One book I find myself referring to again and again is the English edition of Ulricke and Hans-Georg Preissel's book, "Brugmansia and Datura". Specially written for North American gardeners, with much information on care and cultivation, over-wintering, propagation, and breeding, as well as diseases and pest control. Beautifully illustrated in full color. I especially reach for this book whenever information is needed on Datura cultivation and hybridizing.
My copy came from Amazon for about $12. Highly recommended!
This message was edited Mar 18, 2004 12:15 AM
Great Brug Reference Book
I agree John. It is a great book to have in your library especially if you are a brug fancier! I know I bought it as soon as it was published. I can never get enough information and pictures of Brugmansia.
I found though after reading both brug books out there, that Monika's book ( Engelstrompeten) really shows you how to be a successful brug grower. When I think of all she has in her book that we all have copied. How she prunes, (she has clear pictures of how to do it), of how she makes her famous alley trees that we all lust after and try to emulate but never capture, and how to plant your tree in a 5 gallon pot in the ground so you can pull it up to winter over. And her explicit directions on wintering over. Hard to beat for its practical use! And the pictures, well we all know Monika's pictures! And of course her renowned alley is displayed in its full glory!
But most of all I just get such a kick out of knowing she comes to this forum to share her love and knowledge of brugmansia with us all. How cool is that? We can actually read her book and if we are unclear on something we can actually ask her about it.
My copy of her book is autographed! LOL LOL Too cool, don't you think?
Great finds, Pardancanda & Kell
Both books are a "must have" in any Datura/Brugmansias library.
I lean on Dr.Preissels for my Datura needs & Monikas for my brug needs (though I hear Monika's going to be coming out with more coverage on Daturas soon...More info, gotta love it...lol)What we need in this forum is a reference center of knowledge that we all can stop into, much like a library. Too many times I find myself looking for threads where I vaguely remember seeing advice or reference material in vain. lol
If anyone has other book or article reference material, please follow Pardancandas & Kells example by sharing it with us.
The more we work together, the "smarter" we all become.
(well, I'm hoping I'll get smarter..lol)
I have both books and have read all the good information in each one. I agree with what Kell has said 100%. The way we grow brugs is so different than it was before Monika's book and her great assistance that she freely gives here at Dave's.
SD, I have not looked for any new brug books but when I was looking Preissel and Monika's were the only ones that were experts in their fields that had written and published books.
Yes, Brugnanny
Those were the only books I was aware of. I'm not sure if there are any articles people have found that they feel might shed new light on anything. It might be something as simple as a planting tip read somewhere or heard somewhere. & of course that includes any updated info on diseases, things to watch for, etc.
The one thing that really is unique about Monikas book is the fact we're fortunate to have her here on this forum. It's rare to actually have the author involved & actively answering questions & constantly adding to her previously printed material on a daily basis. It's like the book that "keeps on giving". lol Talk about the best value for your dollar. lol Thanks, Monika!
Thank you all!
I brought into this book all my knowhow about cultivating Brugmansias. My Brug alley had fascinated everyone, even Dr. Holguin from Ecuador, after seeing a color slide show of it in 1995. He wanted to know all about it.
Several US Brug fanciers made their own alley in their gardens by using the information out of the book.
The book is already in its third edition and yes, my publisher is talking about a new edition.
This message was edited Mar 18, 2004 4:54 AM
I bookmarked this thread. If the local bookstores don't have it, I will mention it to them to possibly put on their buying lists. When we were out of town this last weekend (just in Moscow, ID) we were browsing downtown, and a bookstore had their whole window full of neat garden books (some of which I already have). They could have used those too!
hee hee Monika - marketing at it's best - "word of mouth".
Thank Karrie. If you are interested, the book with the translation brochure IS available in the US. Calals Tropicals or Karchesky Cannas will offer it in about three weeks.
ok! I will look into that, as well as possibilities for you.
