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 g=
ardening expert Misa Matsuyama serves as an illustrated field guide that co=
vers the characteristics and needs of a particular succulent family, then z=
ooms 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 succulen=
ts 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 exoti=
c with inspirational ideas for group plantings that are attractive to the e=
ye and congenial to the plants. Of special note is the inclusion of tips fr=
om 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 div=
erse 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 Succu=
lents: for Colors, Shapes and Characteristics for Over 200 Amazing Varietie=
s" is profusely illustration in full color throughout and is an exceptional=
ly well organized and presented instructional reference guide that is an es=
pecially and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, comm=
unity, and college/university library Gardening/Horticultural collections a=
nd supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "A Field =
Guide to Succulents" is also readily available in a digital book format (Ki=
ndle, $18.99) as well.

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

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Midwest Book Review