It condenses a huge amount of information about tree identification--more than has ever been collected in a single book--into a logical, accessible, easy-to-use format.With more than 4,100 meticulous, exquisitely detailed paintings, the Guide highlights the often subtle similarities and distinctions between more than 600 tree species--native trees as well as many introduced species. No other guide has ever made field identification so clear.Features highlighted include: - leaves (including multiple leaf shapes and fall leaf color)- bark- needles- cones- flowers- fruit- twigs- silhouettesMore than 500 maps show the complete range, both natural and cultivated, for nearly all species.Trees are arranged taxonomically, with all related species grouped together. By focusing on the fundamental characteristics of, for example, oaks or chestnuts or hickories, the Guide helps the user recognize these basic species groups the same way birders recognize thrushes, warblers, or sparrows.In addition, there are essays on taxonomy, on the cultivation of trees, and on conservation issues, reflecting Sibley's deep concern with habitat preservation and environmental health.An important new contribution to our understanding of the natural world, The Sibley Guide to Trees will be a necessity for every tree lover, traveler, and naturalist. It is sure to become the new benchmark in field guides to trees.

    Japanese maples are unlike any other tree. They boast a remarkable diversity of color, form, and texture. As a result of hundreds of years of careful breeding, they take the center stage in any garden they are found. In the last decade, the number of Japanese maple cultivars available to gardeners has doubled and there is a pressing need for an up-to-date reference. This new fourth edition offers detailed descriptions of over 150 new introductions, updates to plant nomenclature, and new insights into established favorites. Gardeners will relish the practical advice that puts successful cultivation within everyone's grasp. Accurate identification is made simple with over 600 easy-to-follow descriptions and 500 color photographs.

    This latest edition includes 40 new color photographs; a simple month-by-month format that shows gardeners exactly what to do throughout the year; terrific advice on gardening with drought-tolerant and fire-resistant plants; and plenty of fresh information on organic soils, fertilizers, and pest control. Useful for newbies and seasoned green thumbs alike, Pat Welsh's Southern California Organic Gardening is the indispensable guide for every Southern Californiagardener.

    

    Included in the new edition are over 800 medicinal formulas drawn from both classical and modern sources, which provide more than twice the information in the earlier edition. For each of the 340-plus principal formulas there is a discussion of its therapeutic actions and indications, analysis of the functions and interactions of the ingredients, method of preparation, and a list of modifications to customize the formula in the clinic. Over 460 variations and associated formulas offer additional options for the practitioner. The commentary to each formula has been considerably expanded. This section deepens the reader's understanding of a formula's genealogy, presents an overview of controversies regarding composition, usage, and other issues, describes the extension of a formula's application to a wider range of disorders, and provides key clinical pointers to facilitate use of the formula in the modern clinic. A new section on comparisons has been added to this edition. This is intended to help students and practitioners focus on the distinguishing characteristics of each formula by contrasting it with other formulas that are similar in terms of composition or indication. Tables at the end of each chapter reinforce these distinctions by comparing and contrasting formulas across a wider range. The introduction to the book traces the historical evolution of the formulas, and provides practical pointers for their preparation and use. Detailed timelines depict the key events, authors, and texts in the 2,000-year history of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, placing the contents of this book in historical context. Among the appendices are a pinyin-to-English cro

    Some mestizos have migrated to Amazon towns and cities, such as Iquitos and Pucallpa; most remain in small villages. They have retained features of a folk Catholicism and traditional Hispanic medicine, and have incorporated much of the religious tradition of the Amazon, especially its healing, sorcery, shamanism, and the use of potent plant hallucinogens, including ayahuasca. The result is a uniquely eclectic shamanist culture that continues to fascinate outsiders with its brilliant visionary art. Ayahuasca shamanism is now part of global culture. Once the terrain of anthropologists, it is now the subject of novels and spiritual memoirs, while ayahuasca shamans perform their healing rituals in Ontario and Wisconsin. "Singing to the Plants" sets forth just what this shamanism is about--what happens at an ayahuasca healing ceremony, how the apprentice shaman forms a spiritual relationship with the healing plant spirits, how sorcerers inflict the harm that the shaman heals, and the ways that plants are used in healing, love magic, and sorcery.

