Jerry Baker is known as America's master gardener--millions of would-be gardeners have warmed to his folksy PBS appearances and made bestsellers out of The Impatient Gardener and The Impatient Gardener's Lawn Book. Like Baker's other books, Flower Power is inexpensive and accordingly short on pretty pictures, but long on good advice, simply presented. For example:

In spring, generously apply wood ashes from your fireplace all around your perennials, several inches deep. This will help to enrich the soil. You can also use dried dog food for the same purpose. It contains many of the same nutrients found in organic fertilizers, such as blood meal and bone meal.

Flower Power gives no-nonsense directions for growing annuals, perennials, bulb plants, roses, and flowering shrubs and trees, with Baker's enthusiasm bursting through on every page.