Timber Press is proud to add John Mickel's classic Ferns for American Gardens to its catalog. Unusual in its specific focus on cold-hardy ferns, the volume is based on Mickel's personal experience as a scientist and curator of ferns at the New York Botanical Garden as well as his years as a home gardener. The bulk of the book is an encyclopedic treatment of more than 400 kinds of ferns with 360 color photos in addition to numerous black and white images. Useful appendices, including updated source lists, make it clear why the American Horticultural Society chose this book as one of its 75 Great American Garden Books.

About the Author

John T. Mickel grew up in Hudson, Ohio, earned his bachelor's degree at Oberlin College, and his master's and doctorate at the University of Michigan. He taught botany at Iowa State University at Ames for eight years before going to the New York Botanical Garden as curator of ferns in 1969. His scientific research concentrates on the ferns of Mexico, and his horticultural interests include the testing of hardy ferns from temperate parts around the world. He lives in New York City.

Reviews

A garden classic for ten years, selected by the American Horticultural Society as one of its 75 Great American Gardening Books. Westchester Journal News 20031211 If I want a lush, dark green fern, I look in Ferns for American Gardens, and perhaps I will chose the black lady fern, an easy grower. -- Donna Williamson HortResources Newsletter 20040121 Ferns for American Gardens by John T. Mickel, is both comprehensive and accessible. With detailed descriptions of more than 400 ferns and 350 photographs, this book offers enough to satisfy any fern collector, but there is plenty of practical advice for gardeners who just want to grow ferns. American Gardener 20040401 Need help selecting ferns and keeping them happy?...John T. Mickel describes 400 kinds of ferns and their needs. -- Jan Riggenbach Omaha World-Herald 20040527 A labor of love...highly recommended with reservations. -- Lynn C. Westney E-Streams 20040616 Provides an encyclopedic treatment of more than 400 kinds of ferns. CoastStyle 20040916 A welcome addition. -- Kerry D. Heafner Plant Science Bulletin 20041014 Another treasure from Timber Press. -- Ethel Fried Manchester (CT) Journal Inquirer 20040925 If there is a name of a fern on your plant list, odds are very good it will be described in this book. -- Richard Poffenbaugh Mansfield News Journal 20041210 [Mickel] introduces gardeners to a treasure trove of hardy ferns... Color photos illustrate fascinating differences in frond shapes and sizes, enticing adventurous gardeners to try new varieties. -- Marge Hols St. Paul Pioneer Press 20050514 He introduces gardeners to a treasure trove of hardy ferns, writing from experiences in his home garden and as curator of ferns at the New York Botanical Garden for 35 years. -- Marge Hols St. Paul Pioneer Press 20050516