Judy Walker, New Orleans Times-Picayune 09/27/2002
A practical, thoughtful guide to all things magnolia.

Book Description
Magnolias hold a special space in the hearts of North American gardeners, particularly those in the South where spring is heralded by the arrival of the magnolia blooms. "The Queen of Flowers" is also the favorite of author Rosemary Barrett, whose garden features dozens of magnolia trees. She shares her expertise and passion for magnolias, offering readers practical and enthusiastic guidance on growing these extraordinary trees. Surprisingly, in contrast to their sophisticated beauty, magnolias are easy to grow. This guide for hands-on gardeners is full of useful advice and ideas, including: - the history of magnolias - cultivation and propagation - landscaping with magnolias in small and large gardens - Soulangeana hybrids - companion planting - the best whites, pinks, reds and purples, yellows and others - rare and special magnolias - magnolia relatives, michelias and liriodendrons - over 95 beautiful full color photographs Magnolias includes traditional species and newer varieties, magnolias that flower quickly and those that take some time to bloom, magnolias for any size garden, perfumed magnolias, and many related plants. Wonderful photographs, nursery sources, a bibliography, hardiness zones and a full index complete this inspiring guide to this most beautiful tree.

About the Author
Rosemary Barrett owns a nursery with her husband, where together they have developed an extensive collection of flowering deciduous trees, including many magnolias. Rosemary has collected each new variety as soon as it is released. She also writes on magnolias and other flowering trees and shrubs for numerous garden magazines and specialist periodicals. Derek Hughes specializes in garden and horticulture photography, which has appeared in many books and magazines. As well as presentations of his garden photographs, he is also an educator of designers, digital artists and photographers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Magnolias hold a special space in the hearts of North American gardeners, particularly those in the South where spring is heralded by the arrival of the magnolia blooms. "The Queen of Flowers" is also the favorite of author Rosemary Barrett, whose garden features dozens of magnolia trees. She shares her expertise and passion for magnolias, offering readers practical and enthusiastic guidance on growing these extraordinary trees.

Surprisingly, in contrast to their sophisticated beauty, magnolias are easy to grow. This guide for hands-on gardeners is full of useful advice and ideas, including:the history of magnoliascultivation and propagationlandscaping with magnolias in small and large gardensSoulangeana hybridscompanion plantingthe best whites, pinks, reds and purples, yellows and othersrare and special magnoliasmagnolia relatives, michelias and liriodendronsover 95 beautiful full color photographs

Magnolias includes traditional species and newer varieties, magnolias that flower quickly and those that take some time to bloom, magnolias for any size garden, perfumed magnolias, and many related plants. Wonderful photographs, nursery sources, a bibliography, hardiness zones and a full index complete this inspiring guide to this most beautiful tree.

FROM THE CRITICS

Judy Walker - New Orleans Times-Picayune