I'm a little neurotic when it comes to my plants. Okay, I'm extremely neurotic. Just ask my husband. So when we moved to a new apartment several weeks ago, one of my first concerns was my plants. Where would they go? That meant, in part, where would they look nice, but, more importantly, it meant where would they thrive? One book has the answers: "Potted Histories; How to Make House Plants Feel at Home". Based on the British television series by the same name, "Potted Histories" takes an alternative approach to the subject of indoor gardening. Now, having once tended to the rather extensive gardening section of a Barnes & Noble superstore for three years, I've seen many gardening books come and go. Books on indoor gardening tend to take one of two approaches. There are the books that concentrate on the basics -- watering, fertilizing, sunshine/shade, repotting, and propagating. Then there are the books which lean toward the creative aspects of indoor gardening -- plant groupings, innovative containers, terrariums, and the like. "Potted Histories" is neither. Rather, it is the most unique book on indoor gardening that I've had the pleasure to happen upon. "Potted Histories" delves not only into the general history of houseplants and indoor gardening, but also into the individual histories of many popular indoor plants. From their place in the wild, to their place in the history of gardening, and the myths surrounding them, Potted Histories is a treasure trove of information on houseplants of all kinds. I've often picked up a plant at my local garden center or supermarket, and oh-so-briefly wondered where it came from. No, not where that particular specimen came from, but where the plant originated. "Potted Histories" satisfied my curiosity. And though "Potted Histories" provides a great deal of interesting background and trivia for the indoor gardener, it is also a solid gardening book, providing practical information on the care of houseplants. From ideal locations and watering how-to's, to common pests and problems, "Potted Histories" is useful to both amateur and experienced indoor gardeners. Houseplants die. Anyone who's done even the minutest amount of indoor gardening knows this. Even those with the greenest of thumbs has lost a plant now and again. But what we often forget is that our $1.99 Wal-mart houseplants are alive. They are alive, and like all other living things, they have a history -- and a home. They have likes and dislikes, and reasons for each. In fact, "Potted Histories" picks up where many gardening books leave off -- at the "why?". Sure your umbrella plant likes lots of water. Even your chronic overwatering habits haven't done it irreparable damage -- but do you know why? Did you know that the umbrella plant has its own organic ventilation system and that it's native to African wetlands? "Potted Histories" is laid out for easy access to pertinent information. Plants are listed encyclopedically (A to Z), and cross-referenced between scientific and common names. There is a comprehensive index, and tables illustrating appropriate room placement for specimens based on light, temperature, and humidity. "Potted Histories" also includes a brief but essential glossary, and a list of plant specialists and societies in Britain. Covering everything from the most common plants to exotics such as the carnivorous sundew, "Potted Histories" is also brimming with full-color photographs which showcase plants both in the home and in the wild. If for nothing else than pure curiosity, it's interesting to see an African violet in its native landscape. What I liked best about "Potted Histories," however, is its respect for plants as living things and not solely as household objects or interior decorations. If you're looking for a straight forward book on indoor gardening that will tell you to put an African violet two feet from a north-facing window and water it with 1/2 cup of water every Tuesday and Friday, then "Potted Histories" is not for you. If, however, you're looking to better understand the needs of your plants, if you're looking to help them to thrive, then "Potted Histories" is just the book you're looking for. And won't your friends be stunned and amazed when you tell them that aphelandra squarrosa, commonly known as the Zebra Plant, is from southern Brazil? Happy gardening! |
About Us
