22 Jan Plantology: The Essential Guide to Better Gardens

The reference book Plantology: The Essential Guide to Better Gardens (Barometer Books, RRP $95.00) is now available to purchase via www.barometerbooks.com and good bookstores in Australia. It has been a publication that has been years in the making, and one that I have written with my colleague and friend, Teena Crawford.

Teena and I have known each other for more than 20 years. During most of that time, she was the manager of production nursery, Smith and Gordon. An exceptional plantswoman, she has also been a marvellous sounding board and horticultural consultant to landscape designers and landscape architects throughout the decades. Teena also built a profile from her presence on the 3AW gardening show that ran for years. As an experienced botanical guide she has hosted local and international garden tours.

In a nutshell: Teena knows more about plants than anyone else I know!

The inception of Plantology

Prior to the pandemic, Teena and I would regularly catch up to walk and talk about plants. We would step out along the leafy residential streets of Melbourne to view and critique garden plantings. We would slow down and saunter and even poke our noses between gaps in tall fences where we could see interesting gardens. We visited the Royal Botanic Gardens regularly as well as Burnley Gardens (where we both studied years ago). We pointed out great plant species, and remarked on plants that were used in surprising and unusual ways. When we felt that a plant was not used as well as it might have been, we challenged each other to think of a better selection that could have been made.

Burnley Gardens.. a place Teena and I often visit. This is the spectacular planting of the ground cover Tripladenia cunninghamii or bush lily… evergreen structural softness in deep shade…this species is included in Plantology:The Essential Guide to Better Gardens (pp498-499)

During our walks we would often lament the lack of in-depth plant resources available. Our respective gardening book libraries are comprehensive but individual books often fell short of featuring specific information that we could apply to planting in Australia. Of course there are great websites that also offer advice, but the specific data that we often needed around, say, around aspect and tolerances as well as size and equidistant spacing were simply not included. And occasionally the information that we found in books and online differed markedly from our own experiences to get the most out of a plant.

So we agreed to write a book together.

Plantology takes shape

Our desire from the outset was to write a book that encapsulates our pooled knowledge and experiences, combining horticulture and planting design. We agreed that the book would promote garden worthy plants…all fantastic in their own way. Many of this species are understated. Others are under-rated and under-utilised, and a good number not often utilised to best effect.

We were keen to include interesting stories and fascinating facts about plant species including their “discovery” and “naming”. Every plant has stories and some are absolutely enthralling, revealing information about a place, culture and practices including at specific times in history. And that is even before we focus on the aesthetics of a plant and the different ways that a single species can be used to make it- and an overall planting palette – shine.

Blue leadwort otherwise known as Ceratostigma plumaginoides– a tough groundcover with blue flowers that is outstanding when used well. And just what are those tricks and tips? Learn more in Plantology:The Essential Guide to Better Gardens (pp 152-153)

Most importantly we set out to identify the specific reasons why each profiled plant is a standout to us- and relevant in planting design today. Many plants have a particular quirk or preference – and knowing and unlocking that secret can lead to spectacular garden success. In Plantology we share many of those tips.

The structure of our book was also important. We wanted to include the ‘ready reckoner’ facts, but also have a book that could be displayed on the coffee table and dipped into when desired to inspire and provoke thought. After many hours of discussion, it was decided that we have two key sections- the first being “plant profiles” and the second part comprising a “plant thesaurus”.

Identifying the list of great garden-worthy plants in the Plant Profiles section was not straightforward! Between us we have so many “favourite plants” but we eventually settled on a list comprising a broad cross-section of trees, shrubs, perennials, ferns, strappy plants, climbers and ground covers- spanning both exotics and natives. Even now it’s fair to say that I harbour greater passion than Teena for some plants that we’ve written about- and and vice versa! But we both agree that this only leads to better outcomes as we all hold different tastes and predilections.

Bertie inspects Mackaya bella also known as forest bell bush. This plant is profiled in Plantology on pp 336-337.

The recognition that all “looks” do not resonate with all people is another key reason why we wanted to feature photographs of professionally designed gardens by a range of landscape architects and landscape designers. We were humbled by the response of our super-talented colleagues who were quick to offer their support when we asked for photographs- and we owe a great debt to them for this as this has only made the book more comprehensive, a great deal more appealing.

While Teena and I could meet up for a walk and talk throughout the pandemic – some periods being a great deal more restrictive than others (we were in Melbourne after all!), the majority of the book was researched and written from home. We spent literally thousands of hours researching, writing, and challenging each other on the content and the scope. We worked every weekend. On a weekday we arose at 430am to squeeze in several hours before the start of the working day. We used a cloud-based storage system to store our thousands of documents and images.

As we wrote the book, the content was restructured at least six times…while this meant a great deal of rewriting, it meant that the layout improved. There were many challenges during the years that we researched and wrote…but we were committed to finishing the book…and forged on.

Throughout the time that we wrote the book we had countless wonderful lengthy discussions about the merits and uses of certain plants. At times we agreed to disagree. But one thing was certain: both Teena and I were adamant that our Plantology book would be covered in a Hunter green fabric!

Plantology launched…and the first reviews are in

Here we are in 2025, at least seven years since our first conversation about writing a book together- and Plantology is out in the world.

The first reviews reviews are in- and we are delighted. You can read them here:

https://barometerbooks.com/reviews/

Plantology events are planned around the country including one at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne in February, and at the Sydney Botanic Garden in March. See the website for more info.

Events

We are excited about sharing Plantology, and talking to people about our book. It is always a great pleasure to meet people who share a passion for plants and gardens as we do.

Plantology- what do you think?

Have you read Plantology? Have you seen it?
Do you have a favourite feature?
Does Plantology profile your favourite plant?
We would love to hear from you.

Send us an email at hello@barometerbooks.com

We would love to hear from you!

Plantology- keen to order your copy?

You can order your copy directly via the link below.
We are shipping daily Australia-wide and internationally.
The book is 3.5kg in weight and ships for a flat fee of $15 anywhere in Australia.

www.barometerbooks.com/plantology/