What they’re saying about Art Wolk and

Bulb Forcing for  Beginners

               and the Seriously Smitten

“If you think you know how to force bulbs, think again. Art Wolk's book raises the bar. He deftly delivers the basics, exposes all the myths, and delves into every trick possible toward putting a little spring in an otherwise dismal time of year."

—Tovah Martin world-renowned author of Tasha Tudor’s Garden, The New Terrarium, and A Time to Blossom

"Gardeners are known to force bulbs into bloom during the dark days of winter. The splash of color that rewards us as we trick spring into coming early bolsters our dreary mood. Art Wolk, in his new book, Bulb Forcing For Beginners and the Seriously Smitten, does the same thing. His sharp wit and playful look at the world of bulbs can make even the most serious of gardeners grin, and frankly, the gardening world can use more like him. But Wolk knows his stuff, too. With a list of credentials as high as a paper white’s eye, you might think him to be a staid bore, what with all that education and all those awards. Far from it; Art Wolk is the quintessential educator. He’s the professor that endears himself to you and makes you want to do well for all the right reasons.

"As if his ability to teach us the ins and outs of forcing bulbs isn’t enough, he is also an accomplished photographer and Bulb Forcing is full of more than 350 of his beautiful images. Many are so beautiful, they just might be enough to get you through the winter without actually forcing a bulb yourself. But by the time Art gets done with you, you’ll already be out the door and on your way to the garden center to find some.

"Why can’t all gardening books be this fun?"

—Horticulture Magazine, Kylee Baumle

This is the most gorgeous new gardening book since Marina Schinz's Visions of Paradise (published in 1985). It is truly spectacular and the information is spot on.

—Elvin McDonald, author of more than 50 garden books, and Director of Friends of the Des Moines Botanical Center

"If I had bulbs to force, I would force Art Wolk to force them!" 

—Mike McGrath host of National Public Radio's "You Bet Your Garden" and author of You Bet Your Tomatoes, Mike McGrath's Book of Compost, and Kitchen Garden A to Z

"With contagious enthusiasm, Wolk, who has won a Quill & Trowel Award for his garden writing as well as numerous blue ribbons for his bulbs at the Philadelphia Flower Show, gives a preliminary introduction to the five types of bulbs. Then, most important, he divulges his personally tested bulb-forcing methods honed through 30 years of experience. Never intimidating or dull, the book's clear steps for coaxing common and unusual bulbs into bloom are accompanied by compelling illustrations, including stunning two-page color photo spreads and cartoons, along with enough humorous anecdotes about mishaps to put beginners at ease. Few readers will go to the extreme of renting cooler space for bulbs, but gardeners will find other, easier tips for chilling bulbs so they will grow indoors, photographing them, and dealing with problems. Experienced gardeners will relish Wolk's insider insights about flower shows and enjoy his behind-the-scenes look at a commercial bulb house. VERDICT This funny and well-illustrated work is the best recent source for amateur gardeners on bulb forcing. Highly recommended."

—Library Journal

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“Art's envelope-pushing entries at the Philadelphia International Flower Show are among the finest we've enjoyed. When I see Art Wolk at the show, I assume I'll soon be looking at blue ribbons next to his entries (and lesser awards alongside mine)."

—Ray Rogers, author of The Encyclopedia of Container Plants: More than 500 Outstanding Choices for Gardeners, Pots in the Garden: Expert Design & Planting Techniques, and Coleus: Rainbow Foliage for Containers and Gardens

"I’ve been coaxing bulbs for more than half a century. Over the years, Art’s tutelage has honed my skills, and this new book takes the whole process to a higher level of expertise and excitement."

—Nellie Neal ("GardenMama"), National Garden Association Editor and author of Question and Answers for Deep South Gardeners and Organic Gardening Down South

"I just got a great new book, "Bulb Forcing for Beginners and the Seriously Smitten," by Art Wolk. It's loaded with info on how to force every imaginable bulb, with gorgeous photos by Wolk. This is a very practical how-to, step-by-step book that I highly recommend."

—Bill Cary, author of "In the Garden" columns and blog for New York's, The Journal News

"Art tells a wonderful tale here. He blends personal insights with solid information on the science that supports success. Notable for its excellent photographs and entertaining narrative, Bulb Forcing is sure to become the go-to guide for both novices and advanced bulb forcers."

—Liz Ball, author of Pennsylvania Gardener’s Guide and Yard and Garden Basics

"I loved this book! Art Wolk’s Bulb Forcing has easy-to-access instructions, beautiful photos to inspire, and perhaps best of all, the author has a wonderful sense of humor threading through the entire book."

—Kate Jerome, National Gardening Association Editor and author of The American Garden Guides: Oriental Gardening

"Wolk's amazing book will tell you all you need to know about any bulb you've ever thought of forcing. He also includes bulb that you've never heard of, or thought possible to force, and tells it all with great humor. Learn from his mistakes and his prize-winning accomplishments. His smashing photos enliven every page.

—Ellen Spector Platt, horticultural lecturer and author of —Garlic, Onion, and other Alliums, —Wreaths, Arrangements & Basket Decorations: Using Flowers, Foliage, Herbs and Grasses to Make Colorful Crafts, and —Natural Crafts from America's Backyards: Decorate Your Home With Wreaths, Arrangements, and Wall Decorations Gathered from Nature's Harvest

A beautiful book, filled with opulent illustrations and enlightening, entertaining, useful text in Wolk's typical casual, lighthearted style, featuring his personal experiences. Hands down, the best, most complete book on the subject.

—Ilene Sternberg, Garden columnist, Washington Post and Wilmington New Journal, and author of Perennials for Pennsylvania and Best Garden Plants for Pennsylvania

"Art is an extraordinary grower of forced bulbs whose entries at the Philadelphia International Flower Show are usually accompanied with blue ribbons and crowds of visitors."

—Jane Pepper, President, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and author of Jane Pepper’s Garden  

"Art's book is totally wonderful. It's complete and practical, with Art's touch of humor. The how-to illustrations are remarkably clear, and it has stunning color photography. It's sure to become a classic."

—Betty Mackey, renowned garden book author and independent publisher.  

"Art Wolk's passion for bulbs is obvious as soon as you meet him. His [Longwood Gardens] course, called The Art of Bulb Forcing, is the perfect combination of great information, practical how-to advice, and full-blown entertainment. He has a knack for getting just the right combination in the pot to dazzle any wintertime windowsill."

—Dave Thompson, Continuing Education Coordinator, Longwood Gardens  

"Every year I have looked forward to seeing Art's magnificent displays of bulbs.  His entries have helped give the Horticulture display area at the Philadelphia International Flower Show its world-class status."

—Andrew Bunting, curator of Scott Arboretum and Philadelphia International Flower Show Chair of Horticulture