Karen Platt's blog

Timber Press books USA

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:30:40 +0000

I would like to alert readers to the fact the new release from Timber Press, ‘Black Plants’ following hot on the heels of their release, ‘Green Flowers’ and the earlier release in 2005 ‘Striking Silver’. It is not coincidence that these titles relate directly to my own titles ‘Black Magic and Purple Passion’ first edition in 2000, now in its third edition; ‘Emeralds’ released in 2004 and Silver Lining just one month before Timber’s book on the subject in 2005. So why the similarity? When I first came to the Northwest Flower and Garden show in Seattle to sign books in 2001, the first edition of ‘Black Magic and Purple Passion’ was a huge hit. I was hounded by Timber Press to sign a contract to produce a second edition. They asked me what I was doing next. Since I had been told they were a professional, bonafide company, I had no hesitation in revealing my next titles. So I discussed the books I had already planned on gold plants, silver plants and on green flowers. I had already planned a second edition of my black plants book. However, when I received the contract, I was wary of the wording and sent it to my lawyer. She advised me to throw it away, saying I would not earn a penny from such a contract. I tried to negotiate a better deal with Timber, however, Bob Conklin, then publisher, told me to ‘sign or we’ll get someone else to write the books and leave you without a leg to stand on’. I said I had no wish to work with such unscrupulous people. I do not regret my decision but I am appalled that Timber should plagiarise my work and undermine my livelihood in such an unprofessional manner. I feel you should be able to approach a publisher without them taking your work and copying what you do.

I went on to self-publish all my titles. All my books on these subjects were released prior to anything Timber Press did. My books have sold well in the USA, particularly on the West coast where I designed black gardens at the Northwest Flower & Garden and the San Francisco Garden shows in 2003. They also sell well in most parts of the world and of course in the UK where I was born and bred and still live.

I hope that if you feel the need to mention Timber Press books in any way in regard to the above titles, that you will also mention my original works, which are still by far the most comprehensive books on the market. For example, my book on black plants now has over 2750 dark plants within its pages, Timber Press’ book has just 75. I spent over 12 years researching colour and plants. I am the founder of the International Black Plant Society and also of the International Society for Green Flowers. I am known as the foremost authority on black plants in the world, a position I have held for over 20 years.

My books are available to order direct from this website and sent around the world by airmail, www.karenplatt.co.uk

You can also find the books at good bookshops (you may have to ask them to order, libraries and also on other online websites).

I thank you all of you, the many thousands that have bought my books for your immense support. If you are visiting this website for the first time, I would be grateful if you would leave a message of support. Anyone wishing to rap Timber Presses knuckles for such behaviour - please be my guest. Vote with your feet - buy the original not a weak copy.

Wild Seeds

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:05:16 +0000

Just looking at my friend Vojtech Holubec’s website and his seed list. I felt compelled to write about Eriophyton wallichii, a treasure, seed of which is obtainable from Vojtech in the Czech Republic. Short erect stems and scale-like basal leaves, silvery-downy on top with sessile flowers in late summer. Best in gravelly, humus, moist semi-shade. This choice beauty hails from scree at the highest levels in Bhutan and the Himalaya. Sow seed when ripe.Veronica polifolia according to Rocky Mountain Rare Plants, but Vojtech has it as porolifolia, has interesting dark purple flowers. For more rock garden gems including true blue Corydalis, visit the website at www.villevekster.com

Harrogate Spring Flower Show 2009

admin — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:07:40 +0000

It’s that time of year again - show time. Spring always starts with the Harrogate Flower Show. This year the show picks up the theme of organic gardening and providing food for the family. Bod Ayre Products travel down from the Shetland Isles, where they harvest seaweed around the isles and sell it to gardeners and farmers. They exhibit at the show for the first time.West-Yorkshire’s GrowAid will show its natural, biodegradeable slug repellant and weed suppressant, a by-product of the wool textile industry. If you are stuck for what to grow there is plenty of advice from national plant societies and lots of plants to buy from the nurseries, who create marvellous displays each spring.Show dates: 23-26 April at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.For more information, visithttp://www.flowershow.org.uk

Emeralds and green flowers

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 09:32:55 +0000

As Timber Press release what is the second copy of my work, one can only hope that it backfires on them and offers me an opportunity of some piggy-back PR.In 2001 I attended the Northwest Flower and Garden Show for the first time. I went to sign copies of my book ‘Black Magic and Purple Passion’. The US public took to me like ducks to water and the buzz word was ‘that little black plant book’. In those days Timber Press had their own stand (booth) at the show. I was approached by Anna Mumford, who was their rep in the UK, to talk about publishing. As I had almost sold out of the book, I was already thinking of an expanded second edition. I had sold 65 books at the show, little idea of how it would go on to sell hundreds at each future show, but as I was told, more than Timber had sold on their stand - think of how many books they had. They wanted the book very badly and offered a contract there and then. All my American friends thought this was good for me, and that I’d make a million. So I guess I was caught off guard, or just plain stupid, when asked what my next books would be, I innocently replied green flowers, silver foliage and gold foliage.Some weeks on, the contract arrived. Despite being eager, they presented me with a very poor contract. I was rather suspicious when I was being pushed to sign quickly. So I took it to my solicitor. She said, in 20 years of reading through publishers’ contracts, she had never seen one so bad. She said “if you want to get your name around and not to make a penny, sign it but if you make your living from writing, tear it up”. She assured me that if I signed, I would never see any money. I was assured by Anna Mumford that she had got Timber to raise the meagre advance, and they made minor alterations but nothing substantial. The then owner, Bob Conklin got involved to everyone’s demise. He tried to force me to sign the contract writing in an email “if you don’t sign, we’ll get other authors to write the books and leave you without a leg to stand on”. I told him quite flatly that I did not work with people like that.I self-published not only the second and third editions of ‘Black Magic and Purple Passion’ but also my book on gold foliage ‘Gold Fever’, silver foliage ‘Silver Lining’ and ‘Emeralds’. Each is the most comprehensive book of its kind. Timber Press have published a book on silver foliage and now on green flowers. Neither of them do more than scratch the surface, their green flowers book has, for example, just 85 flowers - my ‘Emeralds’ book, published in 2005 has 1,000 flowers because I researched my topic fully. Their author on black pulled out. As I have established ‘firsts’ here, doing thorough research and establishing what amounts to an encyclopaedia on each colour. For any author to ignore my work, means that they have not researched their subject. Timber are on dodgy ground, but Bob Conklin had that covered too, saying he did not care if I sued because it would be the author that took the blame and consequences.What kind of author copies someone else’s work? What kind of publisher deliberately seeks to go after another publishers titles and have them copied? Whilst it could be flattering, I don’t find it to be so. I hope that you, the public will buy the original work and read the ground-breaking books that brought colour and choice back into our gardens. I hope that the press will have done their research and will mention the books I wrote. Let this stand as a warning to all potential authors - not to copy, not to trust anyone until they have a signed contract, not to sign a contract unless it is seen by a lawyer and to research, research, research.

Craft and garden book reviews

admin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:42:20 +0000

Our weekly batch of craft and garden book reviews have gone online on the separate book review site - http://www.karenplatt.co.uk/reviewsDon’t forget to stop by and see what we have reviewed. I am reviewing garden, garden design, textiles, embroidery, quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, jewellery, patchwork, applique, collage, art, painting, drawing, architecture, polymer clay, beads, ceramics, woodwork, photography and many more subjects.Most of the books are brand new, some are backlist titles that I believe are essentials must-haves in these subjects. I have so far reviewed books for over 20 publishers large and small from the UK and USA. I am now receiving books from smaller publishers and specialist publishers as well as top crafters who have self-published, such as Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn.Look out for the craft DVD reviews going up next week. You’ll find some of my favourite authors here and you’ll also find books that are perhaps not reviewed elsewhere. So if you love craft books or garden books, make a regular visit tohttp://www.karenplatt.co.uk/reviews to read our craft book reviews and garden book reviews. Keep in touch for latest book reviews and news on crafts of all kinds and garden news too.

International Society for Green Flowers

admin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:42:01 +0000

I founded the International Black Plant Society in 2002 for lovers of all black plants. Many people have joined the society over the years. At the same time I started to research black plants, the first person to do so, I also became interested in green flowers. The culmination of my research resulted in ‘Black Magic and Purple Passion’, first published in 2000 and now in its third edition. The research also culminated in the publication of ‘Emeralds’ in 2005, another first in horticulture - the first ever book on green flowers.I am known for my intense research before I publish, for my in-depth knowledge of my subject and the fact that I have changed horticulture and the way in which we see and use colour. The black plants book now has 2750 dark plants, whilst the green plants book focuses on no less than 1,000 green flowers as well as 500 choice green foliaged plants and some variegated plants too. Now I have launched the International Society for Green Flowers. Sign up today. www.karenplatt.co.uk/books/green/

Snow Hath Fallen

admin — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:11:08 +0000

Snow hath fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter.Why did I choose this winter to leave my pelargoniums wrapped in fleece in the hanging baskets? Any other winter recently, I might have got away with it. So this winter I decided to put it to the test. 2009, and we have the worst winter for 18 years. The poor plants might have had more luck if the snow was dripping from the roof and freezing on them - hence the icicles. It’s when the roots of plants freeze that you’ve got big trouble.My poor pine, Pinus strobus, which is 9 years old, is suffering the same fate as it sits beneath the hanging basket in a stone pot bought for me by my dear friend Jo.

Of Course, here is Sheffield, we have only suffered 18cm (measured on top of the bin), whilst elsewhere in the south, they have really had it bad. I remember the winter of 1963, 60cm (2ft) of snow in March that seemed to want to stay until summer. I can’t say I dislike it, except for walking on a sheet of ice. To look at just-fallen snow, it is pure, dreamy, clean and fresh. Cold winters serve a purpose too - they kill off a lot of the bugs.As for my poor plants, lessons learned - don’t trust the English weather, ever!

