The Book of Weeds: how to deal with plants that behave badly

The Book of Weeds: how to deal with plants that behave badly
By Ken Thompson
DK Publishing, 2009. 192 pgs. non fiction

“Weeds are plants you don’t like or haven’t learned to like”, so says Ken Thompson in his book The Book of Weeds, subtitled How to Deal With Plants That Behave Badly. Sown throughout this book are prickly words of wit such as “Bake perennial weeds in the sun until they look like Vampires in the final scene of Dracula.” Clear colorful photos in true DK style blossom on nearly every page making weed id easy in any garden. Unfortunately now I know those green things flourishing in my yard are all weeds. There is a fair amount of general garden knowledge given throughout the book but I especially like the last half where special attention is given to individual weeds. Thompson explains the talent each weed possesses as they attempt to take over your garden. There are suggestions on how to eradicate each weed providing you have the stamina to pursue the fight. And finally there is the Silver Lining Section which includes any redeeming qualities a weed might possess. (If you have elephant hawk moths in your yard be sure you let a Fireweed or two grow, it’s their favorite food.) I recommend this book to gardeners and non gardeners alike. Imagine how impressed your jogging companion will be when you can identify all the badly behaving plants along the path. mpb