Book Review: Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening

A beautiful work of nonfiction, both in terms of images and concepts, Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening: A Gardener's Guide to Growing Flowers, from Today’s Favorites to Unusual Varieties, is a true pleasure to read. Author and "plantsman" Matt Mattus, who according to the book's backmatter is known for his blog (Growingwithplants.com) and whose work has been featured in respected magazines such as Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens, surely will excite and educate both novice and experienced gardeners who encounter his work. In fact, Mattus states in his introduction that "my greatest wish is that this book will inspire you to reach higher."

To that end, Mattus takes a seasonal approach to organizing the book’s content, covering some of the most-loved as well as some of the most-forgotten flowers for spring, summer, fall, and—believe it or not—winter. Starting with a short overview of a variety of plants for the season, the author then zeroes in on a few selections for a more in-depth examination. The inclusion of rare, unique, and long-abandoned varieties makes for a compelling read, and the photographs of striking blooms surely will lead most readers to notate the Latin names of many a plant for future purchase. After all, who can resist a teal-colored flower blooming in time for Christmas?

Moreover, it’s not every day that a skilled horticulturalist shares expert-level secrets for success when working with seeds, transplants, and forced bulbs. Such revealed tidbits give the book the air of a botanical diary, a treasure trove of juicy information that most people will never hear. For example, who knew that some black-eyed Susans are not true perennials, or that "pickling" paperwhites (adding a certain ratio of alcohol to the water) will lead to shorter stems?

Aside from the recommended growing practices, Mattus takes his work to the next level by including fascinating historical information about plants and their care. He also writes elegantly, employing clever analogies that add a renewed romantic vibe to the art of gardening.

Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening concludes with a list of resources for locating high-quality plant bulbs, seeds, and more. The list aligns with Mattus’s repeated point that while there is certainly value in the modern commercial process for breeding and selling plants, many rare and old-fashioned species require knowledgeable selection, handling, and timing in order to achieve the best performance at home. Therefore, some of the most unusual plants are necessarily available only through specialty growers or via reputable online sources.

Everyone who appreciates the beauty of flowers should take the time to read this text and swoon over the photographs. For that matter, this reviewer can honestly say that Mattus met his goal, and likely similar to many other readers, now yearns for an 19^th-century greenhouse to nurture her exotic horticultural finds. Much like the plants featured on its pages, this book is a colorful gem.