Down & Dirty: 43 Fun & Funky First-Time Projects & Activities to Get You Gardening


 
"Down & Dirty by Ellen Zachos (Storey Publishing, 2007, $19.95) describes more than 40 fun and funky projects and activities designed for novice gardeners, including children. One of the more imaginative projects is making a dinosaur garden with ferns, mosses, and cycads for kids to populate the land that time forgot with an army of T-rexes, velociraptors, and pterosaurs. The book also includes more grown-up activities such as some garden photography basics, and instructions for building a containerized water garden and using cold frames. Many large color photographs help to illustrate steps and plants the book describes."
Viveka Neveln, Assistant Editor
The American Gardener, Magazine of the American Horticultural Society
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"Since we were recommended as a resource by the author of this book, Ellen Zachos, Storey Publishing sent us a courtesy copy. We're glad they did because this is an excellent read. The full title is Down & Dirty! 43 Fun & Funky First-Time Projects & Activities to Get You Gardening and the title says it all. With emphasis on Fun & Funky, this book draws the reader in with its vibe alone. Once in, the writing style will hook you. And if that doesn't do it, then you will fall prey to the great photographs."
Mike Cherim,
GreenMethods.com
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"Some people look at a plain stretch of yard and get inspired. Others just get overwhelmed.
It's those latter folks that Ellen Zachos had in mind when she wrote her latest book, Down & Dirty!
Zachos, a garden designer and author, offers 43 achievable gardening projects in the book, all designed to allow novice gardeners to get their feet wet in gardening while they get their hands dirty. Projects include creating "grow-bags" (growing vegetables or flowers directly in bags of potting soil), installing a simple drip irrigation system and creating a water garden in a container. Zachos uses the projects as a way of teaching gardening basics, so readers learn through doing."
Mary Beth Breckenridge, Knight Ridder Newspapers
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"Gardening feeds the heart, mind and body, it's an avocation, it's a vacation." The enthusiasm of Zachos is persuasive. She maintains that "gardening is a skill that is never too late to learn and no space is too small! No experience is required and there is no gardening gene." The projects she describes vary from distinctly unusual - cutting a large cross on a bag filled with potting soil and growing plants in the opening -to the more usual methods of planting seeds and bulbs and the way to multiply plants by dividing them. The section on tools and what makes for well-designed tools is necessary reading even for the experienced gardener. There are sections on good bugs and bad bugs, scarecrows, and even a project to build a fire pit! The bright and clear photographs by Adam Mastoon illustrate various processes and add to the enjoyment in reading this book.
The author's knowledge and engaging humorous style of writing will surely inspire even the most timid of new gardeners to try their hand at creating a beautiful environment."
Bluma Kaplan, Chicago Botanic Garden
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Tempting Tropicals: 175 Irresistable Indoor Plants


 
"Ellen's extraordinary enthusiasm is matched by her vast knowledge of the subjects she writes about and she brings both talents to bear in her latest book. Subtitled "175 Irresistible Indoor Plants," it follows a fairly typical gardening-book format. ...But while the book's structure is standard, the writing is not, being at once very opinionated, very helpful, and very chatty. It almost feels as if Ellen were right there in the room, offering her guidance on how to do the best for your indoor living treasures. ...As she writes in her preface, "I want this to be your favorite plant book, the first book you turn to when you're shopping for a new plant or need to solve a problem." I believe that many who buy this book will soon grant Ellen her wish."
- Patricia Taylor, The Times, Trenton, NJ

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"If you are interested in growing tropical plants in the home or even in the greenhouse, Tempting Tropicals is the book for you. Ellen Zachos is an experienced gardener and her knowledge and expertise can be clearly seen in the information she shares with her readers. She has very thoroughly presented every aspect for growing successful houseplants. In all it is a great achievement."
- Francisca Coehlo, Director, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, New York Botanic Garden

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"For decades, homeowners who like houseplants have relied on the old standards, the same plants our parents and even our grandparents kept around their houses. These are easy to grow and readily available. Yet in this modern age of next-day transport, all manner of new, exciting and often exotic tropical plants are also easy to find and purchase. Ellen Zachos's excellent book will not only help you choose some of these new plants for your home and office, but provides all you need to know to make growing them as easy as if they were your grandmother's dieffenbachia or your father's ficus."
- Jeff Lowenfels, Daily New, Anchorage, AKs

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"This is the best book on indoor plants I have come across in a long time; best for a couple of reasons. First, because it describes 175 unusual plants that you might not have considered...But it is the chapters dealing with light, humidity, grooming, propagation, pests, and diseases that are really very special. I particularly liked the chapter on Plant Pests...Author Ellen Zachos writes with authority, yet in a readable style."
- Suzanne Pierot, Newsletter of the American Ivy Society, Inc.

