New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses: The Herb Society of America [Hardcover]

"... and what I have been preparing to say is, that in Wildness is the preservation of the World. Every tree sends its fibers forth in search of the Wild. The cities import it at any price. Men plow and sail for it. From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and barks which brace mankind. ..." -Henry David Thoreau, Walden or Life in the Woods, 1854.

This is the definitive guide to growing herbs from around the globe. It not only covers the history of herbs, it shows you the practical uses and gives a comprehensive A-Z list of herbs with their cultivation, propagation and harvesting information. This is a herb-lover's dream come true.

Not only does it feature the beneficial properties of herbs, but they give information on the properties of each herb and have included culinary, medical and commercial uses as a bonus. There are also special warning symbols to alert you to potentially toxic herbs.

Deni Bown is a gardener and botanist and as a child she was fascinated with her grandfather's garden and his ability to find and identify wildflowers. After a career in horticulture, she became a freelance botanical and horticultural writer and photographer. She bring a wealth of experience to this book and lectures and makes television and radio broadcasts about her work. She also loves trekking to remote parts of the world in search of unusual plants.

There is a widespread interest in herbs and the ways in which they have been used since ancient times. This comprehensive guide supports those interests and will be of interest to gardeners, herbalists and cooks. The Quick Identification Guide provides photographs, detailed botanical descriptions, growth habit, size and flowering period. Symbols show hardiness rating, what part of the plant is used and for what purpose.

The Contents Include

The World of Herbs
Herbs Through the Ages
Herbs in Myth and Legend
Herbs in Print
Herbs that Changed the World
What is an Herb?
Herbs in the Wild: North America, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, The Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, China and its Neighbors, Southeast Asia, Australasia.

Using Herbs for Culinary purposes
Medicinal Herbs
Cosmetic Herbs

Cultivating Herbs
Style and Site
Choosing and Planting Herbs
Herbs in Containers
Wildflower Gardening with Herbs
Growing under Cover
Routine Garden Care
Propagating Herbs
Vegetative Propagation
Harvesting Your Herbs
Preserving Herbs

Designing an Herb Garden

Formal Garden Designs
Informal Garden Designs
Herbs among the flowers
Herbs in Containers

A-Z of Herbs
How to use the Section
Glossary of Terms
Herb Gardens to Visit
Books for Further Reading
Quick Index of Common Names
Subject Index

One of the most comprehensive books on herbs ever! This will make you want
to start your own herb garden. Cardamine pratensis are delicate and pink and the leaves and flower buds can be added to salads. Nelumbo nucifera are also gorgeous Lotus flowers you can grow in large pots and would brighten up a patio.

When looking up Nelumbo (Lotus) you will see an explanation for this flower that is grown worldwide in tropical pools and the history is that it is revered in ancient Indian, Chinese, Tibetan and Egyptian cultures. In Buddhist mythology, Buddha was said to have first appeared floating on a lotus and that explains why he is traditionally depicted on a lotus throne.

You will then find cultivation, propagation and harvesting information. A picture of a few other varieties along with hardiness, parts used, properties and medicinal uses is also given. Who knew they could lower blood pressure, although just looking at the flowers does tend to fill you with a sense of peace and gives you an appreciation for beauty in nature.

You may also enjoy: Natural Health Magazine's Complete Guide to Safe Herbs

~The Rebecca Review

This book is a valuable reference with small and very readable sections on the history, garden design and general uses of herbs. BUT the value lies in the extensive catalogue. Over 150 pages of identifying photographs and that is before you get to near on 200 pages of the herbal dictionary. Well cross referenced, and full of relevent information on each herb. No fluff or filler words, this book is all excellent information. I would value this book as the most read herb book in my library. This review relates to the first edition.

You wouldn't. This book is by far the best herb reference book on the market today. Everything you want to know about growing and using herbs is in this book. Well worth the money spent. You'll use this book forever.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 11 reviews  4.9 out of 5 stars