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Bamboos evoke an exotic atmosphere wherever they are used — unfortunately, they are too often kept out of our gardens for fear of their invasive qualities or lack of hardiness. In truth, these elegant grasses, encompassing both woody and herbaceous forms, can achieve dramatic yet restrained effects in a range of climates. Their uses include both the ornamental, offering striking foliage and culms, and the practical, such as for screening or erosion control, not to mention the culinary treat of bamboo shoots and the structural qualities of the culm wood. Tropical and subtropical bamboos present many possibilities for landscapes in warmer climates, while the hardier species can be grown in the cooler climes of England and continental Europe. Bamboo culture has a long and distinguished legacy in East Asia, but much remains to be explored by Western gardeners and landscape designers. Bamboo expert Ted Jordan Meredith provides a thorough and multifaceted treatment of these ancient grasses, covering origins and history, structure and form, cultivation and propagation and taxonomy and identification. He offers insight into selecting the right plant for the right situation, and presents useful advice on the best methods for containing or eradicating potentially invasive forms. The bulk of the book is an encyclopedia of bamboo genera, species and cultivars. More than 300 bamboos from 40 different genera are described in detail, including information on size, lighting and temperature requirements, native range, physical characteristics, how to use them in the landscape and more. Meredith's excellent colour photos and clear line drawings effectively illustrate both the details and broader effects of these exquisite plants.
Media Reviews
Meredith’s approach perfectly suits this objective, with engaging personal experience illuminating comprehensive coverage of the subject at hand. The book’s attractive format opens the door to the usefulness and beauty of bamboos, presenting a vast range of possibilities to enhance a garden or landscape.
Meredith’s fine resource offers clarity and enlightenment to new and experienced gardeners alike.
Alice Joyce Booklist 01/08/2001
This is a landmark, in that a book on growing bamboo for Americans by an American has finally been written. I would not be without Bamboo for Gardens, and would recommend it to both the newcomer and expert alike - it is a required read.
Ian Connor Bamboo 03/08/2001
Will help gardeners understand the practicalities as well as the aesthetics of bamboo gardening.
Verlyn Klinkenborg New York Times Book Review 02/12/2001
Another winner from the folks at Timber Press. THE definitive guide to growing bamboo in American gardens, and worth every penny.
Michael Weishan GardenworksOnline.com 22/01/2002
Be warned: Meredith's bamboo world is so appealing that you might refuse to come back to the mundane landscapes of "ordinary"--that is, non-bamboo--plants. . . . We expect a renaissance in bamboo utilization, due entirely to this book.
HortIdeas 30/01/2002
All interested in Bamboo should obtain this book. There is certain to be surprises in store for you. . . . It is quite simply a very good book.
John E. Bryan Gardening Newsletter 06/01/2002
Surely the best all-around and certainly the most up-to-date treatment of these curious grasses. . . . Both a good introduction and a worthy guide.
Jim Waddick American Gardener 22/03/2002
Easy-to-read chapters cover bamboo's origin and history, structure and form, cultivation and propogation, landscape uses and maintenance, and taxonomy. . . . The author sets the record straight on this much-maligned plant. The book is a reference of value.
Rachael Green American Reference Books Annual 24/04/2001
This book is sure to expand your horizons as a gardener. If you live where bamboos are perennial grasses, you should have this book on your shelves.
Diana Pederson Suite101.com 04/01/2002
Mr. Meredith deals with all of these issues in a way that will appeal both to the practical gardener and to the academically trained botanist.
E-Streams 28/04/2002
A comprehensive look at the largest and most spectacular member of the grass family...Offering the gardener or landscaper a broad and user-friendly introduction...Illustrated with beautiful color photography.
Ecology Action Newsletter 05/05/2002
This leading handbook in this specialized gardening subject has a catalog of innumerable kinds of bamboo with color photos, descriptions, and points of interest.
Small Prees Book Review 31/07/2002
Bamboo for Gardens is a full treatise on bamboos and falls into the category of "reference book" for gardeners—the kind of book Timber Press does so well.
American Rhododendron Society Journal 19/08/2002
Because it is written in an engaging style by a fellow gardener (not a scientist), I found myself reading with relish sections which I realized later were quite technical. This book is a must-have. I was shocked to hear the price was so reasonable. I am personally recommending it to everyone I know.
Clear Englebert FungShway.com 23/06/2002
Sufficient documentation and relevant consultation with specialists in these grasses give extra value to this publication.
Zulma E. Rúgolo de Agrasar Plant Science Bulletin 13/01/2002