Northwest Flower and garden Show to close

admin — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:59:00 +0000

This cannot be happening. Duane Kelly started the NWFGS in Seattle 21 years ago. His hard work and determination made it, in my opinion, the best garden show in America and beyond. I much preferred this show to the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It has none of the stuffiness of the latter and lots more going for it. Everyone has a bash, not just the rich and already famous. True, most of the garden displays were not of international standard, but many had fun ideas that could be used or interpreted.The NWFGS was my first introduction to American horticulture, and my first visit to mainland America. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t what I saw. The overall standard of the displays has always been top-notch - if Americans get one thing right, it’s how to display and sell. Unlike English shows where visitors come to look, Americans spend - compare that to Chelsea where you cannot even buy plants. The garden sundries were interesting, creative, nothing like you would get here and they were fantastic. I guess what the show had most of all was atmosphere, I’ve never seen it elsewhere not even at Duane’s other show in San Francisco. The NWFGS was the creme de la creme.This was my kind of show. In 2001, at the invitation of the U.S. company I was working with at the time, I went over there to sign copies of my new book ‘Black Magic and Purple Passion’ - the first book on black plants. A roaring success, I went back the following year. I then had the idea for a black and gold garden and was fortunate enough to execute that in 2003. It took the show by storm and I became the buzz word as one friend put it. From that point on the show had Platt fever as the colours of gardens changed dramatically and all the speakers wanted to talk about colour. Funny they had not thought of it before. I returned in 2004 and sold a record 880 books at the show in just five days. I equalled that in 2005 by which time I had four books out on colour as well as the black one, ‘Gold Fever’, ‘Silver Lining’ and ‘Emeralds’ had followed suit.I spoke last year and the atmosphere was different, not as many visitors and the ones that were there were hanging on to their money. Some complained at the ticket price, it’s less than half that of Chelsea and in with the ticket price, you get the chance to choose from over 120 seminars - beat that if you can. The recession hit the U.S. before it hit the U.K. and at least Duane Kelly admitted this unlike other shows that have tried to pretend that everything is the same. You cannot take away the fact that this is still the premier show for gardeners.After 21 years, after the 2009 show, which takes place 18-22 February 2009 at the Convention Centre, downtown Seattle, Duane Kelly, the brains behind the show has decided it’s time to close the doors. Duane has not so far found a buyer for the show. Whilst no-one could blame Duane for stepping down; he truly deserves all the applause anyone can muster for creating such a fine show; I feel a deep and regrettable sadness that the show should close. I cannot explain to you what this show meant to me - it was like waking from a long and troubled sleep to find a dream come true. Recognition for my work and people that not only believed in me but some that worshipped me too. I’m kind of hoping this is one of Duane’s innovative marketing ploys to increase visitors for this year. I’d go down on my knees and beg him to continue, I don’t think I’d be alone. But all things come to pass. If you have never been this is your last chance to see the greatest garden show on earth.A deep and sincere thank you for the dream Duane. To all your wonderful staff that interacted with me over the years, and to all the booth holders that sold my books, to Janet Endsley for choosing me to speak and to Jim who gave me my first chance to speak there, to Kyle Eldred for his support, to all the garden writers who wrote about what I did and to all the visitors, the American public who shared my vision and shaped my world when they took the time to speak to me and to buy books. Thank you.Another door will open and I have the fondest memories of my time at the show and of Seattle, the American city I love the best. Watch this space for my next tour to America.

Craft, Art and Garden Book Reviews

admin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:50:31 +0000

Towards the end of 2008, I started a new section of the website dedicated to book reviews. Not just gardening, but all the other things I love or am involved in. So here you will find many crafts and art books. So far I have reviewed books on art, quilting, polymer clay, patchwork, dyeing, embroidery, being green, felting, fibre arts including textiles, glass beads, home styling, jewellery, knitting, metal crafts, paper crafts, photography, pottery, sculpture, sewing, weaving and woodwork. The pages take a little while to load because there are so many reviews and most have images of the book cover. So all you crafters out there, get your nose in here for a while and find the best art and craft books on the market. I am also going to get busy putting up some of the things I have made for sale. So far, these consist of jewellery, knitwear and art. http://www.karenplatt.co.uk/reviews

The International Black Plant Society

admin — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 14:43:09 +0000

Get ready to join the only plant society dedicated to a colour. Renewals take place in May each year and this is the best time to join us.We offer news on black plants, opinions and garden talk. Contributions are most welcome. So if you have anything to say about black plants, or you want to find out all about them, join now. You can save on the joining fee when you buy the book on 2750 black plants, ‘Black Magic and Purple Passion’ at the same time. For further details seewww.karenplatt.co.uk/books/black