HARDY GARDEN BULBS

The Wister name (page John Wister) is a cordon bleu in the garden world and now Mrs. John Wister comes along with an excellent overall introductory book on bulbs. She does not confine herself to true bulbs but extends her information to forms and tubers. She starts with matters of definition and construction, on how to buy, on dependable selection for a moderate investment in bulbs the first year, an advice on keeping records and using the values offered by societies. She then goes on to general culture (location, soil, organic matter, drainage, fertilizers, how to plant, handling of pests and diseases, care of foliage). Everything is vouched on- once over lightly -- but then this is patently for the beginner. The specific sections follow obvious divisions:-small early Spring bulbs, hyacinths, affodils, tulips, bulbs for late Spring and early Summer, lilies, late Summer and Autumn bulbs, and finally bulbs to bloom indoors. A glossary- and presumably an ndex- make this an excellent reference book. And the classified lists, with annotations, will give even the experienced gardener sound advice. Simply presented without ""talking down"".