Ted Jordan Meredith. Bamboo for Gardens. Timber Press in 2001.

Book Organization

This is a nicely organized book. The contents are divided into 9 chapters that present topics in a very logical manner. The topics are: Bamboo and the Grass Family, Structure and Function, Culture, Propagation, Landscaping and Maintenance, Bamboo Uses, Bamboo in America, Taxonomy, and Bamboo Genera, Species, and Cultivars. The book concludes with a listing of Bamboos for Special Situations, Botanical gardens featuring bamboos, and a glossary. The comprehensive bibliography provided will help those who want even more information about this plant family locate suitable resources with ease. Strengths of Book

Meredith describes himself as a "gatherer and assembler of information from those who are experts, or who have special knowledge or expertise in a given area" [page 13]. After reading through this book, I believe the author is a superb writer too - one who is able to take any topic from the very mundane to the very technical and state it in a way that makes it understandable to the general garden reader. This is a skill to be greatly admired.

The very first paragraph in Chapter 1 explains that bamboo is a grass. It gives the features that separate grasses from other plant families. Then, it shows the reader where Bamboo fits within the grass plant family. The chapter goes on to explain something about the distribution of bamboo throughout the world. Chapter 1 introduces special terms related to the structure of grass. These structures are explained in greater detail in Chapter 2, which is a very logical organization of information. This style continues up to the chapters dealing with taxonomy and descriptions of bamboo species.

Taxonomy is discussed in Chapter 8. Due to the technical aspects of this discussion, some may feel a bit overwhelmed. Fortunately, a clear understanding of taxonomy isn't necessary for the general gardener. It will be valuable for those who specialize in growing Bamboos as a horticulturist or nursery worker. The next chapter describes the bamboo genera and species. Each genera is given a brief introduction giving the characteristics and geographical distribution. This is followed by a description of the individual species. One feature I find extremely helpful is the minimum growing temperatures tolerated by each species.

The photographs scattered throughout the book are what you would expect of an experienced photographer. They illustrate both single species and landscape plantings of bamboos.

Weaknesses of Book

I find only two potential weaknesses. First, I would have loved to see all the bamboo species illustrated. Second, I was unable to learn if any bamboo species is suitable for growing as a houseplant. I even checked through his listing of bamboos for specific circumstances and was disappointed to see any information about which species might do well indoors was totally left out. If this book is updated, may I suggest the author add at least an appendix with this information?

Should You Buy This Book? This book is sure to expand your horizons as a gardener. If you live where bamboos are perennial grasses, you should have this book on your shelves. Bamboos can solve many problems for the gardener.