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"My first reaction to Tempting Tropicals is that the book is comfortable to read. It is written as though the author were speaking to you, making it a book that you can read cover to cover. At the same time, the organization, clear photographs, and glossary make it an effective and easy-to-use reference book. One of the best things about this book is how the clear, informative writing answers many of the questions gardeners at any experience level will have."
- Phil Stapf, Hobby Greenhouse Association

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"If you've grown weary of standard native species, why not make your home a little more colorful with some Tempting Tropicals? Ellen Zachos' exhaustive expose covers everything you need to know about tropicals, including container choice, humidity levels, lighting options, and propagation...If the most exotic place you visit this year is the Jersey Shore, cozy up to this guide to 175 irresistible indoor plants."
- Daniel Moise, Green Scene, April 2006

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"Gardeners living in the country's warmest regions can grow and enjoy tropical plants as they please, but in most areas, they are only grown seasonally. Zachos, a zealous collector with am encompassing knowledge, provides a comprehensive growers' guide that shows the way to cultivating tropicals indoors so that one can enjoy the delightful fragrances and exotic beauty year-round. A well-rounded reference, the book conveys all the necessary practical information relating to feeding, care, growth cycles, and light and moisture requirements along with troubleshopoting for pesky insects and vexing diseases. Mainly, Zachos introduces a wealth of wonderful specimens to consider, giving a concise description of each species, its requirements for culture, and propagation tips. Accompanied by color photographs, entries include something for every taste, from oddly alluring species to dramatic, architectural selections and beguiling flowers."
- Alice Joyce, Booklist

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"If you're wondering why your Christmas cactus won't bloom, this isn't the houseplant book for you. Schlumbergera didn't make Ellen Zachos's top 100. But if you want to create a windowsill collection to rival any outdoor garden in beauty and personality, read Tempting Tropicals.
Zachos uses her first 80 pages to explain basic plant biology, natural habitats, and how to apply these facts to houseplant care, in an easy-going, accessible style. I enjoyed that she told me not just that variegated plants will do best in brightest light, but why it's so. (It's all in the choloroplasts.) Her discussion of different types of artificial lighting would be a boon to anyone entering a plant in a judged show.
Tempting Tropicals takes the premise that a plant's native origin clues you into better culture; this understanding is invaluable for success with Zachos's favorites and your own choices. In fact, you could use it to figure out for yourself what's going on with that Christmas cactus."
- Meghan Lynch, Horticulture, October-November 2006

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"Tempting Tropicals, by HortResources member Ellen Zachos, is clear and concise, easy to read and understand even by those who do not have a degree in horticulture. It is a great reference for 175 tropical plants that are not grown as often as they should be...Tempting Tropicals is a must-have reference in cooler zones for growing houseplants and in warmer zones in order to understand the requirements of tropical plants."
- Sheri Ann Richerson, HortResources Newsletter, November-December 2005

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"Ellen Zachos writes very well and knows her material. Errors did not stick out and I doubt that even the most expert horticulturist will read this book without picking up a few new tricks. This is a book that, even for me (I lean towards reading about new plants), was very hard to put down. The photography is excellent..."
- Greg Asbagh, Let's Talk Plants, newsletter of the San Diego Horticultural Society, February 2006

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"In this original and comprehensive guide to lucious houseplants, Ellen's enthusiasm, like the plants, is irresistible. If you're dazzled by the tremendous variety of houseplants available today, Ellen's thorough advice will help you successfully expand your plant palette...This stunning reference also features gorgeous color photographs and detailed descriptions of 175 choice plants that are native to both tropical and temperate regions...Tempting Tropicals is the essential handbook for the indoor gardener."
- Rainy Side Gardeners, April 2006

