Vegetables, Herbs & Fruit: An Illustrated Encyclopedia

by Matthew Biggs, Jekka McVicar, & Bob Flowerdew
Firefly Books, 640 pp., $29.95

If you’re looking for a gift for a gardener who has it all, look no further. This book is amazing. Written by three British experts with credentials out the roof, this book is the most complete compendium of fruits, vegetables, and herbs I’ve ever had. Each entry includes common and botanical Latin names and an introduction discussing the plant’s origins and history. In-depth information follows on recommended varieties; cultivation; hardiness; propagation; growing guidelines; pruning and training; companion planting; container growing; ornamental and wildlife value; weed, pest, and disease control; harvesting and storing; and medicinal and culinary uses. Color photos aid identification, and witty, funny comments pepper the serious writing. Every page has a bit of new information, previously unknown facts, and interesting discoveries. Who knew that ajuga flowers had medicinal properties? What on earth are greengages? Why did it never occur to me that my feijoa hasn’t set fruit because it’s not self-pollinating?

The book finishes with sections on garden design, pollination, soil preparation, crop rotation, greenhouse growing, seed sources, and more. Though some of the seasonal maintenance guidelines may not be 100% accurate for us Texans with extreme gardening conditions, the information is nonetheless interesting and helpful. My only complaint may be that, due to its size, it’s not suitable for bedtime reading. However, it’s an excellent read on the kitchen table, sipping coffee on a weekend morning while looking out the window imagining the promises in the garden.

This article appears in December 4 • 2009.

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Mexico City native Claudia Alarcón has made Austin home since 1984. She worked her way through college in the local restaurant industry, graduating from the University of Texas in 1999. She has been a Chronicle contributor for 15 years and presents lectures and workshops on topics related to the foodways of Mexico, both locally and internationally.