BOOK REVIEWS

Clematis
inspiration, selection and practical guidance

Charles Chesshire
Published by Quadrille
Distributed by Southern Publishers Group
$NZ59.95
Reviewed by Mike Gowing

THERE are a couple of reminders that this Royal Horticultural Society-endorsed book is primarily for British consumption. One is the backing for what, in this country, is a rampant weed, old man's beard (C. vitalba). The second is the note that "gardeners who fall in love with the evergreen New Zealand species . may have to be content to keep them in a cold greenhouse" and that "they look good in pots indoors".

Other than that, this book is a clematis-lover's bible, fulfilling the cover claim that it's a source of inspiration, selection and practical guidance.

There are four main sections: The Clematis Story, tracing the history of the species; Clematis in the Garden; showing the plant's versatility; Choosing Clematis, illustrating a host of different varieties; Good Practice, planting, pruning, training and propagation.

With 200 photographs, this is a specialist publication that will enjoy wider appeal.

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