This book includes 82 of the most ornamental herbs for the avid herb gardener. The author, Jo Ann Gardner, is an avid gardener and lover of flowers and herbs, and this is reflected very clearly in her writing of her experiences in her own gardening. The book is well designed and easy to read, packed with illustrations, photos, and packed with information geared toward starting a beautiful and functional herb garden.
Introductory chapters provide great information on how to grow, sow, propagate, and maintain seeds or seedlings. Another chapter on gardening ideas is included to help the reader design and lay out the herb garden before even getting started.
Each section includes a good overview and history of the plant, the plant family, and details needed for propagation, including: soil, sun, zones, size, and seasons. The included photographs and illustrations help not only to gain a visual insight into the eventual garden design, but are also helpful in identifying existing backyard herbs.
Although the herbs included are classified by Latin name, there is also an index on the back to help you cross over and identify the plants by their most common names. Another useful index provides a quick reference to all the herbs included in the seasons when they bloom best.
Herbs in Bloom (Timber Press, Inc. ISBN 0-88192-698-1) is an amazing find for the avid herbalist-gardener who wants not only to have their own fresh herb fountain, but also a beautiful herb garden to display for neighbors or secretly enjoy the quiet of the backyard.