The Berry Grower's Companion
The only thing missing from Bowling's berry book is some freshly whipped cream and fluffy homemade shortcake; otherwise, this is as complete a guide to growing these delectable fruits as a gardener could want. Beginning with the basics of berry gardening, Bowling devotes subsequent chapters to individual fruits and fruit types--strawberries, blueberries, and grapes, as well as brambles (raspberries and blackberries), and the minor crops of currants, gooseberries, elderberries, kiwi, and cranberries. What makes this treatise unique, however, is its advocacy for incorporating berries into the ornamental landscape. For the home gardener unfamiliar with berry-producing plants, Bowling illustrates their versatility, and offers suggestions for using specific fruits in the landscape--as ground covers or hedges, for fall color or vines. At once philosophical and practical, Bowling combines legends and lore with fascinating facts and personal digressions, offering advice for the backyard beginner as well as the production professional that is extensive without being overwhelming.Carol HaggasCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved