A Family of Flowers: Clematis and the Ranunculaceae - Tapa blanda

The plant family that takes its name from the buttercup contains some of our best-loved garden flowers. The cheering anemones, marsh marigolds like golden chalices, intricately pleated and spurred columbines, soaring delphinium, mysterious cowl-shaped monkshoods - as well as the clematis in all its glorious forms - are all close relations. There are links, too, between the vine-like leaves of Japanese anemones, the fennel strands of love-in-a-mist and the ferny foliage of thalictrums. Deborah Kellaway sets out on a month-by-month exploration of the ranunculaceae in her garden. She watches the unfolding buds, then picks a bloom and takes it to her kitchen table for a closer look. Through her eyes we examine the intricacies of each plant and should learn to spot family likenesses. This manual also contains practical advice. From her experience of growing these plants, Deborah Kellaway is able to offer information about soil, cultivation and care, as well as ideas on positioning and companion planting.