Weeds in My Garden: Observations on Some Misunderstood Plants - Hardcover

Heiser, Charles B.

3.94

16 ratings by Goodreads

9780881925623: Weeds in My Garden: Observations on Some Misunderstood Plants

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0881925624 ISBN 13: 9780881925623

Publisher: Timber Press, 2003

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

American Edition.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

Professor Heisher has been the most significant popularizer of economic and applied botany for many years. His books. . . are all superb examples of accessible but authoritative writing on scientific topics. It is clear that [this book's] particular subject matter, the weeds in Heiser's research garden in Indiana, is a beloved one. Perfect for the philosophical plant-lover! "Weeds in My Garden" is a veritable natural history of weeds. A rogue's gallery of botanical survivors . . . informative and idiosyncratic. Heiser, a noted Indiana U. botanist who studied weeds for decades, makes a case for the virtues of these maligned plants. In a witty, conversational tone, [the author] challenges preconceptions of weeds as valueless plants, and explains their virtues. This is a book that will delight anyone in love with plants and growing things. -- Marianne Binetti "Seattle Post-Intelligencer" (05/29/2003) Not all plants were created equal. A new book by Charles B. Heiser of Indiana University . . . examines these uninvited invaders in a new, and positive light. The world of weeds is immense...Heiser taps into this world by studying them in his garden for decades and finding some virtues among these misunderstood plants. Bloomington botanist Charles Heiser is a champion of weeds . . . he brings a refreshing perspective to weeds, extolling their culinary, decorative and medicinal values. This is a worthwhile read and an interesting take on the horticultural world we love to live in. -- George Graine "Virginia Master Gardeners Association Report" (10/14/2004) Heiser's gentle touch creates a delightful perspective on those maligned plants we refer to as weeds. -- Carolyn Harstad "Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society News" (11/06/2003) His affection for self-sown flowers and trees stems from an early stint at UC Davis . . . he presents 140 weeds whose beauty and utility have yet to be fully recognized. -- Marge Howard-Jones "California Garden" (09/11/2003) For anyone interested in weeds as plants. Be ready for some fascinating weedy tales. . . . Witty. A trove of weedy lore. -- Rich Thomas "Woodland Garden" (07/29/2003) A good, fun read. -- Ellen Dashner "Audubon Naturalist News" (07/29/2003) A warm, delightful book. -- Patricia A. Taylor "Trenton Times" (06/20/2003) His witty comments on plants he finds endearing will keep you entertained as well as informed. Not your typical weed identification manual. -- Pauline Poparad "Chesterton Tribune" (05/29/2003) A rather wry appreciation of a rogue's gallery of plants that arrive uninvited and decide to stay. Written with wit as well as scientific authority. -- Rich Gotshall "Indianapolis Star" (05/18/2003) Gives entertaining, insightful information about each plant. -- Carrol Krause "Hoosier Times" (05/25/2003) Written in a nontechnical fashion for easy reading. -- Richard Poffenbaugh "Mansfield News Journal" (07/02/2004) A fun look at 140 weeds found in IU's Botany Experimental Field, including dandelions, pokeberry and wild carrot. I found Charles Heiser's book to be interesting, enlightening, and a pleasure to read. -- Nan Len "HortTechnology" (10/21/2004) Sheds new light and offers interesting stories about these much misunderstood plants. -- Jean Starr "Munster (IN) Times" (05/17/2003) Reading through Heiser's wonderful book on weeds brought back pleasant childhood memories. -- Barney Lipscomb "Sida, Contributions to Botany" (09/24/2003) A very good guide to the botanical ignored or disregarded, this book should be required reading for most gardeners. -- Barbara Mahany "Chicago Botanic Garden" (07/07/2004) Those who are interested in herbal medicine will have a field day with this book, and those who are interested in why certain weeds have their name will be enlightened. -- John E. Bryan "Gardening Newsletter" (06/27/2003) A splendid addition to the subject of weeds. . . . A fine choice to have beside your favorite chaiir for pick-up reading. Rely upon this author's words to help you understand the weeds you'll find this spring. -- A. Carman Clark "Camden Herald" (04/10/2003) An excellent addition to your garden shelf ... as well as fun to thumb through. -- Marilis Hornidge "Courier-Gazette" (04/27/2006)

About the Author:

Charles B. Heiser is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Botany at Indiana University, Bloomington. Since 1947 he has observed the weeds in "his garden," the Botany Experimental Field at the university, about which he feels rather possessive because he has grown plants there longer than anyone. His studies of sunflowers led to his interest in natural hybridization, domesticated plants, and weeds. He has served as president of the Botanical Society of America, Society for the Study of Evolution, Society for Economic Botany, and American Society of Plant Taxonomists, and he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences. He is also the author of Nightshades, The Sunflower, The Gourd Book, Of Plants and People, and Seed to Civilization.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.