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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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Flora Mirabilis - A book review and giveaway



Update: The winner of the book is Rob (Our French Garden)! Thanks for entering and stay tuned for future contests.

Roughly translated, Flora Mirabilis means "a wonderful book of flowers" and National Geographic certainly doesn't disappoint with this beautifully designed and illustrated history of how plants have influenced our lives.

The publishers have collaborated with the Missouri Botanical Garden Library to reproduce over 200 rare botanical prints and woodcuts, beautifully illustrated on heavy gloss paper. The narrative recounts the trecherous adventures of early plant hunters who sought plants from far reaches across the globe to modern-day scientists who use plants for molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry. Sprinkled throughout the book are illustrated timelines and individual profiles of significant plants in botanical history like wheat, rice, olive, tulip, tobacco, coffee, tomato, rose, grape, cotton, apple, potato, orchids and more.

If you would like a chance to win this beautiful book, just leave a comment to this post. The deadline is 9pm CST, Sunday, December 6. One winner will be selected from all the entries received. If you do not have an account with Blogger, you will need to leave your e-mail address in the post.

Details - 256 pages, 9.8 x 7.9 x 1 inches, 2.3 lbs., retail price $35.00
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  1. Lisa at GreenbowDecember 1, 2009 at 1:52 PM

    The more I read about this book the more I want to read it. Please put me in for the drawing.

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  2. Chad WDecember 1, 2009 at 2:01 PM

    I grew up in a family greenhouse business. I would love to read about the history of some of the flowers and see the beautiful pictures. Thanks for the chance to win it.

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  3. free indeedDecember 1, 2009 at 2:31 PM

    I love flowers and have planted some that survive in this cold northern Maine climate. Things get a little on the wild side as I get lazy with the weeding, but people like to comment on what little I have. Would love to read up on interesting facts. I have a girlfriend that is into flowers even more than I am, knowing the latin names of many...she will be the recipient of my gifting this book to her after I read it :)

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  4. Nell JeanDecember 1, 2009 at 4:07 PM

    Plants have certainly shaped our everyday lives. We read history so we can see where we're going.

    Thank you for this generous in-time-for-Christmas offer.

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  5. YolanaDecember 1, 2009 at 4:27 PM

    Now that'd be a great stocking stuffing.

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  6. LesDecember 1, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    I would love to be able to peruse this book during miserable winter weather - put my name in the hat please.

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  7. UnknownDecember 1, 2009 at 4:46 PM

    If the cover is any indication, the contents must be exquisite!

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  8. Jennifer FrazierDecember 1, 2009 at 5:46 PM

    You sure know how to kick off the Christmas season! Count me in. It looks like a delicious book!

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  9. Dig, Grow, Compost, BlogDecember 1, 2009 at 6:42 PM

    Great idea! I love just looking at the cover!

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  10. Southern AspirationsDecember 1, 2009 at 7:01 PM

    oh this looks like a winner! Have you seen the website (I think it was the Missouri Botanical garden?) who has all the old books scanned and available for printing? There are some great botanical prints to be had!!

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  11. Southern AspirationsDecember 1, 2009 at 7:01 PM

    oh this looks like a winner! Have you seen the website (I think it was the Missouri Botanical garden?) who has all the old books scanned and available for printing? There are some great botanical prints to be had!!

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  12. sweetbayDecember 1, 2009 at 7:36 PM

    That looks like a beautiful book Phillip.

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  13. CynthiaDecember 1, 2009 at 11:11 PM

    What an utterly gorgeous book!I would love to win it.

    cheers

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  14. CynthiaDecember 1, 2009 at 11:12 PM

    yes please! I would love to be in the draw

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  15. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)December 2, 2009 at 12:39 AM

    Hi Phillip

    National Geographic books are always alright with me.

    Last time you ran a give away, the world and their dog left a comment. I remember it being in excess of 100 or so!

    Rob

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  16. C. C.December 2, 2009 at 7:09 AM

    Oooh, I'd love to be entered in the drawing -- thanks for doing this!

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  17. LiisaDecember 2, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    What a beautiful book to add to a rapidly growing collection. Though, this looks more like a coffee table book to me. Please add me to the drawing, I would really appreciate a chance to win!!

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  18. DDecember 2, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    Phillip, I just took a stroll through your fall garden... the colors are extraordinary, and I am extremely fond of your lawn-less garden. Yearz ago someone exclaimed after touring our gardens, "But you have no lawn".

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  19. joeyDecember 2, 2009 at 3:36 PM

    The book sounds wonderful, Phillip, and thank you ... the photos from National Geographic must be stunning ... the cover alone would be enough :)

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  20. GailDecember 2, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    I saw this book at a local bookstore and thought it lovely~You are sweet to gift a reader! gail

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  21. RandyDecember 3, 2009 at 5:57 AM

    me me me! Put me in for the drawing! LOL

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  22. Catherine@AGardenerinProgressDecember 3, 2009 at 2:38 PM

    I looked through this at the bookstore, it' beautiful. I'd love to be entered. I wonder if you'll get as many entries as you did for the hummingbird feeder? :) I ended up going and buying the same one and the hummingbirds have been visiting regularly.

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  23. Sheila H.December 3, 2009 at 8:19 PM

    I would love to add this book to my tiny library of garden books. I would love to learn more about the history of different plants.

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  24. Phillip OliverDecember 4, 2009 at 6:25 AM

    Just a reminder - if you don't have a blogger account, you will need to include your email address or a way for me to contact you.

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  25. CarolDecember 4, 2009 at 11:52 AM

    Rare botanical prints and woodcuts wins me over... Lovely giveaway. You can certainly add my name to the list of hopeful winners. Thanks Phillip! Carol

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  26. BenDecember 4, 2009 at 6:01 PM

    Sounds like a cool book. seeing as my library is rather small at the moment I figured cant win if you dont try :).

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  27. Blue IrisDecember 5, 2009 at 8:43 AM

    Greenhouse Management literally saved my son's high school career! Never fitting in high school, he began a two year GM program in 08 and is now finishing his 3rd semester at the top of his GM class! For the first time ever he is talking about post HS education — in ethnobotany. It is a very exciting time for us, his parents, that he has found something he loves at so young an age! This book would provide some history and samples of success in his area of interest.
    Happy Holidays to whomever is the winner!

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  28. ggjjohnDecember 5, 2009 at 7:19 PM

    Yes! Count me in, Phillip! What a Christmas-y thing to do! Love your blog and your garden!!

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  29. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)December 8, 2009 at 10:37 PM

    Hi Phillip

    Thanks very much for this, I so look forward to reading it!

    I've emailed you my address details.

    Cheers Phillip, thanks again

    Rob

    ReplyDelete

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