PROPAGATION

A comprehensive book on propagation, describing for amateurs standard propagation methods and lesser-known nursery techniques. Toogood, who trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, discusses the various steps for propagating hardy and tender plants from seeds on through cuttings, layerings, graftings, etc., using precise line drawings to illustrate key instructions. Nearly half the book consists of tables for plants, indicating recommended methods, times of the year, and locations (greenhouse, frame, low polythene tunnel). Toogood hasn't the genial style or bright enthusiasms of Katharine White's catalogue writers but he is knowledgeable and thorough, and this offers so much more on the subject than general books on gardening that it should not go unnoticed.