Book Description
California boasts one of the richest assemblages of native plant species in the world, and among the state's most beautiful flowering plants are its monocotyledons--a large and varied group including lilies, irises, grasses, orchids, agaves, and even palms. Wild Lilies, Irises, and Grasses, created under the auspices of the California Native Plant Society, tells how to grow California monocots in the garden. Beautifully illustrated with color photographs and line drawings, the book contains valuable information on exactly which species are best adapted to garden conditions, how to grow them, and where to obtain them from nurseries and mail-order suppliers. Gardeners can be highly successful with many of California's most exquisite native monocots, and propagating these native plants helps ensure their long-term preservation.

Each chapter includes introductory information for gardeners and tips on garden cultivation and propagation, while individual plant descriptions provide greater detail on each species, including its distribution and habitat in the wild, cultural preferences and tolerances in the garden, and features that distinguish the plant from similar species. With its valuable combination of horticultural and botanical information, this book is the perfect introduction to California's monocots. It will inspire gardeners as well as landscape designers, city planners, and others to consider these lovely native species when designing, planting, and approving plans for landscapes in California.

From the Back Cover
"It would be hard to imagine a more knowledgeable group of writers, illustrators, and photographers than the dream team assembled to create this book. It is truly a celebration of the beauty of our native flora and encourages us to incorporate elements of it in our gardens to establish a firm sense of place. . . . I've waited twenty-five years for this book! It was worth the wait."--Richard G. Turner, Jr., editor, Pacific Horticulture

"With clarity and a deep knowing that could only come from firsthand experiences, the authors share their horticultural wisdom and obvious affection for California's garden-worthy monocots. From Agave to Zigadenus, over 250 species of native grasses, irises, geophytes, and their botanical brethren are described in this long-awaited, beautifully illustrated book."--Carol Bornstein, Director of Horticulture, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

About the Author
Nora Harlow was for the past ten years Supervisor of Water Conservation for the East Bay Municipal Utility District. She has been assistant editor of Pacific Horticulture magazine and is a practicing landscape architect. Kristin Jakob is an award-winning botanical illustrator whose drawings have been featured in books, journals, and exhibitions in the United States and abroad. She is also a nursery and garden consultant.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

California boasts one of the richest assemblages of native plant species in the world, and among the state's most beautiful flowering plants are its monocotyledons -- a large and varied group including lilies, irises, grasses, orchids, agaves, and even palms. Wild Lilies, Irises, and Grasses, created under the auspices of the California Native Plant Society, tells how to grow California monocots in the garden. Beautifully illustrated with color photographs and line drawings, the book contains valuable information on exactly which species are best adapted to garden conditions, how to grow them, and where to obtain them from nurseries and mail-order suppliers. Gardeners can be highly successful with many of California's most exquisite native monocots, and in addition to the enjoyment they bring, propagating these lovely native plants helps ensure their long-term preservation.

SYNOPSIS

A guide to growing native California monocots (lilies, iris, grasses, and succulents like agave and yucca).