Amazon.com
Collecting contributions from 100 distinguished horticulturists, the handsome and lavishly illustrated American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants is a truly definitive gardening reference. With its 1,092 tiny-print pages, this may not be the book to tuck into your pocket as you weed and mulch, but what this encyclopedia lacks in portability, it certainly makes up for in scope. Hardy and tender plants, heirloom varieties and the latest hybrids--they're all accounted for here, with growing tips and background information about native habitats and ornamental features. You'll also find a fascinating section about botany, as well as information about basic gardening techniques such as mulching, staking, pruning, propagating, and protecting plants for winter. But the encyclopedia's main attraction is the individual plant entries--more than 15,000 of them, embellished with 6,000 full-color photographs and illustrations. From the visual glossary of leaves to the map of growing regions, The American Horticultural Society A-Z of Garden Plants provides an unsurpassed wealth of botanical information, making it the yardstick by which all other gardening references must be measured.
Book Description
The most comprehensive, detailed, and lavishly illustrated guide to garden plants ever published, first published in 1997, has now been completely revised to include nearly 250 new plants and photos. The AHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants is an essential reference for all gardeners, from novices to experts.
Customer Reviews:
Just what I was looking for.......2007-08-23
I am very pleased with my choice of many horticultural books that are on the market. It has all of the information that I was looking for and more. Yes, it is pretty hard to haul around the garden, but worth it!
American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants.......2007-08-10
I just purchased 3 more of this book because it is so complete and great that my 3 children keep borrowing mine.
A must for any gardener.......2007-07-15
I had been admiring this book at my local library for quite a while and was surprised to see it offered through Amazon at a great price. This book has wonderful photos of each plant (and species) as well as detailed information, which makes identifying plants so much easier than with any other gardening book out there. If there is one draw back, it would have to be the weight. With over 1100 pages, it is not a book to carry around the garden.
Great housewarming gift!.......2007-03-24
This book works best if paired with The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Each book stands on it's own but the two together give total information and abundant photos. I bought one set for new homeowners about to plan their first yard and bought another set for myself. Even after gardening for many years, these books provide answers to questions that come up every gardening season.
The books are substantial in weight as well as information.
American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia.......2007-01-12
This is an excellent source of information about plants and the photographs are wonderful.
Book Description
Gardeners who seek an up-to-date, authoritative guide to the wealth of garden-worthy ferns available today will find none better than Sue Olsen. Drawing from four decades of experience as a fern specialist, Olsen leads the reader through every genus with horticultural merit, focusing primarily on the temperate species but also including tropical ones. The remarkably comprehensive plant directory presents succinct descriptions for nearly 1000 ferns and fern allies from Acrostichum to Woodwardia, with habitat information, cultural recommendations, and help on plant identification. Chapters on the history, cultivation, propagation, and structure of ferns; a series of appendices highlighting plants mostly likely to thrive in various locations throughout the world and in special conditions; and lists (with contact information) of fern societies, places to see ferns, and specialty nurseries provide readers with everything they need to know to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of ferns. This expansive, well-organized reference is enriched with anecdotal insight and lavishly illustrated with 700 photographs.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent ........2007-09-04
The photogrsphy is the best I've seen in books about ferns making it easy to use for identifying ferns. The descriptions are thorough and include necessary information for growing most of the ferns.
Excellent book on garden ferns.......2007-05-12
Although not comprehensive Sue Olsen's encyclopedia of garden ferns certainly is one of the most complete volumes on this subject. Good descriptions, interesting background information, generally very clear and to the point photography enabling identification of species at first glance.
Book Description
The complete, fully illustrated guide to natural and chemical-free gardening. Whether an experienced gardener looking to go organic or a beginner wanting to create a healthy, eco-friendly garden, Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening contains the tips and techniques needed to produce beautiful flowers, top-quality herbs, and appetizing, wholesome fruits and vegetables. Explore the latest methods for cultivation without chemicals, discover the benefits of composting, and learn how to maintain an organic garden year-round.
