Fundamentals of Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Gardening

Ornamental Horticulture is a specialized branch of horticulture that deals with the commercial cultivation of ornamental plants and the enhancement of the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding environment. It plays a crucial role in improving the overall environment and combating visual pollution through the use of ornamental plants. Flowers, in particular, have been admired by poets and artists for generations not only for their beauty but also for their medicinal properties. The study of ornamental horticulture encompasses two aspects: the cultivation of a wide variety of plants, including annuals, shrubs, climbers, trees, bulbous plants, succulents, cacti, shade-loving plants, and lawns, and their application in beautification programs. However, information on these topics is scattered across different books, making it difficult for students, landscape designers, and scientists to access. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive book on the introduction, cultivation, and management of ornamental plants that can meet the demands of horticulture students and florists in India. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the collection, identification, propagation, cultivation, nutritional management, weed control, and plant and flower senescence management of annuals, herbs, shrubs, climbers, and ornamental trees. In addition to these topics, the book also covers bio-aesthetic planning, the basics of landscape design, and flower arrangement. The content is presented in a simple and clear style to make it easily accessible to readers. The book includes the latest available information, and the illustrations have been created using specimens and photographs.