The first time I saw the Preissel,was at Brugies,I only had a chance to glance at it,I was more interested in the first hand knowledge I could obtain from Brugie,(She needs to write a book!)
This last weekend,I got my second chance,I got up early and read it with my morning coffee,I was amazed at the depth with which Mr.Presseil presented the history of both Datura and Brugs.
Monika's' book is loaded with information that is easily understood by the novice,yet in depth enough to inform the more advanced propagator.
I agree Root, Monika's book is a very easy read, anyone can read it and know exactly what she is talking about. She explains herself so well, and it is written with the everyday gardener in mind, that is a very rare find! I have both books myself, and until about a year ago, I only could enjoy the pictures in Monika's book, then I would come here for her translations. Then being the sweetheart she is, knowing our frustrations, she translated the book for us with Jeanne's help. Now we can all enjoy it!
Root you can borrow my book anytime! You left no creases in it, go job! (Bet you knew I would check....)
No Coffee stains???
I do have to add,that having Monika here,also adds to the attraction,she has always been willing to talk to the Novice like me,and share her wealth of knowledge,that gives more bang for my buck!!!
Not a one! Just a little slober, and a banana string, but I bet that was the Monkey.
I have both books, but rarely does the Preissel book get opened. Monika's book has everything that I need in it but I'll keep the Preissel book too. I'm sure it will be useful also. Both authors did a great job on their books. I'm just happy to be able to know one of them and consider her a great friend and mentor.
I have both books too, and just love all the beautiful pictures in both books. I hate to say, but I have really worn out Monika's book because it goes with me to the greenhouse. It really is a primer for "how-to" with the brugs, pruning, repotting, and even rigging up something to keep the branches from breaking. The Priessel book has some good info about daturas, about half the book is about daturas. I do not have the datura addiction yet because my brug addiction is taking all my resources and garden spots, but they are beautiful.
My thread seems to have gone awry. It was intended to discuss Dr. Preissel's book, not to compare its merits with any other book. I did not intend having another author use this thread to advertise her own book complete with sources.
Sorry, Pardancanda
Your post did not state you wanted to discuss Dr. Preissels book. I'm sure noone was trying to compare books as much as give their suggestion for another book. Actually, the only 2 accredited brug books in print. Even I misunderstood the reason you posted. But there's still plenty of time to hear from someone on Dr. Preissels book. So, John, get the ball rolling & let us know what you liked about his book.
p.s. & please don't misconstrue Monikas posting as anything but in response to peoples accolades. She was drawn into it. lol
I too have both books. Both are excellent. I just went to the Garden Bookworm and see Monika's book is listed already. John, maybe you'd like to add the Preissel book? Both should be listed.
Eva, my posting was about a particular subject, Dr. Preissel's book. The 'other' book has been thoroughly discussed, with sources, on this forum. It was my intention to share a different reference material which someone might find of interest.
Oh, John, please don't be offended. I've only seen other brug nuts discussing both books, with accolades given to the authors. & now that your intention is out to discuss Dr. Preissels book, please tell us what you liked about. Your experiences can only benefit us all. Besides, new brug lovers are appearing every day & telling everyone again about these 2 invaluable sources will never get to be a tired subject. lol
I'm sure there's enough room on this thread for both discussions.
Thanks, John
So sorry John. But threads do have a way of going in all sorts of directions. I wasn't trying to advertise just share a great book with the newbies as you were with Priessels. Most of us already bought a copy of Monika's book when tig and Jeanne did a mass selling and mail job on this forum for us on it.
I guess lots of us are used to rooting for the home team. And did I tell you Monika will autograph your Engelstrompeten copy! LOL. I just have such fun with that.
I have not grown daturas successfully so I guess I should spend more time reading Preissel's book. Too bad Tonny left here before you got to know him John. He was a datura expert and really brought alot of information about daturas to this forum. You guys would have had a great time talking about them.
Ma Vie, I promise to read Preissel's chapter on daturas before I kill the plants from your seeds!
John,
I have and enjoy the one you have.
