Ornamental Bamboos
Bamboo remains a plant of mystery even to savvy gardeners, despite its versatility in garden design. Holder of the United Kingdom's National Collection of Bamboos, Crompton is self-taught nevertheless, and his accessible style illuminates decorative uses of bamboo in large and lilliputian gardens alike. Crompton paints fascinating portraits of these ancient plants, their growth patterns, and botanical characteristics. Along with plenty of practical advice, Crompton presents ornamental examples of bamboos in various settings ranging from lush ground-covering species that can serve as screening that rustles in the wind to stunning cultivars begging to be sited as choice specimens. A listing of highly readable descriptions covers temperate bamboos currently cultivated in Western gardens. Gardeners will learn about invasive and spreading types and be able to identify clump-formers with colorful culms. A final list recommends bamboos for site-specific purposes such as seaside or windswept gardens. Beautiful photography enhances Crompton's informative compendium.Alice JoyceCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved