BOOK REVIEWS

50 Favourite Plants

Edited by Rachel Scott
Consumer Books
$NZ24.95

DID you know that all parts of the daphne are poisonous and the sap can cause skin irritation? Or that daphne flowers always have four petals? These are just some of the dozens of quirky facts in this tidy new book from the Consumers' Institute, which profiles 50 favourite plants.

This practical and inspirational publication is designed for every gardener looking for those special plants that give a garden its character and appeal.

The book features flowers, shrubs and trees, plants for every season, natives and coastal plants, warm and cold climate species, plants for the courtyard and the cottage garden as well as the quarter acre classics.

What are the favourites? There are bamboos, broom, camellia, canna lily, the Chatham Island forget-me-not, clematis, dahlia, daphne, daylily, fig, hebe, hibiscus, hosta, iris, kaka beak and kowhai. There are plenty of classics too, including roses, rhododendrons and tulips.

The book lists each plant under its common name, together with its botanical name. Where a single species was selected, you'll find the botanical name of the species. Where a genus is chosen, you'll find the genus name instead.

50 Favourite Plants claims to have made its selection of plants based on those that make a special contribution to the quality of New Zealand gardens.

The publication is aided by the fine photographs of Geoff Bryant and Tim Abbott whose images greatly add to the beauty of the book and presentation of the chosen plants. A very practical format sure to be appreciated throughout the country.

50 Favourite Plants can be ordered directly from the Consumers' Institute by phoning 0800 Consumer.

Weekend Gardener, Issue 110, November 14-27, 2002, Page 29

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH