Plant Exploration for Longwood Gardens

Description

Longwood Gardens of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, enjoys a long and distinguished tradition of plant exploration and introduction, dating back to the foundation of its arboretum in 1798. Since the 1950s, 50 such plant-hunting expeditions have taken place on six continents and in some 50 countries. These quests are the subject of "Plant Exploration for Longwood Gardens", which tells the stories of the people who participated in what were often arduous but always stimulating adventures and the plants they brought back. Illustrated with 500 photographs, this book provides a complete account of these journeys to the far corners of the world and is sure to be a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of plant exploration and introduction.

Tomasz AniA ko is curator of plants at the internationally renowned Longwood Gardens. A Polish native, he received his master's degree in horticulture from the August Cieszkowski Agricultural University in PoznaA , Poland, and then journeyed westward to the University of Georgia in Athens, where he earned his doctorate in horticulture. After a sabbatical at the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at Wisley and an internship at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, Tomasz dedicated his career to public horticulture. He now occupies himself with more than 11,000 different types of plants on over 1,000 acres at Longwood Gardens, and has collected plants on 17 expeditions across the world. Tomasz has published over 80 articles in English and Polish periodicals including Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Physiologia Plantarum, HortScience, The Green Scene, Erica Polonica (where he serves as associate editor), Kwiaty, and Ogrody. His scientific interests range from plant propagation to stress physiology.

This approach offers a fascinating comparison to how both plant hunting and botanical institutions have changed over time. ... We see here the beauty of the flowering plants of the world in all their diversity. -- Luurt Nieuwenhuis American Rhododendron Society Journal 20060201 This book is ... much wider in scope and more informative about exotic plants, their native habitats, and what it takes to bring them to appreciative gardens in this part of Pennsylvania. -- Jo-Anne Greene Lancaster (PA) Sunday News 20060212 Each collecting region is introduced by a chapter, starting with a handsome map and short description of climate and plant communities. The chapters are filled with superb photos, most of which were taken by the collectors. -- S. Hammer Choice 20060401 This is sure to be a captivating read for anyone interested in the history of plant exploration and introduction. Forbes.com 20060427 An entertaining and enjoyable read. ... That the book honors those that have gone before and those plant explorers of today makes it 'worthy.' HortMemo 20060430 A beautiful book with details about each exploration. ... It is full of beautiful colored images of the plants, along with photos of the explorers involved. ... This is a worthwhile book to understand how plant collectors come to find varieties of plants from other continents. -- Thomas Mickey Home and Garden 20060401 This extaordinary book is in celebration of the garden's centennial and provides stories of the people who participated in expeditions, bringing back plants, determining how to best propogate and introduce to the horticultural trade and home gardens. -- Florence Clowes Polish American Journal 20060601 Gives the reader an in-depth look at the ways arboretums, horticultural organizations, and botanical gardens have thrived and adjusted over the years. Biology Digest 20070401 Beautifully, masterfully done. You are never, never bored. Buy this book. Either for your coffee table, as it is large and beautiful, or for your reference shelves as it is detailed and precise, or for poring over with a pack of Post-Its to flag and try to find the pictured plants. -- Jim Dronenburg Washington Gardener 20080101