Robert Nold. Columbines: Aquilegia, Paraquilegia and Semiaquilegia. Timber Press. 2003.

Robert Nold's book on Columbines is the first produced since early last century. This book focuses on plants that are worthy of more attention in our gardens. These three closely related genera provide gardeners with everything from tiny plants suitable for trough gardens to those suitable for the wild sections of our gardens.

I found the author's arrangement of chapter topics rather interesting. Unlike most plant books, Robert Nold chose to begin with three chapters covering the cultivation, pests and diseases and propagation of Columbines and their relatives. Then he presents detailed information on their morphology and distribution. A chapter entitled "Doves and eagles" attempts to explain how this group of plants received their scientific names.

Nold spends a few pages discussing the taxonomy difficulties of classifying plants in this group. Then he briefly discusses their close cousins. This information will most likely be ignored by typical home gardeners but is much appreciated by those in the botany or horticultural fields.

The real meat of this book is the descriptions of all known species. He presents information on where the plant originated and suggests uses for it in the garden today. I only wish colored photographs had been provided for all the species mentioned. Those that are illustrated shows the wonderful variety in flower color and shape available within the Columbine genus of plants. The final chapter mentions some of the hybrids and other curiosities that are available today.

Recommendation

I'll be totally honest here; I am partial to Robert Nold's style of writing. He manages to produce a book suitable for everyone from the professional horticulturist or botanist to those of us with home gardens. Reading this book will cause you to begin seeking more of these delightful plants for your trough gardens, perennial borders, or even your local field! You may purchase this book at amazon.com.