Perennials: The Gardener's Reference by Susan Carter, Bob Lilly, Carrie Becker

From the Publisher

Perennials play a central role in today's gardens, contributing both colorful flowers and, in many cases, handsome foliage. Choosing specific plants, however, can be daunting. Is this plant hardy in my area? How big does it get? When does it bloom? How much sun does it need? What kind of soil does it prefer? What are its water requirements? What are the best varieties? Perennials answers these questions and many others for more than 2700 species and cultivars in 250 genera, making it one of the most comprehensive guides available.

Concise introductory chapters discuss the characteristics of the most important perennial plant families; plants that lend themselves to special kinds of gardens; and general perennial maintenance. The heart of the book is the A-Z encyclopedia. For each genus, the authors give the plant's scientific and common names, origins, preferred growing conditions, and light requirements. They also offer hard-earned advice on management techniques, propagation, pests and diseases, and companion plants. Individual species and cultivars are listed in easy-to-use charts that include height and spread, hardiness zones, foliage and flower characteristics, and other helpful comments. The informative text is enlivened throughout by Lynne Harrison's sumptuous photographs.

Donna L. Davey - Library Journal

Salient details on selecting, planting, and nurturing more than 2700 species and cultivars of herbaceous perennials are packed into this richly illustrated volume of gardening wisdom by authors Carter, Carrie Becker, and Bob Lilly, who boast "nearly two hundred years of collective gardening experience" among them. They offer a summary of plant families and characteristics; a list of plants for special gardens; general maintenance guidelines on soil, sunlight, planting, and mulching; a glossary; recommended gardening titles; and an index. The core of the book is an A-to-Z list of perennials suitable for gardens in North America. Entries are arranged by genus and illustrated with fully captioned color photographs by Harrison (whose work is featured in Fragrance in Bloom) each features a signed paragraph offering sage advice in a friendly but confident voice, as well as lists scientific name, common name, and origin and information on preferred conditions, light, management, propagation, pests and diseases, and companion plants and design. Species and cultivars follow each perennial's entry in easy-to-use charts that indicate height and spread, hardiness zone, bloom time, and foliage. Gardeners are certain to find this an invaluable source. An essential reference tool; recommended for all public libraries.

Details from Seller

• ISBN: 0881928208
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
• Pub. Date: March 2007
• Condition:

Comments from the Seller: Absolutely Brand New & In Stock. 100% 30-Day Money Back. Direct from our warehouse. 5+ million customers served-In business since 1997. Happy Customers is Our #1 Goal. Toll Free Support. 4 to 14 business day Delivery Time by US Post Office.

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents