The Fundamentals of Horticulture Theory and Practice

Essential reading for all studying horticulture and keen gardeners. This clear introduction to the principles underlying the practical applications of horticulture opens up the excitement of growing plants and garden development without readers wading through complex information. Written by a team of highly motivated and experienced horticultural tutors, the text supports the newly restructured RHS Level 2 qualifications with related Level 3 topics in boxes and signposting to Level 4 topics, together with other horticultural qualifications at these levels. Full colour images tied closely to the text and practical case study boxes inspire readers by making topics relevant to their own horticultural experiences. A comprehensive glossary helps build confidence in the use of classical horticulture language as well as new developing terms, and end-of-chapter questions encourage readers to apply what they have learnt. Extensive online supporting material includes mind maps showing the relationship of topics and aiding students in revision.

Preface; Acknowledgements; List of contributors; Part I. The Foundations: 1. Plant diversity Mike Thomas-Buffin and Tim Upson; 2. Plant structure Kelvin Mason; 3. Light Daphne Vince-Prue; 4. Water and its importance for plants Daphne Vince-Prue; 5. Climate, weather and seasonal effects Daphne Vince-Prue; 6. Soils and plant nutrients Chris Bird; 7. Flowers, fruits, and seeds Kelvin Mason; Part II. The Adjustments: 8. Propagating plants vegetatively Daphne Vince-Prue and Rosie Yeomans; 9. Gardening for science Aaron Mills; 10. Shaping plants Daphne Vince-Prue and Chris Bird; 11. Protected cultivation Chris Allen; Part III. The Applications: 12. Gardening for food Chris Bird; 13. Designing gardens and landscapes Jenny Shukman; 14. Using plants in the garden Jenny Shukman and Rosie Yeomans; 15. Gardening for science Aaron Mills; 16. Commercial horticulture Chris Allen; 17. Integrated pest management Neil Helyer; 18. Conservation and sustainability Jenny Shukman; Appendixes; Glossary; Figure credits; Index.

Chris Bird has over twenty-five years of horticultural teaching experience in guiding learners through the complete suite of Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) qualifications, together with other horticultural qualifications including the BTEC National Diploma and City and Guilds Subsidiary, Diploma and Extended Diploma. He has co-ordinated Sparsholt College's Chelsea Flower Show educational gardens for the past fourteen years, winning fourteen RHS show medals, including five at gold level, and has written articles for a number of gardening magazines.