    Over 1,500 species are illustrated with detailed photographs chosen for their help in identification.Includes photographs of larvaeEach section is coded with a symbol for easy referenceDifferences between similar species are highlighted to avoid confusionInformation given on when to look and where to find each speciesInsect groups dealt with include butterflies and moths, mayflies, dragonflies, damselflies, grasshoppers, crickets, earwigs, lacewings, bugs, bees, wasps, ants and beetles, all with keys to ensure accurate identification.

    Paul Bergner said it succinctly when he wrote, This book is broad enough in scope that it contains within it enough material for three books. Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth contains the most up-to-date, detailed information on 190 valuable herbs including, dosage, specific indications, general uses, active constituents, and contraindications. Compound formulations are listed for all the most common ailments as well as some uncommon ailments. They are organized by body systems to make them easier to learn. Another helpful tool is the charts that are used in the book. For those new to herbal terminology, definitions of the words specific to herbal medicine are found in the Properties & Actions section of the book. However, that is not all. Following the easy to understand definitions are listings of all the individual herbs with that property or action. There is a helpful section on collecting, drying and storing herbs with a chart on harvesting and preparation. Additionally for the do it yourself person, there is an extensive chapter on making herbal preparations. Surprisingly detailed information is given for making tinctures, elixirs, suppositories, compresses, capsules, gruels, glycerites, oils, poultices and salves. The author who once owned an herbal manufacturing company gives all the details necessary to make your own products. This one book will give you important information you need to know about harvesting, storage, preparation of herbal products, preparation of formulas, and clinical use of the most valuable herbs known to practitioners. The greatest value of Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth is that it will become a trusted reference book. It will quickly become your most trusted herbal source of information.

    Moerman describes the medicinal use of more than 2700 plants by 218 Native American tribes. Information—adapted from the same research used to create the monumental Native American Ethnobotany—includes 82 categories of medicinal uses, ranging from analgesics, contraceptives, gastrointestinal aids, hypotensive medicines, sedatives, and toothache remedies.Native American Medicinal Plants includes extensive indexes arranged by tribe, usage, and common name, making it easy to access the wealth of information in the detailed catalog of plants. It is an essential reference for students and professionals in the fields of anthropology, botany, and naturopathy and an engaging read for anyone interested in ethnobotany and natural healing.

    Helps readers to discover over 1,000 species of animal, plant and fungi found in Britain - from the humming-bird Hawk moth to the False Deathcap Fungi, spot common British animal, plant and fungi species.

    His razor-sharp cross sections reveal intricate interiors, pods, pouches, keys and other examples of botanical architecture and seed dispersal.Seed morphologist Wolfgang Stuppy and palynologist Madeline Harley deftly explain the botanical purposes of the pollens, seeds and fruit, how they fulfill their missions and their roles in preserving the biodiversity of our planet. Literary references to plant reproduction are featured along with early botanical illustrations. The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants is groundbreaking in its intimate examination of plant reproduction. It is an essential reference for artists, designers and photographers and will fascinate gardeners and general readers.

    Find out about: * First Nations uses of plant species * Gathering and preparing wild plants for a variety of uses * Historic European uses of plant species * Plants for everything from clothing to shelter * The fundamentals of survival - food and medicines * Clear descriptions of the plants and where to find them * Warnings about plant allergies, poisons and digestive upsets * A special section identifying poisonous plants and species that are similar * More than 530 colour photographs and 125 illustrations.

    The New Encyclopedia of Hostas—the second edition of Diana Grenfell and Michael Shadrack's classic work—provides growth and cultivation information for seven hundred cultivated hostas. Detailed, easy-to-read descriptions include growing tips, recommendations for landscape use, and suggestions for companion plants. Clear cultivation advice is provided, including recommendations for hostas that succeed in challenging environments, such as the warmer regions of the United States. Captivating photographs show hostas up close and in a wide range of different garden situations.

    Readers of all ages will get lost in The Blackberry Patch. Gina McKnight began writing at an early age, encouraged by her parents, siblings, and teachers. Living near the Appalachian Mountains with her family inspires Gina to help children encounter the beauty of Gods world through outdoor adventure.

