A couple of years ago, at a Northwest Horticultural Society spring plant sale, I succumbed to the charms of hepaticas. I bought several, but my learning curve was steep. I was expecting them to be ephemeral, leaves disappearing in the summer like their close relatives, the anemones. I was surprised when the leaves persisted through the summer, and chagrined when a couple died because of insufficient water.
Of course, I could have done more research in the Miller Library. That is much easier now with the addition of “My World of Hepaticas” by John Massey, with scientific input by Tomoo Mabuchi. Massey is the owner of Ashwood Nurseries, located near Birmingham, England.
This book is a treasure only available from Ashwood. Hundreds of sumptuous photographs demonstrate the beauty and variety of these flowers, including a myriad of hybrids and their often-delightful foliage. It is more than just a picture book, as I found guidance to ensure the well-being of future additions to my garden.
The authors recognize ten species, and Massey describes each, typically from his trips to their native places around the globe. Sections titled “field notes” chronicles these location visits, describing the ecological niches, but also his interactions with the local people who shared his passion.
“This book isn’t just about hepaticas. It is in fact a huge adventure story, traveling the globe and, most of all, meetings lots of wonderful, exciting people. I often feel I am the luckiest person in the world.”
Profiles of many of these people are in a chapter titled “The Cast (Friends & Mentors),” who like the plants, hale from many places. Throughout the book, Massey recalls fondly his visits to their specialty gardens, nurseries, and hepatica exhibits.
Another story, told by a long-time Ashwood employee, tells of the challenges of mounting a display of hepaticas for the famous Chelsea Flower Show. Held in late May, this meant the early blooming plants needed holding back, an elaborate process involving cold storage and frequent monitoring.
Fortunately, my surviving hepaticas do not need this much attention, but this book will likely entice me to buy more!
Reviewed by Brian Thompson in Garden Notes: Northwest Horticultural Society, Spring 2023