The Little Bulbs: A Tale of Two Gardens

I love Lawrence’s work because she evokes the vanished era of plant trading/selling that used to be carried on amongst lovers of particular species. Such camaraderie can be found now in Societies of certain plants: The Rhododendron Society, The Dahlia Society, etc.; however, the freewheeling pre-covid days of strangers meeting at Wally's for a meat and three and an evening of chat—all for the love of dahlias—seem to be gone.

Just what I wanted.

Elizabeth Lawrence is such a joy to read. Don't let this one pass you by.

Don't be put off by the fact this book was written a few years ago, it's still quite newsworthy. I've been gardening for many years -- everything from a two-acre spread to a small urban garden but I never had to "think small" until I moved to the big city. This book has proved very helpful for resizing thoughts.In "The Little Bulbs," Miss Lawrence covers everything from miniature daffodils to sqill, from crocuses to irises. Did you know there were miniature irises? Most if not all of the bulbs she describes are still around, and many more varieties exist besides, but this book will get you started and keep you going awhile. I haven't found anything newer with better practical knowledge.Even if you own an estate, this book can help you. Miss Lawrence has a nice section on container planting which the British have done for years, and we are just beginning to do really well. Remember, bulbs exist for every climate. You can grow the tropical kind in-doors in colder areas (amaryllids), and grow those that require cold outside if you have freezing weather in winter. I like this book so much, I am ordered the hardcover to replace my old paperback which I'm giving to my daughter who is just beginning to garden.