Customer Reviews:
Poorly researched.......2007-09-27
This book is poorly researched. One section of the book talks about fungi being plants that do not undergo photosynthesis. This idea has not been accepted by the science community since the mid 50s. It goes on to mention potato blight as common pathogenic fungi....potato blight is not casued by a fungi. The causative pathogen (an oomycete) was once in the kingdom fungi but later moved to a different kingdom in the late 70's. This leads me to beleive that the authors have taken a lot of updated information for granted. I could go on and on about this book. If you are new to gardening and and want something to ready this is an OK book. If you want or need a book that give real uptdate advice this is not the book. In my opinonin this book falls into the catagory of books that are ment to be on a coffe table and not really used. A good name was used to sell a poor product.
Gardening made easy........2007-08-27
I find this book very user friendly. I find the format helpful and it's contents very informative. I especially find the care and pruning guides helpful and the variety of topics inspiring.
Brilliant! Buy this book........2007-07-26
I've been gardening for a few years, and this book really broadened my knowledge. Also made me feel less like a cheapskate for not running out to buy all the latest garden gizmos - they point out that you can reuse pruned shoots, for example, to stake up your garden plants. Highly recommended.
excellent resource.......2007-03-18
If you are interested in organic gardening, this is the book to have. I have not had one question that it couldn't answer yet!
Awsome reference book.......2006-12-01
If I could only have one book it would be this one. It is what is says...an Encyclopedia. Luckily I'm not limited to only one book as it does not cover some topics as well as other books. But that's the point of an encyclopedia..touch on all topics as best as can be done for the space available.
The first 30 pages are dedicated to the history of the organic movement and the basic design recommendations for an organic garden.
The next 70 pages cover the basics of soil care, watering, weed control, plant health and raising plants.
The next 100 pages cover various garden aspects like lawn care, woody plants, garden flowers, container gardening, gardening for wildlife and the use of greenhouses and covers.
Another 100 pages cover growing fruit, herbs and vegetables. This section alone is larger than 90% of most gardening book and well worth the price of the book alone.
It has the standard appendix and reference sections you would expect for a gardening book but a surprising extra is the H.D.R.A Organic Guidelines for Gardeners that is included as an appendix. I didn't even know such a thing existed until I read this book. Absolutely wonderful!
Book Description
Conifers for Gardens is intended to take away the element of uncertainty when you're choosing a plant that may alter your yard for years to come. Profusely illustrated with more than 1,500 crisp photographs and brimming with concise descriptions of both species and their numerous cultivars, this meticulously researched reference provides information — including size, appearance, hardiness, preferred growing conditions and susceptibility to pests and diseases — for almost every hardy conifer you're likely to encounter in the trade, whether it's a tried-and-true favorite or a connoisseur's treasure. So if you've ever been torn between, say, 'Golden Mop', 'Lemon Thread', and 'Sungold' sawara-cypresses, relax — choosing and identifying conifers just got a whole lot easier.
Customer Reviews:
Conifers For Gardens.......2007-08-08
At last a conifer book that gives us the courage and knowledge to grow conifers in our home gardens. That's the problem with conifers--people dislike them or fear them because they don't know them and understand them. It's hard to love conifers and buy them and grow them if one doesn't see their attraction and potential. If we understand them, conifers can have a meaningful relationship with our gardens. Bitner's book helps us see the beauty of conifers and it encourages people to love conifers. When you read this book you'll want to introduce some conifers to your prized plants at home and make conifers part of your garden structure and personality.
Bitner's photographs are fantastic. They show the overall habit as well as beautiful close-up shots of the needles, cones and bark. The book is a very user friendly reference as it is organized alphabetically by generic names; beginning with an interesting overview of the genus followed by details of species and cultivated varieties within the genus. His plant descriptions are thorough and informative. He also tells us how to and where to grow conifers. Bitner's crisp and descriptive writing style is refreshingly filled with tidbits and stories about conifers--conifers that provide food or shelter for wildlife, some that are not so tasty to "hoofed browsers", those that are used for their wood and other commercial products, selections for "holiday trees", and he often includes many conifers' historical ties to native Americans and early settlers.
This book should be by every gardener's bedside for fun and interesting reading and it is a "must have" for the any serious gardener's reference shelf. I don't know how we survived so long without it.
At last, an excellent guide to choosing conifers!.......2007-07-20
If your idea of a conifer is one of those green blobs overgrowing a door or a window, you need to buy this book. It is an excellent guide to the great range of conifers available to gardeners, and it shows you what they would look like in your garden. Well organized and easy to read, it tells gardeners which conifers would be best suited to particular situations. And it offers information on many dwarf alternatives that are available to the increasing number of gardeners with small yards. If you have been intimidated by conifers in the past, you will be empowered after reading this book.
