Ian Cooke (2)

Following the introduction the first chapter looks at the History of Cannas, then Botany, Cultivation and Propagation. Then comes the main bulk of the book, the descriptions of first the Species and then An A-Z of Cannas. The reaming chapters consider Cannas in the Garden; Commercial Propagation of Cannas; Canna Hybridization; Cannas in the British Isles, Cannas in the USA; Cannas Worldwide. The book includes a number of appendices including a glossary, where to buy. Also included is a check list of cannas according to attributes such as colour of flower or foliage, or size of plant.

The descriptions of the individual plants are quite brief and occasionally include the personal comments of the author. There are over 80 colour photographs of the plants ranging in size from about a quarter of a page to full page, and about 10 of them double page spreads that show the individual flower or sometimes the foliage of a dozen or more plants each, so the total number of plants illustrated must be in the region of 150 or more.

The quality of the photographs is generally good. Of course it would be good to have all the plants illustrated, and with the pictures appearing alongside the descriptions. However this is a useful and accessible book written by an experienced canna grower and holder of the national collection of cannas.… (mehr)