But when it comes to garden books, "reading" is a relative term. I do a lot of scanning, and I usually (being a visual learner) reach for garden books with colorful photos—books that help me identify plants or "show" me how to perform various garden tasks.
I'm also a sucker for just about any Dorling Kindersley publication. DK is adept at "showing" readers how to "do" things.
In addition to the stunning photos of creative floral combinations and unique color palettes, "Flowers for the Home," introduces unique ideas for floral arrangements—such as using Watermelons for vases, displaying flowers under water, and tying Magnolia leaves together for a wreath.
Not only does the book encourage whimsy and creativity, it also shows us—using detailed and diagrammed instructions—how to create the stunning displays.
There are sections on floral tools and equipment, containers, picking and conditioning flowers, and preserving and drying.
But my favorite part of the book is leafing through it to spark creativity.
Amazon has a limited quantity of "Flowers for the Home." But I also found it on Google Books, eBay, and various online sellers. Then again, just about any book carrying the names "Malcolmb Hillier" or "Dorling Kindersley" is bound to be worth the investment.
Thanks to Holley at Roses and Other Gardening Joys for hosting Garden Book Reviews on the 20th of each month.
Oh, and check out Malcolm Hillier's photo gallery for photographic inspiration—stunning stuff!
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(For those of you who write or plan to write book reviews, I found this information about fair use, which defines copyright law—at least in the U.S.—as it relates to reproducing book images and writing book reviews. Frankly, if I wrote a book and someone copied parts of it for an online review, I'd be thrilled about the exposure. Various book authors seem to concur.)
Love DK books and have several Hillier titles. Always excellent and I can see this is another 'must have'.
ReplyDeleteI think I need to get more DK gardening books. They're so well done and so helpful.
DeleteLooks lovely Beth. I have been very careful about not using any pictures in my reviews as I know it is a tricky line...and I try to just use quotes sparingly..good to know the rules.
ReplyDeleteI think one of my future golas will be to use my flowers more and learn the how tos...I will add this to my book list
I have to do book reviews at work, so I did a little research. The nice thing about online publishing is you can just take it down if there's a question about it.
DeleteSounds like a fun, creative book! I am not very good at displaying flowers and making bouquets - this looks like it has a lot of tips! Displaying them in a watermelon is certainly unusual - does the inside of the watermelon help the flowers last longer?
ReplyDeleteI thought the Watermelon was fun, too, although there are lots of other great ones in the book, too. I suppose the water and sugar in the Watermelon keep the flowers going longer?
DeleteI like books with colorful photos, too. And I notice that this book features "easy" ways to arrange flowers. I would like that. I have never thought to use hellebores in arrangements, but then again my few plants produce only a few flowers so I just enjoy them outside. Thank you for sharing the book with us! (And for the link about copyright laws. I am always a little uneasy about it!)
ReplyDeleteI know--I need to try arranging with Hellebores, too. Although I really enjoy the way they look on the plants, so I hesitate to mess with them.
DeleteI haven't had much time to read anything, but if I have, I like garden and artbooks. That looks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI find it frustrating to read gardening books if they don't have photos--gardening is such a visual activity and I'm a visual person.
DeleteI love books that "show" me, rather than "tell" me. Like you, my creative juices start flowing at the first sight of a picture! This book looks great! What a fun idea to use a watermelon as a vase! That would make a great outdoor summertime bouquet. Thanks, too, about the link about fair use. Good information to know. Thanks for joining in!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting, Holley! I realized I need to purchase more DK gardening books! Yes, I would like to try the Watermelon bouquet, too.
DeleteThank you for a good book recommendation. It looks like a fun read (certainly using watermelons as a vase has not occurred to me before).
ReplyDeleteSure thing, Masha. I know, I think I need to do a little more "research" ... and a little more shopping for gardening books. ;-)
DeleteWhat a awesome looking book!! Very creative vases & floral arranging. I love thinking outside the box like this.
ReplyDeleteI used to purchase a lot of gardening books but for some reason have really slowed down. If I happen to see this one tho, I'll definitely pick it up!
Thank you so much too for always complimenting my blog photos! You are SO nice & I never read your comments without feeling uplifted. :-)
p.s. Glad you got some rain too...
Kathleen: Thanks for the good wishes about the rain. We're still in a major deficit, but it has helped with the garden plants anyway. The fallout from the crop loss will be felt in the months to come--not just here, but throughout the country. You are very welcome about the comments--your blog and suggestions have really helped me to improve my photography skills. Thanks!
DeleteThanks for your suggestion Beth, it looks wonderful and interesting meantime!
ReplyDeleteCertainly, Dona! So many books, plants, and ideas...and so little time!
DeleteI'm familiar with DK as a children's book publisher, and have always liked them for that. I had not known that they also put out books for adults as well. I'll keep an eye out.
ReplyDeleteKimberley: Yes, the books for adults are as good as the ones for kids. If I had more $$, I'd probably fill a couple of shelves with DK books.
DeleteI'm an avid reader, but like you, Beth, I tend to scan gardening books rather than read them word-for-word, and the more photos the better! This sounds like a excellent book to add to my collection; I'd love to be able to create some arrangements from my cut flowers that didn't look like my young grandson stuck them in a vase:)
ReplyDeleteGood suggestion on checking out copyright laws--I sometimes write book reviews as part of a "club," and it was recommended that we also include a disclaimer as to whether we received the book as part of a promotion or not. I always like to know that the writer isn't biased because she got something for free!
That's a good idea to add the disclaimer. I'll have to remember that for future reviews. This book was either a gift or I bought it for myself--I can't remember. But it wasn't a promotional item.
DeleteWow! This seems like a book to spark that creativity. And blooms seem like the best medium. Thanks for sharing this lovely book.s
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think there are several more collaborations between Hillier and DK--they're on my "wish" list!
DeleteWhat an inspirational book! I tend to use the Internet these days for just about anything - haven't been able to teach my laptop to cook dinner for me yet, but who knows, that might happen some day too...having a book in my lap is something I miss though, it is a better experience than just looking up things on the Internet, on the other hand, I can find ANYTHING with just a few clicks, at no cost. Wouldn't mind getting this book as a present myself, perhaps I should drop some hints to my closest :-)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the Internet, Helene. I spend so much time online, too. Getting the laptop to cook dinner sure would be nice! And, still, there's something warm and welcoming about a high-quality, four-color book that you can hold in your hands.
DeleteI think I stretched the limits of my creativity using martini glasses for salsa. The rose petal cocktails are beautiful and much more appealing. I like step by step instructions and could use the help in the flower arranging department.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for salsa, too! Sometimes these demos and photos simply spark my creative side and then I think of something entirely different. But my brain sure appreciates the prompts!
DeleteNow that is a pretty book. It is nicely laid out and what they did with flowers, creative.
ReplyDeleteYes, I really must get the others published by DK with Hillier. Very inspirational!
DeleteWow, those photos look beautiful. I'm amazed at the creativity in the pictures you posted. I can never come up with stuff like that!
ReplyDeleteIt's so much fun to grab ideas from the experts. I often say, "I could do that!" Not that it always works out, but the ideas sure help!
DeleteNow that is creative. Looks like I will have to get a copy for my wife since she loves having cut flowers for our dinner parties. I may have to buy some watermelons soon. :-)
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I love the idea of using Watermelon as a vase. Especially during the late summer.
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