Gibbs Smith Floral Books

VINTAGE ROSES: 

Who wouldn’t be romanced by names like Lovely Fairy, Desdemona, Elegantyne, Anne Boleyn, Leonardo da Vinci, and Blue for You? Vintage roses encompass both the true “old” roses and the best of the “modern” roses, developed to celebrate the classic, ageless, enduring beauty of the old varieties. The 60 specially selected specimens include those that have the best visual appearance and most fragrant perfume, and are also easy to grow and produce beautiful flowers for cutting. The perfect mix of engaging, inspirational commentary and no-fuss gardening notes shows that roses can be grown and enjoyed by all—whether a novice, an expert, or an armchair rose gardener.

Hardcover 240 pgs 

Gardening / Flowers / Roses By Jane Eastoe

Photographs: Georgianna Lane

PEONIES:

From Shawnee Chief to Top Brass, this guide to over 60 varieties of peonies presents an eclectic selection of specimens—from those with the best visual appearance and the most fragrant perfume, to those that are easiest to grow and produce the best cutting flowers.

With commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow growing advice, and glorious photography, Peonies will appeal to anyone who appreciates the romance of the majestic spring peony.

Hardcover 240 pgs 120 photos: Gardening / Flowers / Perennials Journalist Jane Eastoe is author of Vintage Roses (Gibbs Smith, 2016) plus gardening and outdoor books published by National Trust Books (UK).

Georgianna Lane, author of Paris in Bloom, is a leading floral photographer whose work also appeared in Vintage Roses.

DAHLIAS:

The dahlia is a fabulous cutting flower for the home garden. Cut one bloom, and ten more appear on the plant. Blooming late summer to the first frost of autumn, this native of Mexico provides explosions of color in home gardens. The author’s commentary unearths the dahlia from its Aztec origins and imparts practical, hands-on knowledge for growing and overwintering these tropical plants in wintry climes. Including classics like Café au Lait and lesser-known varieties like Voodoo and Honka, readers will discover a stunning range of specimens from tiny pompoms to heavy-headed dinner plates, to those that resemble daisies, sea anemones, and even fireworks.

TULIPS:

Jane Eastoe’s passion for gardening and Rachel Werne’s spectacular photography combine to showcase these gorgeous bulbs and show that anyone can grow and enjoy tulips at home. Tulips have more than 3,000 variations and their diverse textures mean that they can work anywhere, from vases to garden plots, from romantic bouquets to wedding boutonnieres. Along with the fascinating history of the flowers, Tulips details more than 50 of the most beautiful varieties, detailing when they bloom, their size, and, of course, what they’ll look like. From the raspberry swirl of Zurel and the petticoat-like frills of Weber’s Parrot, to the crystal rim of the Mascotte and the flaming petals of the Fabio tulip, you’ll discover a stunning range of specimens to grow, including historical and contemporary varieties. With engaging commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow advice and glorious photography, this book will appeal to everyone who appreciates the majesty of the tulip. Hardcover 240 pgs 

HYDRANGEAS:

Perhaps the most abundantly blooming plant, hydrangeas have captivated gardeners and cultivators alike with their old-fashioned charm and tantalizing colors. From late spring to early autumn, they burst from the ends of stems in natural bouquets of vibrant pink, stunning white, lavender, rose, and blue. With over 75 species and 600 named cultivars that range over the world, the variety makes them perfect for any occasion. Georgianna Lane’s entrancing photography showcase the varieties of nature’s firework flower, such as the intensely colored Alpenglühen and the airy Lanarth White, while Naomi Slade imparts her gardening expertise for the fullest bloom of this rewarding flower. Readers will discover the wide array that hydrangeas have to offer, and why these bountiful blossoms are becoming increasingly popular as houseplants and gifts.

LILIES:

The lily is an emotive flower, with cultural connotations of romance, remembrance, love, and innocence. Revered from Greek and Roman mythology to the hybridizations of today, lilies permeate gardens, culture, and ceremonies with their classic floral beauty. From the ever-adored white lily to vibrant and exotic oriental lilies, these perennials are colorful, graceful adornments for any garden. Gracing the grounds from mid-spring until late autumn, lilies are dramatic and striking. The beautifully presented reference guide features more than 50 well-loved and unusual varieties of lily, from the towering and prolific Arabian Knight to the fiery L. ‘Forever Susan’, the pink, pollen-free L. Elodie to the six-foot-tall Giant Himalayan Lily. Find out how to care for your lilies, with practical tips for all kinds of gardens, containers and balconies. Hardcover 240 pgs

LILACS:

This seventh book in the Gibbs Smith flower series is filled with the perfume of love and memories of home. Lilacs are frequently associated with the Easter holiday, which occurs during the peak of its bloom time. Lilacs have been a source of inspiration for artists throughout history; Impressionists Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet both made famous paintings depicting the beauty of lilacs. Lilacs are ubiquitous both within curated gardens and in the wild. They became a popular garden flower choice in the eighteenth century, particularly across North America, and lingering shrubs and blooms in the wild are a telltale indication of where earlier dwellings might have stood.

RANUNCULUS:

A centuries-old flower of love has claimed its place in high-end floral shops and wedding bouquets.

“Consumers now understand that this flower has a great vase life and comes in many different colors. In addition, the available varieties have seen some big improvements in the last years.” — Floral Daily, October 2021 In the language of flowers, ranunculus (aka buttercup) is a symbol of seduction, charm, and attractiveness. It was particularly popular for bouquets in the Victorian era and has made a strong comeback as a bloom for modern-day wedding bouquets. It is the flower of the moment, as gardeners, florists, and alpine enthusiasts all over the world embrace the possibilities of this plant once more.

Hardback 240pgs

Gardening/Flowers/Perennials

Naomi Slade is a well-known journalist and photographer specializing in gardening, environment, and lifestyle