"If you insist on growing flowers, or as they are frequently referred to with disdain by vegetable gardeners, ornamentals, then you should own UNDERSTANDING PER­ENNIALS (Frances Tenenbaum/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $40), by William Cullina. I know, I had the same reaction: another book about perennials? But this book really is, as the subtitle insists, “A New Look at an Old Favorite,” and my copy is already well thumbed. If you slept through “Rocks for Jocks,” this is a chance to learn what soil is composed of, why it’s acid or alkaline and why you should care. Cullina will straighten out your understanding of roots, bulbs, rhizomes, stolons, corms and tubers; he clarifies osmosis, photosynthesis, secretory structures, nitrogen fixes and plant hormones. Trust me, however much you think you know, he knows more." New York TImes Book Review "Cullina takes what could be daunting and complex material and makes it easy and enjoyable to understand." Sherry Thomas “Understanding Perennials” isn’t about planting your tall apricot iris in front of the smoke tree, it’s about stems, roots, divisions, stress, life, death, how plants communicate their needs and wants. It’s about really understanding the plant you play with." Dirt Du Jour

For a Good Time, Read This Book "Move over Mike Dirr and Alan Armitage, you've both been replaced in my heart by William Cullina (of the New England Wild Flower Society fame) and his new book "Understanding Perennials." I saw it in the new book area of the library and nearly didn't pick it up. I thought to myself, "Not another book about perennials!" But this is not just another book about perennials; this is a botany textbook masquerading as a gardening book. From the way he writes, Cullina comes across as the cool, funny college professor that everyone wanted to take, whose lectures were always packed with eager students who not only stayed awake, but came out of class discussing what they heard with their fellow students. Not only are his explanations made in easy to understand analogies, but they are also filled with humor. In addition to teaching about the workings of plants, Cullina gives helpful, practical advice, such as recommending buying perennials from the bargain table when they've finished blooming or are dormant, as that is the best time to plant them. He also discusses soil and how to improve it to provide what perennials need. I particularly liked the section on propagation, including seed handling. In addition to the excellent prose, the book is full of drool-worthy photos. (Check out 'Semidouble Pink' Thalictrum (Anemonella) thalictriodes shot on page 102.) Cullina's passion for plants shines through and inspires the reader to look at his or her plants in a new light. It's also a very entertaining book which I enjoyed reading just to read. This is the perfect book to curl up with under a warm blanket, with a good red wine on a cold winter's evening. I'm so glad I checked it out." McGregor's Daughter Garden Blog

"…today is one of my favorite gardening books of this year. Mentioned in two of Annie's previous summer blogs, Bill Cullina's book, Understanding Perennials captures the romantic and botanical side of gardening. A technical book combined with storytelling and photographs, Cullina does a spectacular job of making the plant world fun and adventurous yet exploding with knowledge. Recommended for any gardener, this book captivates all levels of expertise in the horticultural and botanical world." Annies Gardening Corner

Another author whose style, expertise and writings are totally engaging is William Cullina, formerly with the New England Wildflower Society and now serving as the plant and garden curator of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. If you are interested in native plants, Cullina's books are the best that you can find. His knowledge is extensive, and his approach is beguiling. It is readable to the max! "Understanding Perennials, A New Look at an Old Favorite," published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and selling for an extremely reasonable $40, is not just another book on perennials. From him, you learn of their wants, needs and potential. Read Cullina and you will establish a relationship with plants. Beautifully illustrated, this is perhaps his best book to date. Form your own judgment. Read "Native Trees, Shrubs & Vines," "Native Ferns, Moss & Grasses," "Understanding Orchids" and "The New England Wild Flower Society Guide to Growing Wildflowers" and decide for yourself. Paul Rogers Roots of Wisdom Worcester Telegram and Gazette