No longer are cacti viewed as boring, dusty plants that will survive anything thrown at them but remain unattractive. Architectural in form, they are now attracting the attention of garden designers and plant retailers. Today's modern planters suit these amazing plants admirably. From terracotta through to stainless steel, there are cacti and succulents that will match and enhance these materials, adding instant glamour to a home or conservatory. Furthermore they are easy to keep, except for those who have a tendency to overwater, and will happily survive alone for two to three weeks while the owners are on holiday. Another hidden charm, not commonly known, is their ability to flower on a regular basis. Provided the necessary neglect is given during the winter months, flowers will appear like clockwork in the spring to give a welcome start to the new growing season. Many flower during winter too, such as the crassulas and schlumbergias, which gives them an added attraction during these otherwise flowerless months. Shirley-Anne Bell's book is a long overdue look at the variety and uses of these wonderful plants in the home and conservatory. From clump-forming to columnar, from trailing to climbing, there are cacti and succulents for every situation and many are listed here according to their uses. Illustrated by her husband's excellent photographs it is a good overview of the subject, albeit lacking slightly in depth, in particular the cultivation details of the different genera. For the novice collector this is a well-informed look at the way these plants can be displayed and should inspire them to search out the more unusual varieties at the same time as discovering new ways of showing the plants off to their best advantage. For those uninitiated in these plant's charms, just a flick through the book will incite a more lingering look and possibly the start of a new interest.