    Intended for landowners and managers dedicated to understanding and nurturing their prairies as well as farmers, ranchers, conservationists, and all those with a strong interest in grasslands, ecologist Chris Helzer’s readable and practical manual educates prairie owners and managers about grassland ecology and gives them guidelines for keeping prairies diverse, vigorous, and viable.     Chapters in the first section, "Prairie Ecology," describe prairie plants and the communities they live in, the ways in which disturbance modifies plant communities, the animal and plant inhabitants that are key to prairie survival, and the importance of diversity within plant and animal communities. Chapters in the second section, "Prairie Management," explore the adaptive management process as well as guiding principles for designing management strategies, examples of successful management systems such as fire and grazing, guidance for dealing with birds and other species that have particular habitat requirements and with the invasive species that have become the most serious threat that prairie managers have to deal with, and general techniques for prairie restoration. Following the conclusion and a forward-thinking note on climate change, eight appendixes provide more information on grazing, prescribed fire, and invasive species as well as bibliographic notes, references, and national and state organizations with expertise in prairie management.       Grasslands can be found throughout much of North America, and the ideas and strategies in this book apply to most of them, particularly tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies in eastern North Dakota, eastern South Dakota, eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, eastern Oklahoma, northwestern Missouri, northern Illinois, northwestern Indiana, Iowa, southwestern Wisconsin, and southwestern Minnesota. By presenting all the factors that promote biological diversity and thus enhance prairie communities, then incorporating these factors into a set of clear-sighted management practices, The Ecology and Management of Prairies in the Central United States presents the tools necessary to ensure that grasslands are managed in the purposeful ways essential to the continued health and survival of prairie communities.

    A new introduction to this second edition discusses wildflowers in the context of their natural communities. Packed with detailed information, this field guide is compact enough to be handy for outdoors lovers of all kinds, from novice naturalists to professional botanists. It includes:• more than 1,100 species from 459 genera in 100 families• many rare and previously overlooked species• 2,100 color photographs and 300 drawings• Wisconsin distribution maps for almost all plants• brief descriptions including distinguishing characteristics of the species • Wisconsin status levels for each species of wildflower (native, invasive, endangered, etc.)• derivation of Latin names.

    Matched with patience and skill, their eye for magic produces dazzling images of Iowa nature up close. Revealing the miniature beauties hidden among the patches of prairie, woodland, and wetland that remain in Iowa’s sadly overdeveloped landscape, the seventy-five color photographs in Deep Nature give us a breathtaking cross section of the state’s smallest inhabitants. The Scarths’ close-up images of showy orchis and northern monkshood, great spangled fritillary and painted lady, red-breasted nuthatch and eastern wood-pewee, ornate box turtle and gray treefrog, big bluestem and cotton-grass, and many other natural wonders look more like paintings than photographs. Beginning with an iridescent fly hovering over a neon-purple fringed gentian and ending with their iconic image of coneflowers refracted in dewdrops, they have created a sparkling jewelbox of images that will make us look at the small world around us with renewed appreciation. Attending to the small things in the fabric of nature is the Scarths’ source of artistic inspiration. Taking Walt Whitman’s “every leaf is a miracle” as their beginning, they celebrate not only each leaf but each feather, insect, dewdrop, flower, lichen, and intricate organism in the evolving web of life.

    It's loaded with practical information that is essential to the safety and success of any tree felling and woodcutting operation, whether it's in the forest or the backyard. With step-by-step methods and more than 200 illustrations, topics include preparations before the work begins, felling a tree using a three-step procedure, felling difficult trees, and limbing and bucking the tree.You will also learn: Potential work hazards Chain saw safety Personal protective equipment Protecting people and property Making a proper notch and back cut Felling storm-damaged trees Moving limbs and logs Methods for slitting and stacking wood

    His 1799–1804 research expedition to Central and South America with botanist Aimé Bonpland set the course for the great scientific surveys of the nineteenth century, and inspired such essayists and artists as Emerson, Goethe, Thoreau, Poe, and Church. The chronicles of the expedition were published in Paris after Humboldt’s return, and first among them was the 1807 “Essay on the Geography of Plants.” Among the most cited writings in natural history, after the works of Darwin and Wallace, this work appears here for the first time in a complete English-language translation. Covering far more than its title implies, it represents the first articulation of an integrative “science of the earth, ” encompassing most of today’s environmental sciences.  Ecologist Stephen T. Jackson introduces the treatise and explains its enduring significance two centuries after its publication.