I've been wanting Monika's book.. Will have to order it as soon as I can.. Thanks for letting us know where to get it..
Will check out the other book as well. Thanks John.. A
Excellent idea, Liz. I have added the book as you suggested.
It's a good book. One thing I found particularly valuable in it when I was just starting out was the classification charts showing the shape of the blooms.
I bet you have both books memorized Miss Lizzy! Remember 2 years ago when we would talk brugs all the time? Everything we discussed you would refer me to one of the books and tell me what page to look on! I was so impressed! You also retained every little bit of info given in them Liz. Unlike me, who must constantly look things up over and over again!
LOL, I also remember where you used to keep your book Kell.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Miss Lizzy! LOL LOL
Heyyy...
Is there an enjoyable "tale" of where Kell used to keep her book??? Hold on a sec while I go get some popcorn before you begin, Liz lol
Hey, no fair SD! LOL. And believe me SD you will not want to be eating popcorn as she tells you! LOL LOL
Actually, it was in my reading room, SD. My personal library!
LOL
Ahhh, the personal library where all great ideas come to pass. I know what you mean,Kell, I have one too. lolol
I also thought that we could express our experiences with other books that we use for reference. I post to try and help everyone that I can and give them all the information that might be helpful to them. I did not realize that this was a private forum just about Preissel's book. . . sorry John.
Maybe next time, you could advise everyone in the beginning to stick strickly to the title and only discuss the subject of the thread. We are all use to open discussion here at Daves but I would surely respect your wishes if you clarify in your title or opening remarks.
I agree with Liz about Preissel's identification chart. . . very useful. There is also another brug identification chart that I find useful for a quick reference and I pesonally use it frequently because it can be printed on one page and kept in the greenhouse with a sheet proctector. Rich Sanders has created "Key to Ientification of Brug Species and Hybrids and for all that are interested it can be found at the ABADS site. This is definitely a tool for not only newbies but for people like me that do not have all the information in my memory bank and probably never will . . lol
I really like helping any and everyone that I can by giving them all of the best tools out there. I had to go looking for them when I started and I like to share all that I know.
The love of brugs and the sharing of information is what bonds us together.
It was my hope we could have remained "on-topic" just for a bit, before going off on tangents.
Datura are a special interest of mine, and there is a great deal of excellent information on them in Dr. Preissel's book. A key to classification is of particular value, as well as a discussion of Datura nomenclature, including invalid names, which are none-the-less synonyms of the various species described in detail.
There was perhaps only one standard work on Datura, "The Genus Datura", by Avery and others, 1959. Dr. Preissel has used investigations published in that work to create a table of crossbreedings capable of producing viable seed; he has also discussed overcoming the problems created by the usual self-pollination of the Datura flowers.
You have convinced me John! I have pulled my book out to read before I kill all the dat seeds Ma Vie sent me!
Do you have any pics of your dats? We are in the mood for pictures!!!
Have you read Dr. Pressels book in full,John?I agree his work on Datura is great,very informative.I did not have time to finish it.I may have to add it to my collection.
Root.
Will have photos this summer, the digital technology challenges me.
Root, I have read it in full a number of times, and refer to it often.
Does Monika's book have illustrations and photos?
Lots and lots Karrie!
Now I see how we got "off topic", Pardancanda. You mistakenly started the thread as " Great Brug Reference Book". Without your opening opinion about it's valuable Datura info, alot of us started commenting on the topic you posted & Monikas "Engelstrompeten" & Dr. Preissel. Now that you've finally clarified the thread for Daturas, hopefully it will be easier for all of us to allow some room for some good old datura chat. Love them all...Brugs & Dats. Well since I already said I rely on Preissels for my Datura info, I'll step back & read everyones posts.
Thanks for bringing up Dats, one of my favorites, & for clarifying, John
This message was edited Mar 19, 2004 3:06 AM
Once you get it, you'll wonder how you got by without it for so long, Karrie Tons of info & of course beautiful Brug pictures...lol