Comments on: Black Plants: Book Review

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:57:48 +0000

Yes, black hollyhocks were one of the plants in this book that I could grow–if I wanted to. I would like to find seed for a single red hollyhock. So far I have only found red included in a mixture. I don’t want a mixture, I just want red!

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:55:57 +0000

That is why I recommend this book for veteran gardeners, who will have a better idea of what they can get away with and who will view a dead plant as a lesson learned and experience gained, and not as a catastrophe or a failure on their part.

By: GloriaBonde

GloriaBonde — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:00:21 +0000

Hi Kathy, for years in my Zone 4 South Dakota Garden, I grew Black Hollyhocks. They were striking growing next to Black Eyed Susans. But, I admit they did look a bit “gothic”

By: Teresa

Teresa — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:55:33 +0000

Ahh the tribulations of living where winter really is winter . It is so frustrating sometimes when they tell you it will be hardy where you live and the cold proves them wrong. I swear half the time, they stretch the limits so more people will try them.

By: gail

gail — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:58:09 +0000

I thoroughly enjoyed your review Kathy. The words~Tolerates shade plant in moist, well draining soil~ make me pull my hair and scream! Seriously…what about dry shade under canopy trees! As dee said, “I feel your pain”. Love the black pansy…gail

By: Dirty Girl Gardening

Dirty Girl Gardening — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:16:47 +0000

I’ve seen books about white flowers/gardens… but not black. Verry cool…

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:35:31 +0000

My black pansy was part of a mix. I think it works better with a contrasting color.

By: Robin Ripley

Robin Ripley — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:35:31 +0000

Looks like a great book for the garden bookshelf. Although I enjoy the aesthetic idea of black flowers/plants, I’m afraid they would get lost here. I am trying to add color at this point–particularly in the shadier parts of the garden on the north side of the house.

Robin Ripley

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:33:40 +0000

You would find the occasional tip, but it wasn’t a systematic part of the book.

By: Mr. McGregor's Daughter

Mr. McGregor's Daughter — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:54:17 +0000

I don’t suppose the book offered any tips on how to use black plants in the garden, where they often create the “black hole effect” and disappear into the background?