Succulents Simplified

July 1, 2013

Gardening photojournalist Baldwin (Designing with Succulents) presents her third book about growing succulents, indoors and out. In the first section she describes both the use of succulents in the ground as well as in a variety of containers. She includes information on design fundamentals and basic maintenance issues. Part two has step-by-step instructions for decorative craft projects. Part three is a summary of the author's picks for the top 100 easiest succulents to grow. Each of her selections is accompanied by a photo (the book is packed with stunning color pictures), a physical description, and basic growing requirements. Novice gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all types will find it to be a straightforward and useful reference guide to selecting, cultivating, and designing with succulents. Landscaping with these plants is often associated with warmer, arid climates, yet Baldwin covers specimens that can withstand colder climates (and describes how to protect them from harsher outdoor conditions) as well as indoor growing techniques--a perfect way to appeal to a geographically broad audience. VERDICT This fresh and entertaining volume certainly deserves a green thumbs up.--Deborah Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Dunwoody

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