Plantenboeken

The tear-off gardening calendar 2008

Romke Van de Kaa and Paul Geerts have been putting the tear-off gardening calendar together for 10 years, so this is a jubilee year! And year in and year out they count on enthusiastic reactions from the press and the readers. Make sure to get one quickly because this calendar is always rapidly sold out. 

Also this year Van de Kaa and Geerts again guarantee surprising garden designs and of course they do leave out the fixed features: information about temperature, precipitation, and the positions of the sun and moon. Every day of the year again becomes an interesting, cheerful but still informative gardening day. 

Order your own copy right away.

Romke Van de Kaa & Paul Geerts
Publisher: Contact
Price: 12.50 euros

Christmas emotions

The three florists of Life3 (Per Benjamin, Tomas De Bruyne and Max van de Sluis) are again bundling their strengths together and surprise the floral world with a new title: Christmas emotions. 

All three of them love the Christmas period enormously. The preparation, the fantastic smells of traditional meals mixed with the smell of typical Christmas flowers, the sounds of Christmas songs in the background, ... these all contribute to the typical atmosphere. In this book Per, Max and Tomas demonstrate their traditional Christmas floristics, but they also go a step further. They use traditional flowers and materials, but in other colours, daring compositions or unexpected combinations. Extensive reports over six extraordinary Christmas parties, each with its own atmosphere and emotional splendour, only serve to give a glimpse of the endless possibilities. Christmas floristics as you have never seen before!

Order your own copy right away.

Per Benjamin, Max van de Sluis & Tomas De Bruyne
Publisher: STICHTING KUNSTBOEK
Price: 59.90 euros

Willy Vandersteen, a life in Kalmthout

A beautiful New Year's present as well is the book by Willy Vandersteeen, the well-known comic strip artist and spiritual father of Bob and Bobette, and who lives and works in Kalmthout. In the hands of Jan Francken, who lives in Kalmthout, it has become a beautiful book with many photos and unpublished drawings. Even though this book is not about gardening or plants as you are accustomed to from us, it is a bit of Kalmthout that we ourselves feel a bond with. Also the facade of the Vangeertenhof decorates the cover of this special book. 

Order your own copy right away.

• Jan Francken 
• Price: 42.95 euros   

Geert Pattyn, master florist

Geert Pattyn, one of the most prominent floral designers in Belgium, has a very natural and personal style. Previously he bundled together top floral creations in the bestsellers Florale kunst binnenshuis and Twinkling Christmas. In his brand new monograph we discover this appealing florist in his own natural surroundings. Home and garden are his source of inspiration, but also directly form the canvas for all creations and decorations. As always: surprising, startling, enchanting and of the highest quality, just like the photography by Bart Van Leuven. Images to take your breath away. 

Order your own copy right away.

Geert Pattyn
Publisher: STICHTING KUNSTBOEK
Price: 59.90 euros

Floral basic techniques

Anyone who wants to explore the world of the art of flower arrangement cannot do without the basics. Also for those who want to experiment the basics are very important. This handy book deals with the principal basic techniques that every florist must master. All the techniques are demonstrated and explained with step-by-step instructions by master florist and experienced teacher Gudrun Cottenier. 

Four or five beautifully photographed arrangements each show what the possible variations on a theme can be for each technique. An essential handbook for everyone who wants to be a florist as a hobby!  

Order your own copy right away.

Gudrun Cottenier & Nico Bostoen
Publisher: STICHTING KUNSTBOEK
Price: 29.90 euros

Flowers in love 2

After her education in painting, ceramics and sculpture Moniek Vanden Berghe has concentrated on floral art. And with success! Her style is contemporary-modern. One of her specialities is bridal arrangements. She has an eye for detail and designs bridal bouquets, floral bags, corsages, hair slides and tiaras, all with imposing precision. But she also decorates the bridal table, the cars, the church and the bridesmaids in an elegant and harmonious manner. 

This book will provide florists with 'bridal ideas', but will also be a source of inspiration for people who are soon to get married and want to have a party with lots of flowers.. 

An excellent follow-up to her first best seller about the theme of love and marriage!

Order your own copy right away.

Moniek Vanden Berghe
Publisher: STICHTING KUNSTBOEK
Price: 29.90 euros

Het verborgen leven van bomen

This book by Colin Tudge - original title ‘Secret Life of Trees’ which came out in 2006 - has now been translated. The book reveals how trees live, grow and propagate themselves. But also how they communicate with each other, collaborate or put up a struggle. The book tells of where they come from and how they know when the sun goes down. In addition, the book describes how people make use of trees and how important trees are for our survival. The book is not only informative but also full of amazing stories and surprising details that make it even more catching. Tudge knows how to get across his fascination with trees with enthusiasm. 

