The Society has built up a valued reference library since its inception. It contains over 160 items and is divided into several sections: introductory books, general books and works on particular genera. As well as standard encyclopaedias and texts, there is a large and varied collection of newsletters and journals, covering a long time span, including a few from overseas. New works are regularly purchased, with the aim of a comprehensive coverage of key areas. Items may be borrowed by financial members at monthly club meetings.
NEW BOOKS
Crassula by Gordon Rowley. A comprehensive survey of this varied and popular genus. Beautiful illustrations (including close-up photos and some original botanical drawings) and details of all known species in cultivation. Experienced growers will appreciate the clear “Key to Species” and the cross-referencing of updated names. Newcomers will find basic growing advice and many lovely plants to seek out. Highly recommended also for the clear (and often amusing) writing style.
Agaves, Yuccas and Related Plants by Mary and Gary Irish. Detailed species profiles contain abundant practical information to assist in identification and cultivation. The authors hope to encourage wider use of these attractive and hardy plants in our gardens, and the many colour photos are certainly appealing. Based on thorough research and experience in the USA.
Guide to Carnivorous Plants. An official publication from the Victorian Carnivorous Plants Society. More details here to help keep all those wasp-eaters that we bought at the July meeting alive, happy and ravenous.
Succulents for the Contemporary Garden by Yvonne Cave. A well-illustrated “catalogue” of many popular plants with an introduction covering cultivation, pests and diseases, propagation, etc. As the book originates in New Zealand, it deals in particular with the challenges of cold weather and rain.
Euphorbias: a Gardener's Guide by Roger Turner. This treatment by an English enthusiast covers all euphorbias which are hardy enough for cultivation in temperate gardens. Information on identification, cultivation, propagation and uses as ground covers, rock garden plants, or tough plants for dry shade.
Growing Cacti and other Succlents in the Garden by Miles Anderson. Good basic level book. Highlights include very striking photographs and excellent book design. I really like the informative plant directory with neat symbols showing level of shelter needed. All practical information is clearly presented.
QUIZ
Can you guess the most often used title for books in our library? Another title comes a very close second. (Clue – it’s not Spitze Stachelnbunte Blunten.)
Shirley Faull,
Librarian.
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