Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia

Description

This lavishly illustrated encyclopedia describes the best woody plants from Abeliophyllum to Zenobia, adapted to cooler climates. It shows both habit and details-- flower, fruit, bark, fall color--for more than 500 species and describes some 700 additional cultivars and varieties, many of which are illustrated.

There has never been a book quite like this because the author brings unique qualifications and experience to the task: as well as being one of the most influential figures in American horticulture, Mike Dirr is also a supurb photographer, and over a period of more than 25 years he has created a library of exemplary photographs of noteworthy trees, shrubs, and vines. The photographs that illustrate each selection in this volume have been chosen as the best of Dirr's enormous slide collection.

THis book also displays the fourthright personality that has made Dirr such an admired teacher: he does not adopt the facade of erudition, but expresses his admiration (""An absolutely magnificent plant in its finest forms"") or dislike (""In all my traveling and consulting work, I have never recommended, at least when conscious, a poplar"") in straightforward language> his suggestions for culture and landscape use are based on his extensive experience with trees and shrubs in the wild and in cultivation.

Although intended primarily for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 6, this pictorial encyclopedia will be useful for those in warmer climates as well, since most of the species included will grow in Zones 7 and 8. It also includes useful lists for selecting plants for a variety of conditions or for characteristics such as flower color and fragrance, fruit, and fall color. With more than 1600 color pgotographs, it is a wonderful tool for garden designers, landscape architects, horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts.

Book Awards

*Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Book

*Garden Writers Associations of America Quill and Trowel Awar