From Publishers Weekly
A California transplant, Louisiana-born Reddell never lost his Southern gift of gab. It's on resplendent display here in this splendid collection of chatty essays culled from his biweekly gardening column in the San Francisco Chronicle. By turns wry, opinionated, occasionally curmudgeonly ("after two years, bushes that don't make the grade should be pruned with a shovel") and always informative, this eclectic assortment is a browser's delight. The selections are arranged by topic ("Gardening for Fragrance," "Dining on the Garden," etc.) and temptingly titled?who can resist the lure of "Roses from Hell" or "Gardenia?the Big Bertha of Fragrance"? A respected rosarian, Reddell (who penned The Rose Bible and grows roses commercially), refers often to his pet flower. But besides the substantial section devoted to "Her Majesty, the Rose," he covers a lot of other ground here too, offering up suggestions on everything from staggering plantings (through their season) to extending the vase life of flowers. This one's a must for every gardener's nightstand. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Reddell, San Francisco Chronicle columnist and author of The Rose Bible (1994), can be counted on for sage advice; and his collected newspaper columns will surely provoke the chuckles of any but the most dour gardener, since his words are as humorously offbeat as they are knowledgeable. Still, there is a great range of information to be gleaned amid the entertaining repartee. From the effects of color in the garden, to which type of roses will never grow in shade, it is sheer delight to dip in here and there to gather his words of wisdom. Even though most gardeners do not have the 8,000 rosebushes that Reddell grows, one can always relate to suggested ways of talking to one's plants to promote communication. Alice Joyce

From the Inside Flap
The author of The Rose Bible--one of America's foremost rose experts--gives advice on the most common gardening problems, questions, and quandries. Rich in sass and spine, colorful anecdotes, and invaluable gardening advice, this reference covers a "bio-diversity" of topics that all gardeners will find useful. Includes 25 drawings.

ANNOTATION

The author of The Rose Bible--one of America's foremost rose experts--gives advice on the most common gardening problems, questions, and quandries. Rich in sass and spine, colorful anecdotes, and invaluable gardening advice, this reference covers a "bio-diversity" of topics that all gardeners will find useful. Includes 25 drawings.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The author of The Rose Bible—one of America's foremost rose experts—gives advice on the most common gardening problems, questions, and quandries. Rich in sass and spine, colorful anecdotes, and invaluable gardening advice, this reference covers a "bio-diversity" of topics that all gardeners will find useful. Includes 25 drawings.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

A California transplant, Louisiana-born Reddell never lost his Southern gift of gab. It's on resplendent display here in this splendid collection of chatty essays culled from his biweekly gardening column in the San Francisco Chronicle. By turns wry, opinionated, occasionally curmudgeonly ("after two years, bushes that don't make the grade should be pruned with a shovel") and always informative, this eclectic assortment is a browser's delight. The selections are arranged by topic ("Gardening for Fragrance," "Dining on the Garden," etc.) and temptingly titled-who can resist the lure of "Roses from Hell" or "Gardenia-the Big Bertha of Fragrance"? A respected rosarian, Reddell (who penned The Rose Bible and grows roses commercially), refers often to his pet flower. But besides the substantial section devoted to "Her Majesty, the Rose," he covers a lot of other ground here too, offering up suggestions on everything from staggering plantings (through their season) to extending the vase life of flowers. This one's a must for every gardener's nightstand. (Mar.)

BookList - Alice Joyce