Great Textbook and Home Garden Resource.......2007-07-12
Dr. Bitner's love of conifers is apparent in this wonderfully illustrated encyclopedia. His descriptions of the genera, species and cultivars allows the gardener the opportunity to make the right selections for the right spot in the garden.
This is definitely a must have for the novice and professional as a great resource.
Kudos to Dr. Bitner!!
Conifers for Gardens.......2007-06-08
As a home gardener, I found this book extremely helpful. The photographs are beautifully composed, and there is a wealth of information on how the wood from various conifers is used. The comments on how wild critters use the trees are also most interesting. An excellent reference book to keep on my bookshelf.
Best Conifer Book for American Gardens.......2007-06-07
This is the first comprehensive book on American conifers to appear in twenty years. The two volume Van Huey Smith book is almost that old (reprinted with later dates), has minimal text and the photographs are poor. The Bloom book on gardening with conifers is attractive, more recent, has beautiful pictures, but British and, therefore, limited in scope.
This one offers well-organized, thorough info on 1370 species and 1,550 good photographs for choosing garden-worthy selections. It handles ornamental attributes, culture, pests and diseases, value to wildlife (including attractiveness to "hoofed browsers") traditional uses of the wood, and best dwarf cultivars for bonsai, particularly useful to those of us who are downsizing or just want to grow conifers in containers on a small patio or deck.
Ornamental features are illustrated (i.e. most genera have good photos of typical foliage, bark, cones, etc.) along with brief descriptions of available cultivars, their habit, growth rate, distinguishing features, etc., many trees shown in garden settings. Most were photographed in arboreta and public gardens from the NE, mid-W to the NW, Canada, and throughout Germany.
In the appendix are lists of recommendations for specific conditions, a discussion of the qualities one should expect in selecting a holiday tree, lists of specialty conifer nurseries, and places to view conifers in the US, Canada, Britain, and Germany (with website listings.)
The book reads like a series of well-prepared lectures by a knowledgeable instructor. I would enthusiastically recommend it to anyone considering selecting appropriate conifers for gardens, either as a professional landscape architect, garden designer or home gardener.
Book Description
The Complete Encyclopedia of Garden Flowers offers a host of ideas and advice about a vast range of flowering plants. This handy, all-encompassing reference with over 1400 photographs covers every flowering plant imaginable and provides a guide to growing both traditional plants as well as more unusual varieties. Useful tips show how to get the most from any plant in the garden and detailed descriptions and cultivation requirements make even a beginning gardener shine.
Customer Reviews:
Great overview but not enough details.......2005-03-07
I found this book quite helpful in idenitifying plants in my new yard. Since I did not have the luxury of asking the previous home owner what was planted, I have had to rely heavily on this book to tell me what I have. The down side is that while the book has beautiful photos, it does not give many details. So if you you are looking to know every little thing about a plant then this is not the book for you.
Great pictures but ........................2003-11-27
Given the fact that the publication is dated 2003, I would have thought that the book would at a minimum reference most plants in existence today. I have many plants in my garden which are yet to be found in the book...Being from the Caribbean, I thought for a moment that the word American was missing from the title however, many of the plants to which I refer are found in the USA ... in particular in Florida...strange!
The content under the heading 'Cultivation' is very general and extremely high level, not sufficient to properly guide one in growing flowers, as we all know in many instances the requirements do differ depending on the hybrid..
Great book for pictures and perhaps for persons who just need an overview of types of flowers in existence but not for a serious gardener.....lots more work needed
alot of plants.......2003-09-12
the book shows alot of plants that are not in all books
Book Description
The essential practical guide to a classic art.
Customer Reviews:
Growing Bonsai: A practical encyclopedia...........2007-09-21
On the surface this book seems to have 600 photos of trees but it repeats toward the back many of the same trees over and over. Also I hope you can read what appears to be Dutch because the first 19 pages are in that language and then the rest of the book is English! Definately a book for the dilatante or coffee table casual reader.
Beautiful as well as essential.......2007-01-07
This is a visually beautiful book that is even more valuable for its contents. A must have if you want to be inspired by beautifully photographed examples of classic trees, along with guidelines for how to begin to create trees in those style. You need to have this book if for no other reason than for the inspiration that it offers.
