Bulbs in Containers

by Rod Leeds
Timber Press, 2005
224 pages

If you are interested in rare varieties of bulbs, and are interested in adding something exotic to your garden, this book is for you. I have to admit that when I picked this book up, I was expecting more of a book about designing container gardens using bulbs. That is not at all what this book is. For the most part, the photos are of one variety of bulb in a clay pot. However, this book is a very thorough introduction to some of the bulbs that we may not be familiar with, and a treatise on caring for them. Leeds even includes information on propagating bulbs from seed and other methods. I am the first to admit that a bit of tis book was over my head and off my radar in terms of my actual gardening interests. However, I found it very interesting to see the wide range of bulbs out there that IÕve never even heard of before. Most of the varieties Leeds showcases are not cold hardy, and that is why they are grown in containers. The entire container can be stored in a cool dry place for the winter, and brought out again when the time is right.

The book is divided into three sections. Part One is titled "A Photographic Year in Containers" and showcases different varieties blooming at their given time of year. Part Two is "Bulb Genera Suitable for Containers" which is basically an encyclopedic rundown of different bulb varieties. The final part is titled "Practicalities" and covers bulb propagation (which, in looking it over, is much too involved for me. If you have a short attention span or a lack of patience, propagating bulbs may not be for you!) and cultivation.

I think that if someone were really into rare bulbs and propagating them, they would enjoy this book. I, however, found it much too specialized and involved for my taste. ITGO