Hardy Palms and Palm-like Plants - Tapa blanda

Today's fashion for exoticism in the garden shows no sign of waning and with global warming bringing higher temperatures throughout the year, the possibility of growing these exotic plants becomes a reality. With many plants hardier than at first imagined, the trend for supposedly less hardy plants is growing in response to the demand for something different, something imposing, something which will add instant structure to a garden. Top choice of these are the palms and palm-like plants such as cordylines, phormiums and agaves. Experienced grower Martyn Graham offers his selection of the best varieties to grow, giving sound advice on acquisition, cultivation requirements and hardiness ratings. He also offers planting ideas for tropical jungles, Mediterranean gardens or container arrangements. With palms and other spiky-leaved plants adding instant glamour to a garden, this book is a timely addition to the tropical gardening range of books. Clearly illustrated and well laid-out, it is an intelligent examination of a newly popular genus for ordinary gardens. - Lucy Watson

Palms provide a strong, natural focal points in a garden and, as hardy evergreens, add year-round interest and a touch of the exotic. This book explains how to make the most of the variations they offer in foliage colour, shape and texture and how to use this to create successful borders and garden designs. Covering mixed plantings, hard landscaping and the use of tubs, planters and other containers, it reveals how to display palms and palm-like plants to dramatic effect. - Hardy palms increasingly available around the world in a wide choice of varieties. - Over 100 of the most readily available species are listed in an extensive directory. - Hardiness ratings and individual growing requirements for each plant. - Full descriptions of flowers, fruits and leaves help you choose the plants. * Also includes essential advice on planting, maintenance and propagation. * Top author: Martyn Graham has spent his life in contract gardening and has been growing palms and other exotic plants for the last 10 years. His interest in palms has taken him around the world and seen his work published in various magazines, including the European Palm Journal.