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"Tempting Tropicals reflects Zachos's experience, expertise, and enjoyment of growing tropical plants. This is enhanced by her skill at presenting information in a friendly, well-organized, and easy-to-follow style. Aimed as both encyclopedia and reference guide, this book succeeds on both levels...The author's goal for Tempting Tropicals is for the work to become the reader's favorite plant book. This may very well happen, making this work a worthy addition for library collections."
- January Adams, American Reference Book Annual, March 2006

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"What makes Tempting Tropicals different from many other, older books, is that it brings IPM into the home. Many of us are familiar with Integrated pest Management in the garden, but rarely have those techniques been part of the houseplant manual.
The second half of the book is a beautifully photographed catalog of the 175 tropical delights...I'm sure there are other books on indoor plants, but mine are at least 20 years old and this book is a colorful and valuable addition to the bookshelf."
- Kate Copsey, Fauquier Times-Democrat, VA, December 2005

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Orchid Growing for Wimps


 
"The minute I saw Orchid Growing for Wimps by Ellen Zachos (Sterling Publishing Co., $17.95 paperback), I fell in love with it...Simply put, this is without doubt the best book available for those interested in growing orchids but who are intimidated by the beauty of these plants. Even an old hand at growing orchids will appreciate this book...The book has just the right blend of pictures, step-by-step instructions and clear, concise, enjoyable and thus easy-to-read prose. The pictures are beautiful. And they are of plants you can buy locally, not the gazillion-dollar specimens you may find yourself collecting once you read this book and get over your fear of growing orchids."
- Jeff Lowenfels, Daily News, Anchorage, AK

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"In this wonderfully illustrated book, Ms. Zachos leads us into the land of orchids and their care by using a technique that I've always encouraged readers to follow. First, learn where the plants come from and what their native habitat and culture is like. Then growing them at home becomes nothing more than a little bit of understanding and common sense. In doing this, Ms. Zachos becomes the perfect mentor with a writing style that is friendly and warm, giving even the most timid gardeners a sense of "can do."
- Andrew Messenger, Gardening columnist for the Southhampton Press, Southhampton, NY

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"...this book is a superb primer on orchid culture. It uses a fully illustrated step-by-step approach and doesn't skimp on relating complete details. There's a (long) chapter showing easy-to-find and easy-to-grow orchids in all their glory, and there's also a (short) chapter warning about "difficult" orchids to avoid...We recommend Orchid growing for Wimps to all who are tempted by the seductive charms of orchids."
Excerpted with permission from HortIdeas gardening newsletter,
published monthly by Greg & Pat Williams,
750 Black Lick Rd., Gravel Switch, KY 40328,
gwill@mis.net

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"Orchid Growing for Wimps" by Ellen Zachos (Sterling Publishing, New York, 2002, $17.95, soft cover) meets my criteria for a "must have" addition to any orchid enthusiast's library...I knew immediately I was going to like it. Anyone who approaches the subject of orchid growing with the attitude that choosing the right orchid for your growing conditions and armed with the right growing information any one can be successful with these beautiful exotics, is a person worth listening to. This book is encouraging to the uninitiated "wimp" and to the long-time grower and it's one more introductory "how to" book worth adding to our bookshelves.
Dr. Jerry Garner, Garden Writer & Editor,
Illinois Orchid Society Newsletter

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"I came across a wonderful book recently that opens the world of orchids to the beginner. Orchid Growing for Wimps is loaded with great color photos and practical advice for the newcomer. Author Ellen Zachos, who grows orchids in New York City, gives advice on how to grow easy orchids for beginners as well as more difficult varieties for the advanced gardener. She covers the necessary paraphernalia for growing the plants, watering, and feeding. She gives advice for dealing with diseases and insects and answers frequently asked questions. She also provides a list of orchid societies and sources."
Robert Haele, garden writer,
The Sun Sentinel, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