    And he's not alone. All the guinea pigs in Dandeville eat dandelion leaves for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But no-one seems to do anything when the dandelions begin to dwindle. They just carry on munching. In fact the guinea pigs of Dandeville are heading for eco-disaster . . . But that's where Christopher Nibble steps in. He discovers the last dandelion growing outside his bedroom window and, rather than eat it, he does his horticultural research in the library and then nurtures the dandelion patiently until it has produced a perfect head of tiny seeds. Then he blows the seeds from a hill high over Dandeville so that each dandelion seedling takes root and grows into a new plant. Charlotte Middleton has illustrated her witty, quirky story with charming collage illustrations and her guinea pigs are the most endearing, funky little characters you are ever likely to meet.

    The shelves are loaded with books that give readers the same list of plants. That "encyclopedia" is missing from this book -- who needs another one? Instead, Bill Cullina has offered what he describes as the psychology of perennials -- their needs, wants, and potentials. Starting at the roots, moving up through the stems, the leaves, and finally the flowers, Cullina's book stands as the definitive word on the horticulture of the most important plants in everyone's garden.

    Learn about 180 Texas trees, organized in the book by leaf type and attachment. Fact-filled information contains the particulars you want to know, while full-page photos provide the visual detail needed for accurate identification. Trees are fascinating and wonderful, and this is the perfect introduction to them.

    Dan Hinkley, founder of the original Heronswood Nursery, has scoured the globe for botanical treasures, a bounty that has enriched gardens throughout the world. He presents the most outstanding shrubs and vines from his plant-collecting trips to Chile, Costa Rica, South Africa, Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, India, New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Explorers will encounter little-known exotics such as the sapphire-berried dichroas and vermilion-flowered" Desfontainea spinosa" (Chilean holly). "The Explorer's Garden: Shrubs and Vines from the Four Corners of the World" also includes more familiar, but just as garden-worthy, plants such as witch hazels, hydrangeas, and sassafras. In every case, Hinkley zeroes in on why the plant deserves your garden space and what you can expect as the plant matures. Excerpts from Hinkley's travel journals evoke the plant's native setting with poetic precision, painting seductive portraits of the monkey-puzzle forests of South America or the rhododendron-clad slopes of the Himalayas. As this brimming collection makes clear, there are still scores of exciting plants that await wider use by the gardening public. Readers who yearn for an expert guide to this cornucopia of riches will find no better companion than Dan Hinkley.

    Now learn to identify them. This famous field guide, written by Nora and Rick Bowers with Stan Tekiela, features 200 of Texas's wildflowers organized by color. (When you see a purple flower, simply turn to the purple section of the book.) Full-page photographs correspond with full-page species details, presenting the information that's critical to accurate identification in an easy-to-read format. Naturalist notes and gee-whiz facts further enhance your knowledge, so wildflower identification has never been easier!

    Miles Irving makes his living out of foraging - in this unique, authentic guide, he reveals the how, why, what and where of this lost art, a way of life that is becoming increasingly popular as more and more of us pursue an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. This ground-breaking handbook tells you how to recognise the rich variety of wild food that surround us, whether in the city or countryside. From wasteground to woodland, from clifftop to coastland, edible plants flourish year in, year out. Spring is when wild garlic flourishes in shady woodlands; summer is the time for marsh samphire in the salt-marshes; autumn heralds an abundance of fruits and nuts. Many of these plants - nettles, dandelions, fat hen, sorrel - grow so profusely they are considered a nuisance. Yet they offer fantastic food possibilities and are rich in nutrients. Assiduously researched, packed with information and enlivened with anecdotes and more than 330 photographs, The Forager Handbook is a milestone publication marking the way forward for the future of British food. And for each plant family, Miles gives ideas for using foraged ingredients in the kitchen. With recipes from some of the most exciting chefs working in Britain today, including Sam and Sam Clark, Mark Hix and Richard Corrigan, and coverage of techniques like drying, pickling and making cordials, this book will take readers on a voyage of discovery. Foraging was something our ancestors did instinctively - this book truly connects us with our past and our future. Discover a secret world of edible possibilities - all freely available.

    The perfect flower fairy handbook for all seasons! How do the Flower Fairies prepare for spring? What special events do the Fairies hold in the winter months? This helpful handbook, divided into seasons, offers tips, sayings and notes for the various times of the year and features over 105 flower fairies.

