Here's the quintessential 1960s guide to indoor gardening, lush, lovingly illustrated, and packed with everything you need to keep houseplants thriving.
Jean Hersey's text is warm and encouraging (no "green thumb" required), while Harry Marinsky's gorgeous colored-pencil illustrations of 191 plants are the real showstopper.
This is the book plant lovers kept on the coffee table and referenced for decades.
Quick Specs
-
Genre: Gardening / Horticulture
-
Author: Jean Hersey
-
Illustrator: Harry Marinsky
-
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
-
Year: 1965
-
Edition: [not confirmed — add if known]
-
Format: Hardcover
-
Dust Jacket: Yes — present
-
Pages: 128
-
Dimensions: 9.5 × 6.5 × 0.5 inches
-
Cover: Green cloth boards with cream/ivory dust jacket featuring full-color botanical illustrations
-
Special Features: 191 full-color plant illustrations, "Dictionary of House Plants" reference section, table of contents, index
Condition Grade: Good
Notes: Dust jacket shows gentle wear—some edge creasing and light rubbing consistent with age, but colors remain vibrant and all panels present.
Green cloth boards underneath are clean and solid. Interior pages are bright, tight, and unmarked with no writing, stamps, or staining noted.
Binding is secure. No loose pages. Overall, a genuinely handsome copy that's been well-loved and well-cared-for.
See all photos for detail — sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key:
-
Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
-
Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
- Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
-
Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable and collectible but clearly used.
Collector's Notes
This 1965 edition is the refined, full-color version that became the beloved plant bible for a generation of apartment dwellers and home gardeners. Marinsky's botanical artwork is exhibition-quality—the kind of illustration you see in museum shows about mid-century design.
Perfect for the reader who wants a working reference and a shelf decoration that actually looks beautiful. Plant enthusiasts, vintage home décor collectors, and anyone building a mid-century reading library should take a serious look
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
- Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
- Packed with our protective packaging standard
- Ships in 1 business day
- Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)
Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.
