I taught introductory botany for 43 years. Had A Gardener’s Guide to Botany been available as a textbook, I would have used it every year. Dr. Scott Zona has done a superb job explaining plant biology in a delightful and accurate way. I recommend it without hesitation.”—Prof. Karl J. Niklas, Cornell University
“This is the book I have been waiting for! Dr Zona explains the hows and whys of plant science in a way that everyone can understand, demystifying terms such as polyploidy and angiosperm. This is a must-read for all gardeners who want to expend their understanding of the plants they grow.”—Jane Perrone, creator and host of the On the Ledge podcast
"Gardening is a wonderful hobby that is made all the better by a deeper understanding of the plants we grow. Within these pages, Dr. Scott Zona introduces readers to the inner workings of our botanical companions in a way that is fascinating, easy to understand, and often beautifully illustrated. For those looking to take their gardening hobby to the next level, this book is for you!"—Dr. Matt Candeias, author and host of the "In Defense of Plants" podcast
“As a self- confessed plant geek without any formal training, I have often found gaps in my knowledge of botany. However, I have finally found a straightforward guide to understanding this fascinating world, with simple explanations, clear illustrations, and a delivery that doesn’t assume prior knowledge of the subject! Love it!!!”—Michael Perry, hortpreneur and founder of mrplantgeek.com
“A Gardener’s Guide to Botany distils the complex topic of botany down to essential information that a gardener of any level will find immensely useful. Author Scott Zona achieves this without ‘dumbing down’ or oversimplifying the information. Instead, he offers precisely what a gardener needs to know and reminds us that gardening is not merely an art or a craft, but that it is science. This book will make better gardeners out of all of us.”—Matt Mattus, author of Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening and Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening
"...a source of information that’s not only trusted and highly credible, but also approachable for readers at any level and an absolute joy to read."—Awkward Botany
"Zona does an excellent job of explaining the scientific background of plants in great detail and giving definitions along the way to expand readers’ full understanding. This highly recommended book is a fine addition to all gardening collections."
—Lori Wetherell, Library Journal"If you share a lack of botanical knowledge and are interested in truly understanding plant life, A Gardener’s Guide to Botany by Scott Zona (Cool Springs Press, 2023) will educate you in a witty, informative manner."—Triangle Gardener
“The author’s explanations of concepts made this book so easy and fun to read. It made we wish I had this book when I was studying biology in high school and college.”—Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago, 2023 AHS Book Award Committee Member
“When I was reading it, I found myself thinking, wow, plants are so freaking amazing and I just want to grow them all.”—Viveka Neveln, 2023 AHS Book Award Committee Member
“Useful for people at different levels of learning—it’s for readers who want a deeper understanding.”—Kimberly Toscano Holmes, 2023 AHS Book Award Committee Chair
“Scott Zona is a wizard of botany!... The dude just came out with a great book… it’s Scott Zona’s botany crash course!” —Joey Santore, Crime Pays but Botany Doesn’t podcast
"...filled with fascinating photographs of plants from around the world to illustrate his points. Truly, every page is worthwhile, which is a claim not easy to make for a textbook. Even a cursory reading of the book will leave the reader in awe of how exquisitely plants have evolved to adapt and thrive no matter what environment they inhabit."—Washington Gardener - Top Gardening Books of 2023