Introductory horticulture

Foremost in the text is an examination of fundamental horticulture principles, from careers in the field to the cultivation of specific crops. Special care has been taken to treat highly technical subjects, such as plant propagation and taxonomy, in a comprehensive yet understandable manner. A section on pesticides includes up-to-date information on the subject, with special emphasis on personal safety, the protection of humans and the environment, and the use of biological control of pests whenever possible. Certain topics, such as the creation of holiday arrangements, basic floral design, the construction of dish gardens and bonsai plantings, and the cultivation of houseplants, have been added especially for student appeal.--Preface.

Includes index.

Horticulture, an introduction: Exploring the horticulture field -- Plant taxonomy, how plants are named -- Plant science: Parts of the plant and their functions -- Environmental requirements for good plant growth -- Growth stimulants, retardants, and rooting hormones -- Plant propagation: Seeds -- Softwood and semihardwood cuttings and micropropagation -- Hardwood cuttings -- Separation and division -- Grafting -- Budding -- Layering -- Greenhouse management and crops: Poinsettias -- Chrysanthemums -- Easter lilies -- Integrated pest management: Integrated pest management and the biological control of pests and diseases -- The safe use of pesticides -- Insecticides -- Fungicides, rodenticides, molluscicides, and nematocides -- Herbicides -- Container-grown plants: Dish gardens -- The art of Bonsai -- The interior landscape, houseplants and plantscaping -- Shrubs and trees -- Using plants in the landscape: Annual bedding plants -- Perennials, ornamental grass, vines, bamboo, and prairie gardens -- Narrowleaf evergreens -- Broadleaf evergreens -- Deciduous trees -- Deciduous shrubs -- Ground covers -- Bulbs -- Techniques of pruning -- Principles of landscaping, maintenance, Xeriscap…