Landscape Plants - Their Identification, Culture and Use
by Ferrell M. Bridwell
This is the most used-friendly plant encyclopedia we have seen. Each of 480 landscape plants is treated on one full page. The plants are grouped in chapters according to their use in the landscape: Groundcovers; Vines; Dwarf Shrubs; Medium Shrubs; Large Shrubs; Small Trees; Medium Trees; Large Trees; Grasses, Palms and Bamboo; and then further divided into evergreen and deciduous where appropriate. (If you want to look up a specific plant that you know the name of, you can use the index.) Each plant is illustrated with two, three or four color photographs, showing the whole plant and close-ups of flowers, leaves and/or fruits. The information provided for each plant includes hardiness zones; height; width; habit; texture; foliage color; growth rate; leaf description; flower description; fruit description; pest problems; selected cultivars; related species; exposure and cultural requirements; and landscape notes. All this information is neatly arranged, always in the same place on each page, and clearly and concisely written. Truly a pleasure to use! The illustrated glossary (called "Plant Parts") is one of the best we have seen. This book is expensive, but we believe it's the best resource available for landscape architects, nursery operators, and homeowners who want to design their own landscapes.
