The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants by Christopher Brickell, Judy D. Zuk, Judith D. (Ed.) Zuk

From Barnes & Noble

The American Horticultural Society sets the gold standard for gardening reference tomes with this encyclopedic volume, which provides listings for every possible garden plant a reader could imagine (more than 15,000 in total). Stunning in its presentation as well as its scope, the book features more than 6,000 gorgeous full-color illustrations. One particularly beautiful photo spread displays 32 different varieties of dahlia. The editors wisely chose to use botanical names for their alphabetical listings, making them equally accessible to beginners as well as accomplished gardeners. The descriptions are thorough and supply all the pertinent information, from the origin of each plant to the best place in your garden for it and the pests that may threaten it. Although you may need an extra wheelbarrow to lug this hefty book around, it is well worth the effort.

From the Publisher

More than 15,000 plants in 6,000 photographs and illustrations.

The AHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants is the most comprehensive, detailed, and lavishly illustrated guide to garden plants ever published. With authoritative coverage of more than 15,000 ornamental plants, accompanied by nearly 6,000 full-color photographs, it is destined to become the essential reference work for all gardeners, from novice to expert. Plants are arranged alphabetically by their botanical names for fast, straightforward access. All names are completely up to date, and previous names (synonyms) appear as cross-references throughout. Any plant can be located quickly, even if the current botanical name is unfamiliar or not known. Detailed plant profiles, prepared by an international team of more than 40 expert contributors, describe growth habit, leaf and flower anatomy, plant height and spread, geographical origin, and hardiness. A concise introduction to each genus provides essential details of botanical family, native habitat, number of species, and the ornamental qualities for which the plants are grown, together with succinct advice on cultivation, propagation, and pests and diseases. Specially commissioned photographs closely integrated with the plant descriptions, capture the beauty of nearly 6,000 plants. The full diversity of growth habits within a genus is shown wherever possible, and special close-up panels illustrate the range of flower colors and shapes. A comprehensive introduction and glossary guide beginners and experienced gardeners alike to a greater knowledge and understanding of the key elements of plant classification, anatomy, and cultivation.

Library Journal

If they can afford it, libraries should have both editions of this invaluable one-volume reference. For gardeners seeking the right plant for the right place but with no knowledge of the specific name, the 1989 title arranges its catalog of 8000 plants not alphabetically by name but by season and color. It starts with color photos and descriptions of large trees, separating them by seasonal interest and by color within each season. It does the same for smaller trees, then for shrubs, climbers, perennials, annuals, rock plants, bulbs, and succulents. Expanding its coverage to over 15,000 plants, the 1997 encyclopedia is organized alphabetically, making it an ideal reference for patrons who want to know what a particular plant looks like, how it grows, and its hardiness zones. Its descriptions of popular plant species, like Narcissus, Primula, and Rhododendron, are a real strength. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Gardeners intimate with plants on a Latin or common name basis can refer to this guide for information on life cycle botany, cultivation issues, and familiar as well as more exotic ornamental plant groups. The standardized entries -- from abelia to zygopetalum -- are augmented by color photographs on each page, a glossary, an index by common plant names, and a recent American Horticultural Society plant heat-zone map complementing the standard USDA hardiness one. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents