Media Reviews
Hurrah for Dr. Francko! He has achieved the near-impossible feat of writing a book on hardy palms and other exotics that is at once scientific and accessible. Low on guesswork and assumptions, high on facts, figures, and solid experience, it will surely set the standard for this increasingly popular hobby.
Martin Gibbons Palm Centre 08/10/2002
A wonderful book! An indispensible, fun-to-read resource for amateur as well as seasoned gardeners and commercial landscapers who want to achieve that tropical look north of the tropics. David Francko's book will revolutionize your gardening ideas.
Gerry McKiness Gerry's Jungle 08/10/2002
This is a 'must-have' book for the adventurous gardener. David Francko has written the definitive text for those who are not afraid to the push the envelope. Thanks to David Francko, your dreams can come true.
Tamar Myers Palms 08/10/2002
David Francko has produced an excellent read on how to achieve a tropical look in the temperate garden. His treatment of specific plants is wonderfully precise and fills a need for detailed information for the serious gardener.
Kyle Brown Kyle Brown Nurseries 14/11/2002
If you've ever been tempted to add palms and other subtropical to your landscape, wait no more. David Francko's book explains how, and is based on the successful experiences of both professional and amateur gardeners.
Jeff Stevens Southeastern Palms 14/11/2002
With this highly readable guide in hand, plant lovers can look forward to the challenge and the prospect of animating their gardens with a new and expanded palette of exciting possibilities.
Alice Joyce Booklist 22/11/2002
A must-have for the northern gardener who longs for a touch of the south.
Robert Haehle National Gardener 12/02/2003
Witty and knowledgeable ... [Francko] gives gardeners hope of having a garden singularly different from all others.
Joanne S. Carpender National Gardener 18/02/2003
Francko dispels ... myth with his witty and knowledgeable slant on growing many varieties of plants.
Joanne S. Carpender National Gardener 18/02/2003
I've been encouraged [by this book].
Anne Raver New York Times 09/02/2003
This guide is recommended for the gardening collections in public libraries.
Shannon Hysell American Reference Books Annual 27/03/2003
Adventurous gardeners will welcome this book. . . . Offers a logical approach based on understanding and accommodating plant needs. With humorous asides and practical tips, Francko challenges cool-temperature gardeners to consider growing exotic, tropical plkants that they have previously considered too tender for their climate.
Yvonne England American Gardener 23/04/2003
A very personal account of gardening successes, written in a friendly, accessible style. . . . For anyone living in a cold climate and wanting to grow palms, this book may awaken an obsession that no therapist can touch.
Scott Zona Palms 06/05/2003
A groundbreaking new book.
Martha Stewart Living 06/04/2003
An adventurous guide to growing warm-climate plants in cold-winter climates.
Northwest Horticultural Society 07/05/2003
Helps adventurous gardeners grow plants they never dreamed possible.
Publishers Weekly 17/05/2003
Adventurous gardeners will welcome this book. . . . With humorous asides and practical tips, Francko challenges cool-temperature gardeners to consider growing exotic, tropical plants that they have previously considered too tender for their climate.
American Gardener 22/05/2003
If defying Mother Nature is your cup of tea, here's the guidebook to help you along the way!
Green Thumb Chatter 27/05/2003
A welcome addition . . . Will help educate the beginner and also provide essential information to those gardeners who have more experience.
Will Giles Garden (Peterborough) 11/06/2003
Garden members who have summer homes in the north, visitors from non-tropical areas, and landscapers who have to deal with a wide range of climates will all appreciate this book.
Susan Knorr Fairchild Tropical Garden 08/07/2003
It's a unique and encouraging reference for gardeners in cooler areas.
Jeff Stevens Southeastern Palms 21/07/2003
A valuable effort for marginal areas like Berkeley.
Taxon 15/05/2003
The discussion of physiology is at least as interesting as the plant descriptions and advice.
Ann Milovsoroff Pappus 23/01/2003
This book continues Timber Press' reputation as a publisher of broad-interest nature books with usefulness and appeal beyond the intended audience.
Scott Ruhren Plant Science Bulletin 30/09/2003
Francko's book is a treasure. His tips will help increase the odds thta we'll be able to get away with planting. . . species that up until
George Weigel People Places Plants 29/03/2004
Camellias have always been a wished-for plant but I gave them up for my Zone 6 garden after my last winter-kill. Well, I might try again--especially if I can get a banana to winter in-ground as David Francko promises in Palms Won't Grow Here.
Donna Williamson HortResources Newsletter 21/01/2004