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READING FOR A SUMMER DAY

A number of splendid garden books have piled up since we last had a chance to talk about our body of growing information. Several titles have arrived from HP Books (all are available for the list price plus $1.00 for shipping and handling from HP Books, Dept. TMEN, P.O. Box 5367, Tucson, Arizona 85703). The one I found most immediately useful is the superb Pruning by Dr. Robert Stebbins and Michael MacCaskey. Loaded with color photographs and crammed with line drawings, this informative volume covers ornamental and fruit trees along with shrubs and roses. In clear, non technical language the authors tell you how (and why) to prune for beauty, fullness, and proper growth. They also treat remedial pruning as well as I've ever seen it done. The price is $7.95. Other recent HP titles, all profusely illustrated and meeting the high standards of the series, include Bulbs ($7.95) . . . Spas & Hot Tubs ($7.95) . . . Hedges, Screens and Espaliers ($9.95) . . . Fences, Gates and Walls ($9.95) . . . and Patios & Decks ($9.95). There wasn't one I didn't like.

If you missed the delightful (and very useful) series of gardening annuals published by Yankee magazine over the last few years, you've got a second chance. A selection of the best material from that series has now been brought together under the title The Gardener's Adviser ($8.95 at most bookstores). It's a thoroughly enjoyable collection. Two other tomes at the top of my list come from Garden Way. The first is Dick Raymond's gorgeous Joy of Garden ing ($14.95), which matches the high quality of Raymond's previous works and is a companion to that master gardener's television series. The second work is Roses Love Garlic ($6.95), Louise Riotte's sequel to her well-known Carrots Love Tomatoes ($6.95). The work is laid out di ctionary-style and has some unique features, including a chapter titled

"Night Bloomers for Daytime Workers" (welcome to those who usually get to see their gardens only on weekends!). All three volumes are available from Mother's Bookshelf's (105 Stoney Mountain Road, Hendersonville, North Carolina 28791) for their list prices plus $1.25 shipping and handling for one or two books ($2.00 for three or more).

Finally, it's a pleasure to report that The Avant Gardener, that essential horticultural newsletter, has published a special supplement on integrated pest management. The eight-page report is available for $1.50 postpaid from The Avant Gardener, Dept . TMEN, P.O. Box 489, New York, New York 10028. They'll include a free sample copy of the regular newsletter with each order.

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