Fundamentals of Horticulture

‘It is fantastic to have one ultimate reference text that students can refer to at all levels and that covers both the science behind growing plants and the application of science in plant management, propagation and production. This is an up-to-date look at developments in the horticultural industry and growing techniques in harmony with traditional approaches to horticultural techniques and practices. Extremely thorough but easy to read, superbly illustrated and the revision questions at the end of each chapter are invaluable for those students who want to check their own learning and go further with their studies. The case studies are extremely useful and relevant to modern teaching and learning methods. I will definitely be recommending this as the new bible for my students at all levels.’ Caroline Wright, Nottingham Trent University ‘An exceptionally useful informative and most importantly up-to-date text for students of horticulture at all levels. Well written with clear illustrations allowing clear understanding of topics. Formatted in the way a good text book should with clear structure and logical progression through subjects. A good range of case studies, revision questions and the glossaries allows for structured independent and student centred learning. The linkage to course syllabus allows both student and tutor alike to use this work as a key reference text for all learning from experiential through to revision.’ John Guy, Northumberland College ‘This book will no doubt be a great addition to horticultural teaching resources.’ The Horticulturist ‘… [this] book and its associated website can be recommended not only to horticulture students but also to a wider readership, since they provide a near-comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of their subject.’ John Edmondson, New Journal of Botany ‘… this is a useful and most welcome addition to a horticulturalist’s library.’ Leighton Dann, The Biologist ‘It is fantastic to have one ultimate reference text that students can refer to at all levels and that covers both the science behind growing plants and the application of science in plant management, propagation and production. This is an up-to-date look at developments in the horticultural industry and growing techniques in harmony with traditional approaches to horticultural techniques and practices. Extremely thorough but easy to read, superbly illustrated and the revision questions at the end of each chapter are invaluable for those students who want to check their own learning and go further with their studies. The case studies are extremely useful and relevant to modern teaching and learning methods. I will definitely be recommending this as the new bible for my students at all levels.’ Caroline Wright, Nottingham Trent University ‘An exceptionally useful informative and most importantly up-to-date text for students of horticulture at all levels. Well written with clear illustrations allowing clear understanding of topics. Formatted in the way a good text book should with clear structure and logical progression through subjects. A good range of case studies, revision questions and the glossaries allows for structured independent and student centred learning. The linkage to course syllabus allows both student and tutor alike to use this work as a key reference text for all learning from experiential through to revision.’ John Guy, Northumberland College ‘This book will no doubt be a great addition to horticultural teaching resources.’ The Horticulturist ‘… [this] book and its associated website can be recommended not only to horticulture students but also to a wider readership, since they provide a near-comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of their subject.’ John Edmondson, New Journal of Botany ‘… this is a useful and most welcome addition to a horticulturalist’s library.’ Leighton Dann, The Biologist

Chris Bird has over twenty-five years of horticultural teaching experience in guiding learners through the complete suite of Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) qualifications, together with other horticultural qualifications including the BTEC National Diploma and City and Guilds Subsidiary, Diploma and Extended Diploma. He has co-ordinated Sparsholt College’s Chelsea Flower Show educational gardens for the past fourteen years, winning fourteen RHS show medals, including five at gold level, and has written articles for a number of gardening magazines.