Jim Gardiner. A Gardener's Guide to Magnolias. Timber Press. 2000.

The Magnolia name comes from Pierre Magnol, a French physician and botanist. According to Chapter 1, this plant genus is one of 6 genera from the Magnoliaceae family. The familiar "tulip" tree is also in this family. Magnolias are found in the Eastern United States, throughout Mexico, Central America, the Northern portion of South America, and in Tropical Asia. Chapter one presents a complete description of a "magnolia" with a brief discussion of medical uses of the tree.

The next chapter explains how to successfully cultivate Magnolia trees. I was pleased that this book spent as much time talking about Magnolias in America as it did cultivating these trees in Europe. South Korea, China and New Zealand are also included in the discussion of where Magnolias are being cultivated today. A good explanation of the North American Cold Hardiness Zones (USDA) and the American Horticulture Society Plant Heat-Zone maps is presented. Gardeners will be more successful in selecting appropriate Magnolia species or cultivars if they study these charts first.

Magnolias in the Garden, Chapter 3, discusses all pertinent details to using Magnolias. The author discusses Magnolias as a lawn species, in containers, and mixed perennial/shrub borders. He discusses selecting the appropriate tree for your situation. Then, goes on to talk about soil, ph, planting, mulching, fertilizing and pruning Magnolia trees.

Are you one of those lucky gardeners who already have a Magnolia tree you love? If so, Chapter 4 will teach you everything needed to successfully propagate some new trees from the one you already have. Gardiner presents clear instructions on growing Magnolias from seed, cuttings, and various grafting methods. His illustrations let even an amateur gardener understand the written instructions.

I wish plant books could leave out the subject of Chapter 5 - Pests and Diseases. Unfortunately, there are few plants, shrubs or trees that truly lack insect pests or disease problems. Magnolias are no exception. Read this chapter to learn how to minimize these potential problems.

Each Magnolia species is discussed in detail in Chapter 6. Recognized cultivars of the species are listed too. Note; cultivars show some differences from the basic species but not enough to consider them a separate species. Chapter 7 discusses hybrids which are varieties created by cross-pollinating two different species. Reading through these two chapters make me wish I lived in a warmer climate so I could focus on growing acres of Magnolia trees. Fortunately, I don't have to leave my home to enjoy the delightful photographs illustrating the various species or hybrids.

Although this book might not be suitable for northern gardeners since our choices are so limited, it belongs on the bookshelf of every warm-climate gardener or landscape designer. This book will remind them to make use of these colorful trees in their landscapes.