A complete, practical, and convenient guide to every detail of gardening...

{HISTORY}

Encyclopedias are always fun. They are not only helpful but interesting, too. Garden encyclopedias, specifically, contain a wealth of information that is handy for reference but also captivating to peruse at random to learn all sorts of fascinating horticultural fun facts.  

This one, The New Garden Encyclopedia was first published in 1936 and revised again in 1942. Compiled with the help and knowledge of over two dozen horticultural experts, this expansive book contains several thousand entries spread across more than 1300 pages and is relevant to American gardening across the entire United States.

No doubt a big book for a big subject, it was edited by Edward L. D. Seymour (1888-1956), the Horticultural Editor of American Home Country Life magazine from the 1930s-1950s. Edward, in addition to working at the magazine for 19 years, was an avid lecturer, writer, and member of several regional garden clubs and national horticultural associations. A leading expert in his field throughout the first half the 20th century, he also served on the National Advisory Garden Committee during WWII where he helped promote the importance of victory gardens.

To say that Edward's life revolved around flowers and plants was a bit of an understatement. A big book like The New Garden Encyclopedia is a reflection of his big passion for the industry. Flip to any page within this book and you'll be met with a wealth of info, illustrations, advice and wisdom. From specific plants and flowers to building a cold frame to arranging flowers to developing cropping systems, this book leaves no stone unturned when it comes to creating, designing, caring for, and enjoying a garden of any size.

An example of topics explored here includes Orchids in the Home, Principal Species of Lychnis, Edible Mushrooms, Pickerel-Weed, Propagating Frames, Spring Work in the Garden, Japanese Hydrangea Vines, Enemies of Ferns, Crown Rot, Raising Chrysanthemums, June Beetles, Aquatic Plants, Air Layering, Gamboge Trees, Kitchen Gardens, Garden Furniture, Sundials, Rock Gardens, Travelers Tree, Kudzu Vine and Garden Labels. 

Illustrations throughout consisting of drawings, black and white photographs and color plates highlight the text.   

Portrait of E.L.D. Seymour courtesy of The Star-Ledger, Newark, NJ April 30, 1950

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• 1942 Edition
• 1348 pages
  
• Decorated coverboards and endpapers 
• Illustrated throughout.

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this book contains a tight spine and all pages re intact. There is some edgewear on the front cover near the spine creases on both the front and back. There is light foxing on the first few pages, the rest of the book pages are bright and clean and securely attached to the binding. 

{SIZE}

This book measures 8.5" inches (length)  x 5.75" inches (width)  x 2.5" inches (depth)  and weighs 3.10 lbs