Move over Mike Dirr and Alan Armitage, you've both been replaced in my heart by William Cullina (of the New England Wild Flower Society fame) and his new book "Understanding Perennials."
I saw it in the new book area of the library and nearly didn't pick it up. I thought to myself, "Not another book about perennials!" But this is not just another book about perennials; this is a botany textbook masquerading as a gardening book. From the way he writes, Cullina comes across as the cool, funny college professor that everyone wanted to take, whose lectures were always packed with eager students who not only stayed awake, but came out of class discussing what they heard with their fellow students. Not only are his explanations made in easy to understand analogies, but they are also filled with humor.In addition to teaching about the workings of plants, Cullina gives helpful, practical advice, such as recommending buying perennials from the bargain table when they've finished blooming or are dormant, as that is the best time to plant them. He also discusses soil and how to improve it to provide what perennials need. I particularly liked the section on propagation, including seed handling. In addition to the excellent prose, the book is full of drool-worthy photos. (Check out 'Semidouble Pink' Thalictrum (Anemonella) thalictriodes shot on page 102.) Cullina's passion for plants shines through and inspires the reader to look at his or her plants in a new light. It's also a very entertaining book which I enjoyed reading just to read. This is the perfect book to curl up with under a warm blanket, with a good red wine on a cold winter's evening. I'm so glad I checked it out.