Description:
Ferns are truly ancient plants, having existed on Earth for millions of years. With approximately 12,000 species of ferns, their array is staggering-- from the red and gold Cinnamon Fern to the shimmery Silver Tree Fern to the lushly green Oriental Chain Fern. Upon discovering the sheer number of fern species, a person interested in growing ferns might be just a bit overwhelmed. While many just pick up a fern at their local nursery, and hope their new household addition makes it through the night, others feel compelled to delve more deeply into the secret life of ferns. For the latter types, Fern Grower's Manual is a treasure trove. This hefty volume (over 600 pages!) offers an encyclopedic treatment of some 700 species of ferns. Each is described in concise and accessible language, including a physical description, detailed pen-and-ink illustration, care and environmental requirements, geographical information, information on related species, and more. Authors Barbara Joe Hoshizaki (president of the American Fern Society) and Robbin C. Moran (associate curator at the New York Botanical Garden) provide useful information on how and where different types of ferns thrive, explore potential problems, and offer guidance on cultivating ferns indoors and out. First published in 1975, this book is a testament to the enduring popularity of ferns in our culture. This revised edition is significantly expanded, including information on almost twice as many fern species as the first, as well as more extensive and detailed illustrations and a section of color photographs. While the book presents far more information than the average home gardener might ever want to know about ferns, the thoroughness of this substantial tome is unlikely to disappoint true pteridophiles (fern lovers). --Robin Donovan
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