Indoor Green (Collins Gardening)

by Joe Swift

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Indoor Green is one of a set of accessible gardening guides by Joe Swift covering a range of gardening topics. Due out 3rd March 2022 from Harper Collins on their Collins Reference imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in ebook format.

This is a well written and no-nonsense guide to houseplants; decorating with houseplants, culture, selection and propagation of same. The author presents the info with expertise - it's clear he knows what he's talking about, but does so without being preachy or pedantic. He's done a good job of choosing the plants which are as attractive as possible and most of which have not only aesthetic appeal but other uses. Most plants are referred to by both common and botanical (Latin) name for clarity and identification.

The book is full of full color photographs for inspiration and clarity. The introduction covers the basics: feeding, watering, selection, and other necessary criteria for plant success. They're simple and logically presented. As the author says "Most indoor plants really do want to grow, they just need a helping hand". The following chapters provide reference and info for most plant families including a surprisingly good overview (but not a complete course, obvs) over bonsai, citrus, and kokodama (plants growing in "moss balls"), and even *clutching pearls* faux botanicals (fakes).

One of the high points for me with this volume was the useful and specific extra information included on choosing containers for particular purposes, repotting (where, when, how), pest control, troubleshooting, and the small tutorials sprinkled throughout. Spelling and terminology are British English, but won't present any problems in context with readers from North America.

Four and a half stars. This would be a good choice for public and school libraries, gardening groups, community/allotment gardens, suburban gardeners, homeowners, etc.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.