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"Don't be put off by the title. This isn't a book for people too timid to try orchids, it's for inexperienced yet hopeful gardeners captivated by their beauty. The book focuses on 16 easy-to-grow types, including Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Oncidium, and Cattleya. It covers maintenance, propagation, repotting, pests and diseases. The author writes in a friendly yet authoritative style.
Nancy Brachey, The Observer, Charlotte, NC

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"A new and worthy entry to the orchid bookshelf is Orchid Growing for Wimps: Techniques for the "Wish I Could Do that" Gardener by Ellen Zachos (Sterling/2002/($17.95). Author Zachos is reassuring as she gently steers the reader through a clear and non-intimidating explanation of the orchid-growing basics. Beginners will especially appreciate the profiles of 16 orchids that really are easy-to-find and easy-to-grow species. The information will help them choose the right plants for their growing conditions.
©2002 Linda Coyner for SeniorWomenWeb

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"Do orchids interest and intimidate you?...Then you need Orchid Growing for Wimps by the clever, talented, and knowledgeable Ellen Zachos...It's user-friendly, with photos of ordinary people working with orchids. Sixteen orchids are featured, with every imaginable detail about them included. Everything is easy to look up. You can go directly to specific information that you need or wander through the book learning and discovering through text and photos. The pictures are fabulous, and the text is chatty yet very informative. This book would be great as a gift-along with an orchid-as well as a wonderful addition to one's personal library.
Eileen Klehr, Chicago Botanic Garden

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"Although there are many how-to books on orchid growing on the market, we have another winner. The author has achieved in 128 pages a wonderful overview of growing orchids. The book is laid out in clear terms, and each chapter is broken down into subsections that are easy to find and digest...It does a good job of conveying the wide range of plants from which to choose, including many of the intergenerics...Give this new book a try - it's fun.
Sue Eloe, Orchids, The Magazine of the American Orchid Society

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GREEN UP TIME: Ellen Zachos Sings Botanical Broadway


 
"Well, why not? There are so many collections of Broadway standards out there that are the same basic collection of love songs, or out-of-love songs, or whatever, that Ellen Zachos gets points simply for mixing up the repertoire. Better still, the cabaret-style singer has chosen a witty high-concept idea for her debut album, and best of all, it works like a treat. Green Up Time is subtitled "Ellen Zachos Sings Botanical Broadway," and that's just what it is: the central metaphors of all of these songs are plant-based in nature. Zachos has done a fine job of collecting rare specimens here, digging deep (the gardening metaphors will stop soon, promise) in the catalogs of most of the great musical theater composers for little-known gems like Flanders & Swann's "Misalliance" and the Gershwins' "In the Mandarin's Orchid Garden." The most familiar song to the average listener here is a bit of a ringer, a lovely rendition of Billy Strayhorn's "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing." Zachos' voice, equally lovesome, skips lightly over pianist Fred Hersch's light small-combo arrangements, and a charming time is had by all.
Stewart Mason, All Music Guide

 
"Too wet or too cold to go outside? You can stay warm and dry while still enjoying the garden by listening to "Green Up Time: Ellen Zachos Sings Botanical Broadway." Just pop in her CD and enjoy 20 show tunes that all - somehow - relate to plants. The songs include "In the Mandarin's Orchid garden" by the Gershwins, from the unproduced show "East is West"; "The Flower Garden of My Heart" by Rogers and Hart from "Pal Joey"; "Grow for Me" by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken from "Little Shop of Horros" (the ultimate Broadway show for greenhouse gardeners); and the cabaret tune "I Always Say Hello to a Flower" by Murray Grand. Zachos is now a garden designer, but her previous career was as a Broadway performer. Listen to sample recordings or buy the CD ($15) from www.acmeplant.com.
Marty Wingate, Seattle-Post Intelligencer

 
"There's not much to do outdoors right now so I continue to dream about working in the garden, all the while listening to my current favorite music, "Green Up Time - Ellen Zachos Sings Botanical Broadway." The fabulous CD was recorded by Garden Writers Association (GWA) colleague, Ellen Zachos. What I didn't know until fairly recently was that she walked away from a successful professional Broadway career; and that she just happens to be gifted with one of the best musical theatre voices I've ever heard - which brings me back to Ellen's CD. Who knew there were so many botanical tunes?
Hilda M. Morrill, Boston Post-Gazette



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