George Schenk

I read this book at the same time as Martin's "The Magical World of Moss Gardening". They are both remarkably similar, as if there were some requirement that moss books first spend a lot of pages talking about existing moss gardens and at some point discuss individual species or genera (Schenk discusses about 50 mosses & lichens, plus liverworts and club mosses while Martin highlights 25 with the liverworts, club mosses and other similar sized plants in an earlier chapter). Schenk is a show more cosmopolitan gardener, with work in Canada, Manilla, and Auckland, while Martin is well-grounded in North American gardening. I think a reader's final selection will depend on which style of writing you prefer. Schenk's writing is certainly creative, but sometimes his flights of fancy get to be a bit much for me. His chapter on actual gardening is more of a narrative style while Martin is more organized and prescriptive. Schenk has chapters on bonsai, other container moss gardens, and suggestions for developing a business as a moss nursery. He ends with an annotated list of books for further reading, but neglects Glimme and Kimmerer (neither one gardeners, but neither are most of his list). The book is well indexed. show less

This focus on "shade" is cautionary and the planting/gardening considerations are presented without undue optimism. For example, in the chapter on "edibles", the shade gardener is remembered "sorting through the seed rack in the garden store, hoping for an encouraging word about culture in the shade. Nope." Full sun is the canonical advice. [256] Still, he lists many vegetables that will produce in partial shade, and techniques for helping them tolerate shade without undue impairment, even show more for tomatoes! Mural planting facing a reflective wall.

Great design concepts. Schenk knows how to use gardens, not just plant them. His practice is based in Seattle and New Zealand. show less

Surprisingly lyrical writing. This was enjoyable. The Portraits chapter covers species, with a color photo each. I wish there was more anatomy and close-up. Ties in to bonsai arts.

Great shade gardeing reference. My copy is battered and highlighted from years of use. Also it's not too often that you find humor in gardening books, but in this one you do.