Looking after the cut flowers is a more universal element than the growing side of things, and in a book that will be sold all over the US, and in the UK, perhaps that's an element that should have received more coverage. She must have done trials on precisely the correct stage at which to cut different varieties and how the long different varieties last in water, with and without flower food. The problem of growing methods in different areas/countries is not confined to cut flower books. Publishers of many garden books like to make the most of spending money on setting up all the full colour pages by selling the book everywhere - but not publishing separate editions with different texts. It's a sad part of the current economics of book publishing.

The book discusses some interesting research on coatings for walls to prevent ivy clinging and on how ivy influences building temperatures plus other issues related to ivy on walls. And there's a huge, fifteen page, bibliography. However, it's only fair to say that half the book is taken up with the species and cultivar descriptions.

Thank you Jeremy... You've reminded me to go in and edit the Wikipedia entry. When I have a moment...

I know... The only way we can grow phlox in PA is behind a deer fence, although I know a couple of places it grows happily without a fence - both on roadsides where deer numbers are thinned by passing traffic...

It's a great song, isn't it. The fox, in calling for a pen to write his will as he faces the end, acquires a special dignity - in particular because he leaves his worldly goods to those hunting him.

Thanks, Jean, I always like to get hidden truths out there...

Good to know that seed from Baker Creek arrives in Ireland OK, so the UK should also be OK (for the time being, at least...)

Not sure which links you mean, seaninsussex. The listen links work fine.

You're right, Beth, annuals are often the most dependable as plants to grow in a wide variety of different climates (and continents). Summer is always summer. And hardy annuals, grown from seed, that thrive in Britain and in Iowa and in relatively cool parts of the US will grow well in many southern states when sown in fall to flower in spring.