Penstemons

Nold begins with an enlightening discussion of dryland gardening, hardiness, soil amendments, and other sometimes controversial issues, followed by a general treatment of penstemon cultivation, morphology, habitat, nomenclature, and other topics. The bulk of the book is devoted to detailed species descriptions. Includes 43 color photographs. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Bob Nold describes penstemons as plants for gardeners tired of trying to keep traditional water-loving perennials alive. Bob speaks from personal experience, since he currently lives in Lakewood, Colorado, and has never gardened in any place with year-round regular rainfall. His garden in Lakewood testifies to his devotion to penstemons. It contains a collection of over 200 species of the genus. Bob enjoys this garden with his wife, Cindy, an artist who shows her own fondness for plants through her photographs and watercolors. Bob is a member of numerous plant societies, including the Alpine Garden Society and the North American Rock Garden Society, who honored him with its Award for Service. The award citation applauds Bobs demonstrated and uncanny ability to grow cutting-edge plants for Colorado, and praises his horticultural efforts which are expanding the palette of plants that can thrive in Colorado gardens with little or no irrigation.