that learning about them would be overwhelming. I think I am ready to do it after reading this book!"

—Joel S. from Garland, Texas, February 5, 2007

"More info than I expected! Terrific and easy to read."

—David S. from Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 23, 2006

"Wonderful book — detailed, accurate, fabulous photos, well bound. A prized book in my collection. Of great use in my gardening."

—Michael T. from Dunedin, New Zealand, July 31, 2006

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An excerpt from this book:

When you buy a bamboo you are paying for what is inside the pot, rather than what is on show above it. The root and rhizome are by far the most important parts of the young plant. Before you buy a plant look at it closely and take note of the following points. I would always try to persuade you to buy a young bamboo. Young plants develop at their own pace and in balance, often overtaking larger specimens in the speed of their maturity. If you do insist on buying a large specimen, check with the supplier whether the plant is container grown or containerized. A container-grown plant is one that has been potted on from a young plant throughout its life and has matured equally in rhizome structure and culm formation ...

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