    Part of 'Little Books' series on nature, this comprehensive reference is suitable for the classroom or for the home.

    A fantastic new addition to the Beginner's series, designed to provide an infomative introduction to trees and plant life for young readers.

    Fifteen years ago, inspired by the pioneering work of Robert Hart, Crawford moved from conventional organic gardening to creating a forest garden from a bare field. Today his garden is a wonderful example of what can be done with a minimum of effort to produce an abundant crop of unusual edible trees, plants, shrubs, and ground cover. The principles of forest gardening can be applied to spaces big and small. A wide variety of edible plants can be grown: Nepalese raspberry, Siberian purslane, Turkish rocket and Good King Henry, lime trees (their leaves make a good salad), bamboo (young shoots are tasty when steamed), snowbell trees (for their fruit), mulberry, and chokeberry. A Forest Garden Year shows how to graft an apple tree to crop a variety of apples over several months, how to grow shiitake mushrooms and perennial leeks, how to pollard and prune, protect crops from wind, attract beneficial insects, and increase valuable minerals in the soil—all the while creating a haven for yourself and for wildlife.

    It explains why sustainability is important in a crowded world, and how we can use basic ecological principles to live with, not against, nature."--Steven P. Christman, editor, Floridata.com  "Brings important environmentally friendly gardening information together in one comprehensive reference. Will be of interest to environmentally sensitive gardeners and homeowners, landscape architects, landscapers, nursery owners, wholesale and retail growers, land managers, park managers, and more."--Gil Nelson, author of Florida's Best Native Landscape Plants   Sustainable gardening is a broad topic that includes best practices in gardening, organic gardening, making the best use of local resources, growing your own vegetables, saving water, and doing the least amount of damage to the environment. In Sustainable Gardening for Florida, Ginny Stibolt presents easy money-saving projects that help to reduce Floridians' collective ecological footprint.   The state's unique features and climate provides both challenges and opportunities for gardeners. Stibolt provides detailed instructions for various projects that promote a successful gardening experience within the tropical climate. She includes interesting and doable projects and property management techniques that should have a significant beneficial effect on Florida's environment.   This wide range of techniques, which features a combination of eco-friendly landscape design and organic practices, offers new ideas and new ways of approaching common environmental subjects at a personal level and for community-wide action that will make a positive impact on the state, one yard at a time.

    By only covering Britain and Ireland, fewer species are included than in many broader European guides, making it quicker and easier for the reader to accurately identify what they have found. Extensive details on size, shape, and color are given and more than 1,500 photographs help you identify each species. This is the essential photographic guide to the mushrooms and toadstools of Britain and Ireland.

    Greg Starr offers extensive information on 200 low-water-use plants, including clear descriptions of each plant and its ornamental features, maintenance, and climate requirements, along with landscape applications, precautions, and tips for plant identification.

    The AHS New Encyclopedia of Gardening Techniques is the new definitive guide to explaining all the essential techniques you are ever likely to need. It reflects modern best-practice gardening at the American Horticultural Society, a leading gardening authority. All techniques are shown clearly and simply with step-by-step instructions for every gardener to follow. Contains more than 2000 clear and concise color illustrations supported by over 1000 beautiful color photos. Includes steps for planning, pruning, propagating, feeding and watering. Covers all plants including trees, flowers, shrubs, climbers, lawns, vegetables, fruit and herbs. Shows how to create water features and patios, and add lighting. Includes organic techniques, recycling and how to treat pests and diseases. There are also chapters on container gardening, gardening under glass, garden tools and equipment, and everyday garden maintenance as well as on landscaping and construction work. The wealth of practical information makes this book an essential purchase for both professional and amateur gardeners

    This introductory textbook assumes no prior knowledge of bryophyte biology, making it ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as amateur botanists. The authors expertly summarise the diversity of bryophytes and outline recent advances in our understanding of their evolutionary history, their ecological roles and preferences, their distribution patterns and conservation needs. The text is highly illustrated throughout, with boxed summaries of topics of current relevance in bryophyte biology, and a glossary of technical terms.

    In addition to describing the plants and their habitats, this guide relates the significance that native and Polynesian introduced plants had to traditional Hawaiian culture, and tell how these plants are still used today.