January 2024 MBR The Gardening Shelf

The Gardening Shelf

A Field Guide to Succulents
Misa Matsuyama
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9780804855976, $19.99, HC, 112pp

https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Succulents-Characteristics-Varieties/dp/0804855978

Synopsis: Each individual chapter comprising "A Field Guide to Succulents: for Colors, Shapes and Characteristics for Over 200 Amazing Varieties" by gardening expert Misa Matsuyama serves as an illustrated field guide that covers the characteristics and needs of a particular succulent family, then zooms in to show you their attributes in detail and from angles that let you truly see what makes these varieties different from one another.

"A Field Guide to Succulents" covers all the basics on how to grow succulents and cacti successfully - tools, soils, watering, placement, propagating, pest and disease prevention, and how to see them through seasonal changes so that your plants will keep growing and thriving

It is also a stunning photo guide to over 200 plants both popular and exotic with inspirational ideas for group plantings that are attractive to the eye and congenial to the plants. Of special note is the inclusion of tips from experienced growers on ways to approach succulent gardening

The simple instructions are geared toward beginners; the interesting mix of plants shown and explained here will appeal to succulent collectors. Fans at every level will enjoy this up-close exploration into the infinitely diverse and surprising world of succulents.

Critique: This large format (7.75 x 0.75 x 10 inches, 1.5 pounds) hardcover edition from Tuttle Publishing of Misa Matsuyama's "A Field Guide to Succulents: for Colors, Shapes and Characteristics for Over 200 Amazing Varieties" is profusely illustration in full color throughout and is an exceptionally well organized and presented instructional reference guide that is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Gardening/Horticultural collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "A Field Guide to Succulents" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99) as well.

Editorial Note: Misa Matsuyama (www.solxsol.com) is a horticulturist specializing in succulents, as well as a teacher and author of books on raising and displaying them. She is the creative director of sol x sol, a Japanese company selling succulent plants, pots and tools and offering inspiration to home gardeners. She is the author of "The Gardener's Guide to Succulents and Succulents for Beginners" (Tuttle, 2020).

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