The gardener's guide to succulents A handbook of over 125 exquisite varieties of succulents and cacti

While there's almost no substitute for visiting to a garden center or digging around in the soil to discover local landscape truths, Matsuyama's collection of succulents to consider comes close to developing a good diagnostic for folks interested in learning more about these strange and beautiful living things that have become especially popular in the last few years. Three sections define her opus: one on succulents (those plants that survive in areas with very low rainfall), the second on cacti, and the third a compilation of indoor planter examples along with how-tos on planting, growing, and arranging, some with step-by-step photographs. The 125-plus examples are well photographed and described in terms of characteristics, cultivation, and areas of origin, with rankings on ventilation, light shortage, and growth rate (among other factors). She groups them by distinguishing features: flowers, rosettes, skin, strong presence, molting, overlapping leaves, etc. A glossary at the end will satisfy the more scientifically curious.

This richly illustrated and skillfully executed book from horticulturist Matsuyama, her first to be published in English, explores the "vast, mysterious and fascinating" botanical realm of succulents. Explaining how these plants evolved the ability to retain water, Matsuyama observes that "the shapes born from such strength are beautiful and strange" and that succulents are resistant to both drought and cold temperature. In the book's first section, she examines various categories of succulents--those with plump leaves, with overlapping leaves, with rosettes, and so on--discussing individual plants' characteristics and growing needs. For example, the rosette variety known as "Party Dress" is "large and beautiful," as well as "strong and easy to grow but requires quite a bit of space when grouped with other plants." In the second section, Matsuyama looks at one of the best-known kinds of succulent, cacti, and in the third and final section, highlights ways to combine and arrange various specimens, particularly cacti, in garden or home displays. Adventurous gardeners will find that Matsuyama's book, with its precise explanations and copious photos, ushers them into a fascinating world. (Mar.)