All the colors of a rainbow

This munchkin-size coffee-table book on flowers will appeal to photography buffs as well as those who want to once and for all distinguish their hellebore from their gladiola. Named after a Seattle flower shop, the book is photographed by a one-name artist, Ilona.

The accompanying text takes the florid theme a bit too far -- hydrangeas spill “over time into rich, tone-on-tone hues of amethyst and maroon, lilac and root beer.” But full-page images are the focus, with extreme close-ups on such details as the furry stem of a zinnia and the dew-drizzled leaves of a blood lily. Shot this way, even everyday daisies and run-of-the-mill roses regain all the mystery of the exotic.

Presented in rainbow order, starting with a snow-white Osteospermum daisy and moving onto yellows, oranges and reds before ending with the deep purples of a hyacinth, Fleurish also comes with a handy zone chart for growing the goods in your own backyard.

Alexandria Abramian-Mott