Previously, the Nelson-based tree wholesaler supplied its catalogues to garden centres for staff to use as a reference book, but this year Waimea is selling it through garden centres.
The 120-page, full-colour book is a comprehensive guide to the varieties Waimea produces and, most importantly, information on growing them.
After a general introduction, the book lists new varieties of ornamental and fruit trees.
There are a couple of interesting-sounding apricots, Tomcot and Garden Annie, and a new apricot-plum hybrid, plumcot Spring Satin, as well as an early-season pear, Precoce Morettini.
The book then goes on to fruit, berries and nuts, both standard trees and dwarf varieties, the latter increasingly sought-after as gardens get smaller.
A comprehensive guide to ornamental trees, from Acer to Zelkova, a good round-up of topiary plants on offer - including a few edibles - then uses for ornamental trees round off Product Catalogue & Growing Guide 2008.
The book's greatest value is undoubtedly in its fruit section because of the information about which trees are self-fertile, which varieties need another to produce fruit and what the recommended cross-pollinators are, as well as information on spraying, pruning and container gardening.
Ring-bound and well-illustrated with dozens of coloured photographs, at $9.99 it's a snip.
Lovely photos, though.
