Growing Japanese maples well should be a simple task, given that they grow happily and abundantly over a wide geographical area in the wild. That it often isn't, and results may be disappointing, can be directly attributed to the contradictory information that surrounds this group of desirable plants. Die-back and burnt leaves in summer are not natural states; they don't need to occur in your garden either and are easily preventable.

'The Cultivation of Japanese Maples' by the late George Lamble cuts through the myths and misunderstandings and takes the gardener back to the basic principles of how Japanese maples grow. Once their simple, but crucial, needs are understood success comes naturally, irrespective of where and on what soil you grow them. Their requirements are constant and by following nature's tried, tested and proven results you are guaranteed healthier plants; if you already grow hardy plants you can grow Japanese maples.

68 pages of easy to follow advice, facts and techniques, including the following:

• Japanese maples in the wild: An overview of their distribution and habitat.
   
• Japanese maples in the garden: Translating their needs in the wild to garden cultivation. Why accepted practices can be damaging and at odds with their true requirements. Die-back and other symptoms of poor growth - causes and cures.
   
• Container cultivation: Potting mixes, feeding and watering regimes. Types of containers and how to mimic natural root growth.
   
• Open ground cultivation: Positioning, pre- and post-planting requirements, feeding and achieving correct moisture levels. Choosing the right plants for specific sites.
   
• Potting on, transplanting and pruning: The correct sequences as your Japanese maple gets larger, both in containers and in the ground. Pruning techniques for specific shapes and size control.
   
• Pests and diseases: Common ailments - their prevention and cure. Boosting the natural resistance of your plants.
   
• How to buy the perfect plant: What to look for and what to avoid.

In addition to all of the above, a number of growing aids and additives are described. There are now various, more economical and effective alternatives available which are fully described in a loose-leaf insert supplied with each book.

The Maple Society, in its review of this book, concluded that: "This neat, clearly produced and well written pocket-sized booklet is packed with advice and techniques".

The late Harry Olsen of Foliage Gardens, in a personal communication to the author, said of this book: "I found your booklet very interesting.....right on the money."

Originally published in 1997, the last remaining stock of this out of print book has been acquired and is being offered at a considerable saving of nearly 50% on the original price.

Japanese maples are premium plants and losing one because of misinformation can be expensive and frustrating. Your investment in 'The Cultivation of Japanese Maples' will be repaid several times over (and you’ll love the transformation you’ve made to it!) when you save just one plant. Apply your new-found knowledge to all future purchases and they will at last become permanent, value for money fixtures in your garden for many years to come.

Order now and start making a difference to the 'quality of life' of your Japanese maples.

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For UK orders: £6.35 plus £1.50 first class postage.

For USA and worldwide orders: $11.95 plus $4.95 airmail postage.

THE BODWEN NURSERY

Pothole St Austell Cornwall PL26 7DW

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