For those flower lovers on your holiday shopping list, books are a great choice. Here are some suitable titles.

Pink Ladies and Crimson Gents

Roses are by far one of the most popular cut flowers. Clarkson Potter has released a rose book that floral designers will treasure. “Pink Ladies and Crimson Gents-Portraits and Legends of 50 Roses” by Molly and Don Glentzer is sure to become a classic. For each of the varieties, there’s a lush color photo by Don, a renowned photographer.

Written in an engaging style, the authors reveal the engrossing account of each variety, its creation, description, and details on how it received its name. These stories are sure to deepen our love for these flowers. Many of the roses profiled here are heirlooms.

In the appendix are useful lists, such as nurseries selling antique roses and lists of recommended varieties for various climates.


In addition to the book, flower lovers will love the matching stationery items by the same authors. Beautifully decorated with exquisite photos of roses, these are also published by Clarkson Potter. They include the Roses journal, which is five by seven inches. This has an elastic closure.

A set of matching Roses gift enclosures are also available. The set includes 16 enclosures with eight each of two designs. These come with die-cut envelopes.

In addition, there are Roses pocket pads. The set features four small journals, each of which has 72 pages.


Every Garden is a Story

“Every Garden is a Story-Stories, Crafts, and Comforts” by Susannah Seton was published by Conari Press/Red Wheel. This book is perfect for people who are really stressed out. Its effect is much like that of guided mediation. This will inspire you to take a break and enjoy the simple things of life, such as a bouquet of wild flowers or dahlias.

Throughout the book are wonderful quotes about flowers, and the beauty of nature. It is illustrated in full color. From cover to cover there are interesting details on flower lore. Instead of the usual chapters, this has over 50 short home and garden vignettes. The subjects range from the language of flowers and fairy bouquets to wildflowers, cutting gardens, zinnias, and much more. It features all sorts of wonderful project ideas, all sorts of recipes, and no-nonsense floral design tips.


Gardening 1-2-3

“Gardening 1-2-3” from Meredith Books offers expert advice from The Home Depot on everything from flowers and cutting gardens to gardening basics. This book is ideal for novice flower growers.

It covers all the gardening basics in an accessible, easy to follow style. Whether you plan on creating a special cutting garden or just growing cut/dried flowers in your yard, this will be useful. This has a special section on cutting gardens. There’s even information on harvesting, conditioning, and arranging flowers.

As the title indicates, this walks you through the gardening process beginning with how to determine the growing conditions for your yard and region. You’ll learn how to prepare and plant as well as how to propagate plants.

In addition to separate chapters for different kinds of gardens, this has an extensive plant encyclopedia with entries arranged alphabetically by common name. For each entry, there’s a plant description and complete details on how to grow it and use it.

Throughout the book are helpful lists of all sorts. These include lists of the best roses for cutting. The section on roses will be especially helpful to floral designers.

Throughout the book are boxes with quick tips and additional information. The appendix has all sorts of helpful lists and resources.