 The Savage GardenPeter D'Amato. The Savage Garden. Ten Speed Press. 1998. I am currently re-exploring growing carnivorous plants. After looking over several books on carnivorous plants, I have concluded that The Savage Garden is the best book for a newcomer. Peter D'Amato is the owner of California Carnivores which is the world's largest collection of carnivorous plants. The book was written based on his 30 years of experience in growing, propagating and selling these plants. It earned the American Horticulture Society's Book Award. The Savage Garden is divided into three parts. The first, deals with the basics of cultivation. It covers soil types, watering, use of natural versus artificial light, feeding and fertilizing the plants, pests and diseases, and dormancy requirements. The section on using water trays was particularly valuable for me. I never knew that these plants should be standing in water at all times and had made the common beginner's mistake of trying to grow them like any other houseplant--complete with wet and drying out cycles. D'Amato discusses where to grow carnivorous plants in Part II. Several growing locations are presented. Providing heating, shading, use of fans, and coolers in a greenhouse is briefly discussed. Different types of greenhouses are also described. He also talks about the importance of growing these plants close to the window if window sills are used. His discussion of using terrariums or fish tanks was comprehensive enough that this is the method I am currently adopting. D'Amato also discusses growing carnivorous plants outside by creating artificial bogs. Part III has chapters discussing the following genuses: Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), American Pitcher plants (Sarracenia), Cobra plant (Darlingtonia californica), Sun pitchers (Heliamphora), Sundews (Drosera), West Australian Pitcher plants (Cephalotus follicularis), Dewy Pines (Drosophyllum lusitanicum), Rainbow plants (Byblis), Butterworts (Pinguicula), and Tropical Pitcher plants (Nepenthes). The last chapter in this section discusses an odd assortment of carnivorous plant families only having one or two representatives. Detailed cultivation tips are provided for each genus and for each species within the genus. ConclusionI enjoyed reading this book because it is so clear and easy to understand. Here is just a sample of what you may expect: There are four things to consider if you wish to make your terrarium more attractive and easier to maintain. One is to attach your growlights to a timer, so they will go on and off without your having to be around. The second is to keep your tank ventilated. This means having an air gap of one to two inches along the top of the tank to allow good air circulation. ... A third important suggestion is to line the back and sides of the tank with a reflective material such as Mylar, white cardboard, or mirrors. This will greatly enhance the strength of light upon the plants and color them up beautifully. ...The remainder of the book is just as enjoyable to read. If you have been tempted by those carnivorous plants sold in tiny terrariums at various retail garden centers, I'd suggest buying The Savage Garden before investing any money. Doing so will enable you to choose your growing location and then select appropriate plants for that location. This will save you the frustration of watching them die and save you money in the long run. After reading it, I found Cook's Carnivorous Plants, on the internet, and ordered a varied selection of plants mentioned in this book. Once again, I will be growing these delightful plants, this time with knowledge of how to grow them properly by meeting their individual needs. |
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