Order your own copy right away.

Colin Tudge
Publisher: Spectrum
Price: 24.95 euros 

Unusual gardens

In this book, author Jo Pauwels presents twelve rurally situated private gardens that can be characterised as "unusual" for various reasons. In the first place these gardens are unusual because of the optimal way in which they are integrated into the surroundings by the landscape architect: in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape and the architecture of the house. The maturity of these gardens is also unusual. Often this is the consequence of the rich history of the site and the centuries old trees, and sometimes this maturity is also achieved by planting and incorporating fully grown trees and plants into a younger garden. Finally, all these gardens are especially so special because of the passion and loving conservation by the owners: without their devotion these designs would remain soulless. 

Order your own copy right away.

Jo Pauwels
Publisher: Terra / Lannoo
€79.50

1001 Gardens you have to see before you die

This book collects the world's best gardens. Just like the title implies: all the gardens you have to see in your life. We are very proud to see the Arboretum Kalmthout on page 546 of this book of almost 1000 pages. A real anthology which presents only the best gardens of the most diverse landscape architects. Only 2 gardens in Flanders are included, one of them is the Arboretum Kalmthout.

Publisher ABC Books & Audio
Price: € 35.50

Namen noemen

For centuries scientists have sought order in the plant world. The English version ‘The naming of names’ from 2005 was a revelation for many botanists. This book has recently appeared in a Dutch translation. The author, Anna Pavord, famous for the bestseller “The Tulip” amongst other works, takes the reader on a voyage of discovery through botanical history. Her exciting journey leads to the culture of islam, the first expeditions to India in the time of the Raj and the first inhabitants of the New World. The book is richly illustrated with many historical prints and engravings.

Anna Pavord
Publisher: Anthos
Price: €44.95

The great hydrangea book

More than a thousand species of hydrangeas, subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivated varieties are described in full. The great hydrangea book is richly illustrated with more than 800 photographs. All the hydrangea groups are dealt with, from the exuberant multiple flower headed to the elegant umbellate ones, the oak leaf shaped flower heads and the climbing plants. The very latest introductions are included in the book. The authors provide advice based on the experience they built up in their nursery and thanks to them garden lovers get the opportunity to discover many jewels among the hydrangeas.

The great hydrangea book is an essential reference book for growers, specialist and garden lovers.

Order your own copy right away.

Cor Van Gelderen
Publisher: Terra  
Price: 55 euros      

Buddleias

For a number of years now, we have had many books about butterflies and plants that attract butterflies in our bookshop. Buddleia is one of the most important plants that is planted for this quality. The varieties of flowers and forms are very many, the flowers often spectacular. This English book gives clear information about the may different types of Buddleias and describes their characteristics, what sort of soil they like best, and to which diseases they can be liable to. In short, a complete guide for a healthy Buddleia-collection.

Order your own copy right away.    

David D. Stuart
Publisher: Timber Press
Price: 42 euros   

Voorjaar in de tuin [Spring in the garden]

After the success of “101 tuinvragen”, and “Najaar in de tuin” the third book, entitled “Voorjaar in de tuin” was published this spring. As in the previous editions, a wide range of common questions are asked. This time the subjects covered are roses, perennials, climbers, trees, houseplants, fruit and vegetables, hedges, patio plants, shrubs, lawns and pests. "Voorjaar in de tuin" is another handy, practical guide for people with green fingers.

Johan Possemiers and Leen De Moor
Publisher: Book and Media Publishing  
Price: €8.50

Bambusae

In this book Harry van Trier takes you back to the origins of this plant and shows you the varieties of bamboo that are at home in the garden. Jos van der Palen tells you more about Fargesia, Wolfgang Eberts about Phyllostachys and the Crouzet family about the park ‘La Bambouseraie’. 
International experts also highlight some important ecological aspects of bamboo. You are also shown various ways of propagating bamboo, specifically the biotechnological techniques. Jan Oprins has been collecting bamboo for fifteen years. His fascination with this plant led him to propagate it by tissue cultivation. Oprins Plant is currently the world leader with the in vitro lab for bamboo.

