The Himalayan Garden: Growing Plants from the Roof of the World

by Jim Jermyn

Overview

In this unique resource, Jim Jermyn offers not the usual botanical travelogue but instead a horticultural handbook that allows gardeners at far-lower-than-Himalayan elevations to successfully grow those plants that are native to the high Himalaya mountains. The highlights include species of Euphorbia, Gentiana, Meconopsis, Primula, Rhododendron, and more.

Interest in the plants of this region is at a peak. These plants are guaranteed to add an exotic touch to any garden in which they are successfully grown, and with Jermyn's expert instructions and tips, they can be easily maintained. Whether documenting a well-known garden plant or an uncommon species, Jermyn supplies tried-and-true instructions on garden site preferences and care based on his own extensive experience. Excellent photographs round out an introduction to the plants, and the book includes a comprehensive list of recommended sources from which to purchase specimens both in Europe and the United States.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780881925005
Publisher:	Timber Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	05/26/2001
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.28(h) x 0.91(d)

About the Author

After obtaining his horticultural qualifications in 1973, Jim Jermyn held a variety of posts in Germany, Italy and the U.K. and was for twenty years the proprietor of Scotland's distinguished Edrom Nurseries, which was established in 1930. He has led many botanical tours to the Dolomites and is now a horticultural consultant and show manager for Gardening Scotland, a large national show held annually in Edinburgh. He is a frequent lecturer on gardening topics in the U.K., Europe, U.S.A. and Canada.

Read an Excerpt

To reach any conclusion in a written work suggests approaching a climax or crescendo, a moment of extreme excitement. This chapter is no exception, for we have reached the alpine zone, the height at which the adrenaline levels are surely at their peak. For me, and for many, having concentrated on the cultivation of these extraordinary plants without having first-hand knowledge of their location in nature, the excitement and challenges presented by the different zones might seem to be represented fairly equally at any altitude, but still something is special about this true alpine zone. Perhaps it is the knowledge that few have scaled these heights, some 12,000 — 16,400 ft. (3660 — 5000 m), and seen these specialised plants. Whatever the draw, so many of us crave the opportunity to try and grow them, whether the natural conditions available are conducive to their cultivation or not.

Few plant explorers would disagree with the observation that the richest diversity of choice alpines is to be found in a broad band along the upper edge of the alpine meadows and the base of the extensive screes at varying altitudes depending on the Himalayan region. Well-known plant hunter Ron McBeath noted, "It is impossible to describe the excitement felt when you are labouring your way steadily upwards and come across first one Primula wigramiana in perfect flower, then a few, followed by a hillside dominated by this beautiful species" (1985). In this band or zone, so affected by the monsoon, frequent springs are fed by the melting snows which irrigate the upper meadows and screes, providing conditions that are practically impossible for mortal gardeners to simulate at low altitude. With this sobering fact in mind I embark on this exciting chapter.

I have been privileged to know individuals who have shown such generosity in their willingness to impart time and knowledge, often in the form of private slide shows, to the point where I have felt almost sure that part of me was there in the Himalaya with them. The late George Smith was one such friend who often invited me to stay overnight after lecturing nearby or when passing through the area. Always, out came the projector and then hours of sensational slides from a region of Nepal, a country with which he was so familiar. I most profoundly remember slides of an extraordinary gentian. First we saw views of the snow-capped Himalayan peak of Makalu, breathtaking indeed; then the perspective zoomed in to the glacial screes but showed no plant life; then closer still, the slides just barely showed some marks of vegetation between the boulders. Finally came the most perfect clumps of gentian, the likes of which I had never seen before. I asked what they were, and Smith roared with laughter, almost falling backwards off the chair. That I had no idea of the answer to my question appealed to him so greatly — I was simply speechless. The best was yet to come, for the final slide was a

Editorial Reviews

"[A] mouth-watering book ... Jermyn's thorough knowledge of the range of natural habitats is impressive and allows him to give a full review of the cultivation of each species discussed ... An engaging read."

—Pacific Horticulture, Spring 2002

Pacific Horticulture

"Lots of full-color photo illustrations of these alpines and perennials growing in their native habitat as well as in private gardens."

—Lori D. Kranz, Bloomsbury Review, May 2002

Bloomsbury Review

"The photographs are stunning."

—R. P. Poincelot, Choice, November 2001

Choice

Jermyn’s combined expertise and fascination with the subject of cultivating species indigenous to the Himalayas result in a manual filled with highly specific advice and instructive growing tips. . . . Replete with color photographs, this effective resource may intensify the trend toward growing newly introduced and more familiar Himalayan plants.” —Booklist
 
“Mouth-watering book. . . . Jermyn’s thorough knowledge of the range of natural habitats is impressive and allows him to give a full review of the cultivation of each species discussed. . . . An engaging read.” —Pacific Horticulture

“Interspersed with nuggets of personal experience on growing the plants at home. . . . Superb photographs that will appeal to the adventurous traveler, the woodland gardener and anyone who enjoys the romance of seeing plants in the wild.” —Gardens Illustrated

“The photographs are stunning.” —Choice
 
“If you are among those whose pulse-rate has been kick-started by the ‘Subalpine Zone’ chapter, then take care as you proceed to the one on the alpine zone: you may need oxygen to take in the contents of this high altitude chapter. . . . Packed with useful and practical advice on how to establish and maintain these plants. . . . A most useful reference, it will certainly earn its space on many a keen grower’s shelves.” —Hortus

“Lots of full-color photo illustrations of these alpines and perennials growing in their native habitat as well as in private gardens.” —Bloomsbury Review

“My pick of the year’s gardening books.” —Financial Times

“Do I recommend this book? Eagerly! I don’t know how any gardener, whether they are generalists or have a specific interest like rock gardening, could resist this book. It will delight you during a rainy evening or while sitting in front of a fire this winter.” —Suite101.com

“Jermyn’s book is a cross between a warm-hearted, friendly travelogue, a horticulture identification reference, and a gardening guide organized according to zone.” —American Herb Association Quarterly Newsletter
 
“The book reads like an intriguing catalog of beautiful plants, enticing you to cultivate them in your own garden. . . . The book’s superior aspect was the amazing glossy, color photographs located on almost every other page throughout the book. Seeing these beautiful plants, I felt inspired to take on even the most challenging species.” —Plant Science Bulletin
 
“The comprehensive number of other genera and cultivation techniques make this book as fascinating as the plants.” —Pappus

“Simply stated, this is a great book in the classic style. Written by a person who not only loves plants, but knows how to grow them and write about them in the most delightful way. . . . A feast for the eye as well as the mind.” —Gardening Newsletter

From the Publisher

The Himalayas attract adventurous plant hunters as well as mountaineers. The former owner of a Scottish nursery long supplying Himalayan plants advises gardeners on growing and propagating such plants as blue poppies, primulas, and dwarf rhododendrons in diverse garden habitats; describes plants from several ecological zones; and addresses conservation issues. Includes stunning color photos (some of the original sites), US and UK sources of plants/newly introduced seed, and a glossary. Jermyn manages the annual "Gardening Scotland" show in Edinburgh. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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