Amazon.com
According to editor Steve Bender, southern gardeners are conservative, traditional but a bit eccentric in their plant choices (meaning they'll grow whatever Daddy grew, even if it's spotted or carnivorous), and dedicated (as they have to be to continue to weed and mow through the summer). This book celebrates the uniqueness of the southern garden. It's remarkably well organized, with colored page edges demarcating the different sections, the largest of which is the alphabetized plant encyclopedia in the middle. The best part of the book, however, may be the substantial section titled "Plant Selection Guide," which consists of a series of illustrated lists: "Fragrant Plants," "Plants that Attract Butterflies," "Plants Easy to Propagate," "Plants That Tolerate Drought," etc. With its lay-flat binding and excellent index, it's sure to be a favorite garden reference for quite a few gardeners, southern or otherwise.
Customer Reviews:
Must-have for Landscape Architects (especially students).......2002-04-18
This is the most complete resource I have found, covering annuals and perennials, trees and shrubs, grasses and ferns, all in one easy-to-handle volume. Most plant books are huge, heavy hardbacks difficult to carry in a backpack and only address one subject. This is my bible for planting design, as the sections in the front of the book on "Plants for Shade", "Drought-Tolerant Plants", etc. are very helpful in reminding me what plants to use where. However, this book might not be very helpful to amateur gardeners whose knowledge of plants may be limited, as it does not offer suggestions of attractive and successful plant combinations. Also, I wish that Southern Living would publish an updated addition with more recent varieties of plants.
Landscape Architect loves it.......1999-12-15
I have many garden books, but none is as complete for southern gardeners. This book is more than just an overview. It does a great job of giving the different characteristics of the many varieties of each plant listing. Very up to date. Useful for professionals and weekend gardeners.
Too Educational.......1998-12-29
I agree with the other reviews, that the author is very competent in his knowledge of plants. I found the format somewhat like a textbook, with the pictures separate from the plant descriptions a somewhat displeasing feature. Statements are too brief and too technical to be really beneficial to a new gardner. Also use of zones was infrequent and almost nonexistent. I find that a must in choosing plant material.
Plants for Southern Gardeners I've seen nowhere else!.......1998-11-19
This is a very useful book for finding information on plants available to Southern gardeners that I can't find in any of my other gardening resources.
It's a Winner!!.......1998-08-24
First of all, anything by Steve Bender has got to be good. This man knows the art of southern gardening like the back of his hand and is my favorite writer along with Felding. As a long time southern gardener I can tell all new comers to the south to get this book and bypass all the mistakes usually made down here. You won't be sorry and it will become a bible of gardening for you...Deb
Book Description
Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants is the definitive photographic reference to the full range of plants available to the water gardener. This volume includes hundreds of water garden plants often overlooked in other books, such as marginal plants, floating plants, bog plants, and submerged plants. Of course, waterlilies and lotuses are described in detail as well. The encyclopedia offers complete information on hardiness, culture, propagation, and pests and diseases. With more than 700 beautiful color photos and helpful introductory chapters on pots, soils, and fertilizers, this book promises to be the bible for the selection and cultivation of every water garden plant.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource for selection and maintenance of pond plants.......2007-07-27
I have had a pond for 30+ years. This is one of the best and most detailed resouces that I have come across. It is one of the few that details the type of waterlily corms that each variety has. This is extremely helpful in identifying plants that have spread naturally and are not blooming. Great photographs. Uses both common names and scientific names.
A Water Garden Must.......2007-07-09
I love this book. I am new to the pond world and have found my passion. This book is the water gardener's bible. It is extensive in the coverage of all water plants and gives practical information on their care. It is suitable to ponds in any climate. Also, photos are lovely and are great for plant identification.
Excellent Reference Book!.......2007-05-12
I am having a pond build and needed a comprehensive book of aquatic and bog plants that are suitable for Koi ponds. Everything is there at your fingertips. The color plates are wonderful as well as the descriptions. The only downside, it that I wished the authors would have a listing of the fragrant hardy and tropical waterlilies. Other than that, this book is a beauty!
The best in aquatic information.......2007-05-07
I have found the encyclopedia of water garden plants a valuable resource in planting in my area. It contains a wealth of information for your aquatic plants, and how to's.
