| Title: | The Complete Herb Book |
| Author: | Jekka McVicar |
| Publisher: | Firefly |
| ISBN: | 1-55407-365-0 |
| Pages: | 304 |
I first discovered this book at our local library and after returning it found that I couldn’t live without it. In a word: superb.
While this book is not available in hard cover the quality of the paper and printing more than makes up for that. One thing that stuck out immediately to me was the quality and quantity of full color photographs throughout.
The first 10 pages of introduction and instructions are to the point and definitely shows the “no fluff”, yet fun, attitude throughout. Many horticulture reference books read like textbooks but not in this case. The author is able to present what is essentially reference information in a quite interesting, and readable way.
Starting at page 10 you get an A-Z of perhaps 150 herbs, many of which I had never heard of until reading it. Each entry contains information on etymology, varieties, cultivation (propagation, pests & diseases, maintenance, garden planting), companion planting, container growing as well as culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses. If the plant is toxic or dangerous in any way, warnings with details are visibly noted.
The last 40 pages of the book contains information on herb garden planning, natural dyes, drying, essential oils and harvesting. These are short chapters and are not meant to be a treatise on each subject, however there is still quite useful information.
Since purchasing my copy I have given it as a gift as well. If you have friends or family that are herb gardeners this is the perfect gift. I have used it as reference to help customers as well as for greenhouse crop planning.
If all you can have is one book on herbs, make it this one.
