This competency-based, introductory horticulture book is now in its sixth edition. Written in an easy-to-read, engaging style, it enables users to measure their progress. This book includes numerous illustrations to help reinforce written material. It provides a thorough introduction to the world of horticulture. This latest edition includes new chapters on water gardens, dish gardens, and prairie gardens for the more adventuresome gardener.

This book covers the material and concepts better, is more attractive, is both teacher and student friendly and is more current

"The text is exceptional, with appropriate subjects, reading level, activities, and question sets."

"The graphics and photos are of superior quality."

H. Edward Reiley is the retired Director of Vocational Education for the Frederick County Board of Education. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maryland. Mr. Reiley is a member of various professional organizations including the American Vocational Association and the American Rhododendron Society. In his spare time he breeds new varieties of azalea hybrids and rhododendrons and manages a nursery.

Section 1: Horticulture: An Introduction, Unit 1- Exploring the Horticulture Field, Unit 2- Plant Taxonomy: How Plants Are Named. Section 2: Plant Science, Unit 3- Parts of the Plant and Their Functions, Unit 4- Environmental Requirements for Good Plant Growth, Unit 5- Growth Stimulants, Retardants, and Rooting Hormones. Section 3: Plant Propagation, Unit 6- Seeds, Unit 7- Softwood and Semi-hardwood Cuttings, and Micropropagation, Unit 8- Hardwood Cuttings, Unit 9- Separation and Division, Unit 10- Grafting, Unit 11- Budding, Unit 12- Layering. Section 4: Greenhouse Management and Crops, Unit 13- Poinsetties, Unit 14- Chrysanthemums, Unit 15- Easter Lilies. Section 5: Integrated Pest Management, Unit 16- Integrated Pest Management and the Biological Control of Pest and Diseases, Unit 17- The Safe Use of Pesticides, Unit 18- Insecticides, Unit 19- Fungicides, Rodenticides, Molluscicides, and Nematocides, Unit 20- Herbicides. Section 6: Container-Grown Plants, Unit 21- Terrariums, Unit 22- The Art of Bonsai, Unit 23- The Interior Landscape: Houseplants and Plantscaping, Unit 24- Shrubs and Trees. Section 7: Using Plants in the Landscape, Unit 25- Annual Bedding Plants, Unit 26- Perennials, Ornamental Grass, Vines, Bamboo, and Prairie Gardens, Unit 27- Narrowleaf Evergreens, Unit 28- Broadleaf Evergreens, Unit 29- Deciduous Trees, Unit 30- Deciduous Shrubs, Unit 31-Ground Covers, Unit 32- Bulbs, Unit 33- Techniques of Pruning, Unit 34- Principles of Landscaping, Maintenance, Xeriscaping and Water Gardens. Section 8: Lawn and Turfgrass Establishment and Maintenance, Unit 35- Establishing the Lawn, Unit 36- Maintaining the Lawn, Unit 37- Renovation the Lawn. Section 9: The Vegetable Garden, Unit 38- Planning and Preparing the Garden Site, Unit 39- Planting the Vegetable Garden, Unit 40- Caring for the Vegetable Garden, Unit 41- Favorite Garden Vegetables and Herbs. Section 10: The Small Fruit Garden, Unit 42- Strawberries, Unit 43- Blueberries, Unit 44- The Bramble Fruits, Unit 45- Grapes. Section 11: Holiday Crafts and Floral Designs, Unit 46- Wreaths and Door Swags, Unit 47- Creating Holiday Centerpieces, Unit 48- Creating Bows for Floral Designs, Unit 49- Floral Designs, Unit 50- Corsages and Boutonnieres. Glossary. Appendix. Index.