Harry Van Trier & Johan Gielis
Publisher: STICHTING KUNSTBOEK
Price: €49

Agapanthus

Arboretum Kalmthout is famous for the Agapanthus, African lilies, in the blue and white gardens. Several interesting books have been published about this genus of plants. Hanneke Van Dijk has written a book in Dutch, published by Terra/Lannoo. It is well-written and very accessible. An outline of the rich history forms the introduction to the botanical details. A handy list with descriptions and photos of the various cultivars that are good for the Belgian and Dutch climate makes it easy to choose plants for your own garden. The many practical tips give you all the answers to questions like ‘Why does my Agapanthus flower so little or why has it stopped flowering?’, ‘Is an Agapanthus really hardy?’, ‘Where can I get Agapanthus from a reliable source?’ and so on. Unfortunately this book is out of print at present and we do not know when it will be reprinted. The book Agapanthus by Wim Snoeier is a good alternative in English.

Hanneke Van Dijk
Publisher: TERRA
Price: €19.92

Planten Odyssee

This book is the collected works of Bernard Symoens, and active member of the Friends of the Botanical Garden of Ghent. He is a regular contributor to the journal. Now these articles have been collected together. They mainly deal with the historical aspects of botany, more specifically how the Botanical Garden of Ghent came across the exotic varieties. It is a timeless book that you are sure to enjoy.

Bernard Symoens
Friends of the Botanical Garden of Ghent
Price €20

Een tuin om te lezen [A garden to read]

What's Paul Geerts doing back in our bookshop? 
Well, he has written another interesting book for keen gardeners to enjoy during the winter months. The book contains stories and facts about trees, herbs and plants. It is about the stories, customs and legends associated with certain plants rather than their practical applications. He also includes contributions from other passionate plant enthusiasts including the US President Thomas Jefferson, fomer NATO Secretary General Lord Carrington, politician Karel Van Miert and a bit closer to home, Jelena De Belder. 

From the 26th we will also have SIGNED COPIES AVAILABLE.

Paul Geerts
Publisher: CONTACT
Price: €21.90

Natural rhythms

Rob Plattel is a freelance arranger and is in demand worldwide for carrying out demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses, marking tests to become a master flower arranger and so on. In Natural Rhythms we get to know the rhythm of nature, the rhythm of the seasons. Rob Plattel works with flowers, branches, seeds, leaves, driftwood – natural materials that have a distinct shape and character. He is fascinated by their beauty and wants to share his amazement with others and make it real for the audience. A book for looking at and enjoying the aesthetics of nature. Taking flower arranging into a new dimension. 

Rob Plattel
Publisher: STICHTING KUNSTBOEK
Price: €59.90

Helleborus - winterroos

The early flowering of  Helleborus in a spectrum of colours makes it a welcome guest in the garden of any plant enthusiast. This book is a journey of discovery through the profusion of colours of this plant: yellow, white, pink and blue varieties as well as white with pink edges, yellow with an orange heart, pink with pink stamens, and so on.
Harry van Trier gives and insight into the different varieties of Helleborus. Where does Helleborus come from? What does the plant look like? Hanneke van Dijk takes you into the garden and tells you more about care, diseases and possible combinations of plants. Three leading growers of this early flowering plant are introduced: Koen Van Poucke, Hans Kramer from De Hessenhof nursery and Thierry Van Paemel from Het Wilgenbroek. 

Harry Van Trier & Hanneke Van Dijk
Publisher: STICHTING KUNSTBOEK
Price: €29.92

Witch Hazels

This monograph about witch hazel was published at the beginning of 2005. It is written by Chris Lane, an authority on witch hazel in the UK. His private witch hazel collection is extremely large, but unfortunately not open to the public. His years of study have resulted in this extraordinary book. As well as comprehensive descriptions of cultivars and gardening tips, photos of most cultivars are included. So it is easy to choose the right plant for your garden. Witch Hazels, a must for any witch hazel enthusiast.

Chris Lane
Publisher: TIMBER PRESS
Price: €39.95

Winterbloeiers

Anyone who ever heard Jelena de Belder talk about nature, plants and gardens will never forget her passion for plants, her drive and her infectious enthusiasm. In 'Winterbloeiers' Jelena and Bie Wouters, guide and current employee of Arboretum Kalmthout, outline the most common flowers, bulbous plants, shrubs and trees that give the winter garden a tinge of colour. Nature photographer Marc Slootmaekers brings the winter-flowering plants into your home with his terrifically attractive, colourful pictures.

Jelena de Belder & Bie Wouters
Publisher: LANNOO
Price: €19.95

Winter women brochure

This year the theme of the Witch hazel festival is winter women. To tie in with this, all the texts from the exhibition have been collected together in a brochure. Fifteen winter women are represented there. You get a description of each plant and a portrait of each woman. The brochure has 32 pages and is in full colour so that all the photos are shown to their best advantage.  

Published by ARBORETUM KALMTHOUT
Price: 10 euros