The Bench Grafter’s Handbook, Principles & Practice

"It seems to be the British sense of humour to refer to this book as the ‘Grafter`s Handbook’. Better to call it the ‘Grafter`s Bible’. It is quite impossible in a short review to do justice to, or touch on, the wealth of information, thoughts and hints given about grafting in this wonderfully comprehensive and entertaining book.) – ( ‘Everything you need to know but have never been told about bench grafting’ could be just another title) – ( Some chapters are extraordinary. In part three ‘Achieving the Union’ the author discusses the problems of incompatibility.) - (Incompatibility is examined in detail; understanding and recognising its causes and strategies to overcome it are discussed.) – (Part seven is the largest section of the book, dealing with all the different genera and species with a wealth of useful information about the right (and useless) rootstocks, time and technique of grafting etc.) –(it contains 500 full-colour photographs and illustrations, which of course makes reading more vivid. A plant index, a subject index and an extensive bibliography of the cited works shows the effort the author has put into his work over many years. This work will certainly be a long term standard reference book on bench grafting." Review from Eike Jablonski - Senior Professor and Head of Arboretum, Dendrology and Nursery section at Luxemburg College of Horticulture. Review in the International Dendrology Society Yearbook "This is a book for study as well as a great reference for all who want to learn about grafting or gain deeper knowledge of the craft. The book is divided into eight parts covering different aspects of grafting, from background knowledge (“Why Grafting?”) to a most usable checklist with details of more than 200 genera, encompassing over 2,000 species, varieties, and cultivars. […] this book will certainly be a long-term standard reference book for all who are propagating by grafting and for all who show an interest in grafting and want to know more […] Throughout the whole book, photographs and line drawings accompany the text. The book ends with a plant index, a subject index, and an extensive bibliography of works cited " Gert Fortgens, Director of the Trompenburg Arboretum Rotterdam, The International Oak Society Newsletter "Combining practice and science is at the core of Brian Humphrey’s immensely valuable book. […] he draws in this book on an immense fund of science-based practice. In so doing he achieves something which is almost unique, here is an author who distils decades of practical skills, knowledge and competence and produces a volume which will stand as the major reference tome for future generations. […] The book stands on the shoulders of past experts such as Robert Garner, Mike Dirr and Bruce MacDonald and surpasses their achievements since it comes as a direct result of highly-placed employment in the profit-making modern nursery industry. […] Every page of this weighty tome is packed solidly, but very readably, with practical knowledge and information. Brian Humphrey divides his work broadly into two parts - general principles and genera specific requirements. […] The Specific Requirements contains 35 intricate chapters dealing ‘A to Z’ with those genera that are propagated by bench grafting. Rounding this off is an extensive summary table which offers an immediate aide memoire for skilled propagators. [...] Each of these parts is well illustrated with coloured pictures adding interest and readability throughout the work. [...] Brian Humphrey has written a work of true scholarship derived from personal industrial experience integrated with scientific and technical knowledge, that is a very unusual achievement. This volume should be used throughout the nursery industry as a reference source, in colleges and universities as a teaching aid and bought as a cherished life-time purchase by students." Professor Geoff R. Dickson, School of Agriculture Policy and Development, University of Reading, Institute of Horticulture Journal "This book is extraordinarily comprehensive packed with informed detail throughout its 628 pages [...] the amount of information is awe-inspiring, but it is presented in an accessible way, broken down into discrete chapters and sections, well signposted and with two comprehensive indices one on genera the other on subjects. Chapters are also illustrated with multiple photographs [...] the Bench grafter`s Handbook is the last word on the subject. It is a big step up on what has gone before and likely to remain the definitive work on the subject for years to come." Maurice Foster, Honary member of the RHS Woody Plant Committee, The Plant Review "To distil a review of this book into a few short paragraphs is not easy. If the intention is to give the reader a flavour of what is contained within it, I would simply say this. It quite simply supersedes and excels what has gone before it. If you wish to understand what it takes to propagate some of our most treasured plants this will give you that information. [...] Whilst the experience, scholarship and technical information contained within the book are exceptional, what we should particularly celebrate and acknowledge is the desire, scholarly ability and dedication on the part of the author it has taken to produce this manuscript for us and future generations to enjoy and benefit from." Roderick White, Royal Horticultural Society`s Woody Plant Committee, Rhododendron Camellia and Magnolia Group (a Royal Horticultural Society Group) Bulletin "Looking in detail at the information I could not find any flaws at all [...] The information in Brian Humphrey`s book however is not only clear but it also seems very complete. [...] I can do nothing else but conclude this is a very thorough and practical piece of work. As a Dutchman I was also impressed by his extremely complete literature list, including even very many Dutch sources. These are often overlooked as they are written in our obscure language, which, apart from some Belgians and South Africans, nobody seems to understand. [...] it also is a handbook that helps the amateur as well as the professional [...] from the very basic principles of grafting, to pointers on how to put up a proper working station, or even how to sharpen a knife. I couldn`t think of anything regarding grafting that isn`t mentioned in detail in this handbook. I can recommend this book without any hesitation to anyone involved in grafting, wanting to understand more about the principles of grafting, or just requiring proper information about which plant to use as a rootstock." Cor van Gelderen Proprietor of the Esveld Nursery, Boskoop, The Maple Society Newsletter 'This richly illustrated volume provides nearly encyclopedic coverage of every aspect of bench grafting and may well become the standard reference on the subject for the foreseeable future. In synthesizing decades of scientific literature and professional experience, British nurseryman Humphrey (awarded the O.B.E. in 1987) here outlines the anatomical and physiological principles underlying successful graft unions, and thoroughly describes the types of grafts that can be made and the materials, methods, systems, and facilities necessary to achieve them. Detailed literature reviews for 35 important plant genera, and general recommendations for grafting members of over 200 genera, provide essential information for practicing professionals. Additionally, the author raises significant questions (requiring continued scientific discovery) about the potential role grafting could play in future plant conservation efforts. This work will be of great value to professional and amateur horticulturalists alike, as well as horticulture educators and students.' --R. M. Warner, Michigan State University, CHOICE (May 2020) Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.