The encyclopedia of cut flowers What flowers to buy, when to buy them, and how to keep them alive longer

Crary is the executive director of FlowerSchool New York, and while some of his content is intended for aspiring professional florists, blossom enthusiasts of all stripes will find helpful advice and practical wisdom on almost every page. Introductory material covers care basics, from stripping extra foliage to angle cutting stems to desirable water temperatures (cold for tulips, hot for roses) to tips on pairing and designing arrangements. Next come 146 two-page, facing spreads on individual, popular florist flowers. Each spread includes a vivid, full-color photo along with standardized information: scientific name, popular names, physical description, conditioning tips (cut daffodils ooze a sap that is poisonous to other flowers; keep snapdragons away from ripe fruit and vegetables), and fascinating facts (baby's breath includes a chemical that can break down some cancers; sweet peas keep flies at bay). An index helps readers track down flowers with multiple names and includes helpful categories such as seasonal availability, poisonous blooms, and roses named after celebrities. Authoritative, accessible, and visually enticing, this is a worthy offering from an expert who wants to let every blossom live out its "life cycle with dignity." Expect lots of interest.

Crary's (exec. director, FlowerSchool New York and FlowerSchool Los Angeles) and coauthor Bruce Littlefield's (Moving In) love and knowledge of flowers jumps off every page of this well-done work. They identify, describe, and share tidbits on approximately 140 readily available cut flowers and selected popular flowering branches. Their aim is to inform readers about the best ways of preserving and enjoying cut flowers by applying equal parts technique, meditation, and craft. The book begins smartly with florists' tricks, a supplies list, and design tips. It convincingly explains why the appropriate stripping, watering, cutting, spraying, coning, and storing practices are essential. The importance of temperature and proper cutting and clipping tools are emphasized often. Each entry contains the flower's formal name, description, availability, conditioning tips, fascinating facts, and a color photograph, which show beautiful displays of flowers in full bloom and vibrant color. The book cautions that one size does not fit all when it comes to cut flowers, even those of the same species. Its tried-and-true tips are timeless, with results guaranteed to bring long-term satisfaction. VERDICT A distinctive ready reference that will provide an abundance of positive takeaways and tips for both novices and the most seasoned florists.--Rob Tench