Aquatic Plants at it's Best.......2007-05-06
Whether you're a commercial grower or just an avid hobbyist, this is the book of all books an aquatic plants. Very informative with excellent pictures, descriptions and pertenant information. A must have for anyone interested in aquatic gardening.
Book Description
Horticulturists, students, and dedicated home gardeners will be familiar with Armitage's authority on this topic from his more technical Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials. That volume was singled out as a winner of the Choice Academic Book Award, the American Horticultural Society Book Award, and the Garden Writers of America Golden Globe Award. While this new offering is a perfect pictorial companion to the Manual, it also stands alone with its personal commentary and inspiring advice on the most interesting, important, or overlooked plants. Armitage selects proven specimens from nearly 200 genera of plants and evaluates their garden-worthiness and sheer beauty. With humor, authority, and a wealth of practical experience, Armitage offers invaluable insights into those plants that truly earn their keep — and a few that do not! He has illustrated the entries with more than 1300 stunning color photos, rounded out by more than two dozen helpful lists of plants suitable for particular situations or uses, including plants for cool-summer areas, plants for dry situations, edible plants, container plants, shade plants, vines, and flowers for cutting.
Customer Reviews:
Another excellent book by Allan Armitage and Timber Press.......2004-03-04
Mr. Armitage is following the format utilized by his earlier book "Armitage's Garden Perennials" and Michael Dirr's "Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs", providing frank information of common and obscure annuals. Comments such as "Bananas...If you are reading this and are not thinking, 'this guy is nuts!', then you are an open-minded gardener, and we can drink beer together." are what makes this a good book. But the pictures are outstanding. If this book had no words other than the description below the picture, it would be an outstanding book. I now have all the reference I need along with "Armitage's Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials". I just need a bigger bookshelf....
Book Description
A ready reference of stimulating garden features from all over the world.
Renowned garden designer Derek Fell has compiled more than 1,000 photographs to create a personal scrapbook of his favorite design features from around the world. Together with his insightful commentary, they provide a wealth of ideas and inspiration for the home gardener.
The book features:
- A-Z listing of more than 150 design categories, from balconies and paths to abstract concepts like silhouettes, framing, and whimsy
- More than 1,000 fully captioned, full-color photographs of award-winning gardens
- Hundreds of practical suggestions for garden planning, planting, and design, and achieving year-round interest.
Valuable tips on plant cultivation mingle with garden history and elegant description as Fell guides readers through famed gardens such as Monet's Clos Normand, Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., and Rome's Villa d'Este, plus private gardens like his own Cedaridge Farm.
Customer Reviews:
Gorgeous Garden Book.......2007-01-01
This is a beautiful book with many pictures and lots of design ideas for gardens.
EXCELLENT reference!!!.......2006-09-06
Wow! I just cannot say enough good things about this book! When it arrived, before opening it I expected to just see another book with black and white sketches telling me things I already knew. But from cover to cover, I found tons of beautiful, inspiring photos of actual gardens and landscaping which has given me many good ideas to incorporate into my own plans. The text is also easy to follow and understand (even for a beginner), the detailed captions are very helpful, and the overall layout of this book, with its various sections broken down, is to be commended. I would give it 10 stars!
Books:
- American species of Amelanchier, (Illinois biological monographs)
- Anatomical studies of flower and fruit in the Hydrocotyloideae (Umbelliferae) (University of California publications in botany, v. 42)
- Bacterial Growth & Form
- Bacteries et environnement. adaptations physiologiques
- Biological Science, Volume 3: How Plants and Animals Work (2nd Edition) (Biological Science)
- Biology of Mycoplasmas (Cell biology)
- Cactus Hotel (An Owlet Book)
- Cell genetics in higher plants: Proceedings of an international training course, 5-17 July, 1976, Szeged, Hungary
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition
- Common weeds in New Zealand: An illustrated guide to their identification with a section on noxious plants (Information series / New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research)
Books Index
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General
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers (American Horticultural Society Practical Guides)
American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening
American Horticultural Society Pests and Diseases: The Complete Guide to Preventing, Identifying and Treating Plant Problems
American Horticultural Society Plant Propagation: The Fully Illustrated Plant-by-Plant Manual of Practical Techniques
American Horticultural Society Pruning & Training (American Horticultural Society Practical Guides)
