Michael Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants has been a textbook in many college courses on identifying trees, shrubs and vines. All illustrations were black and white and the text was written in the language of horticulturists, definitely not the book for a home gardener. Timber Press published Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia in 1997. This book is well suited for everyone from the beginner to the expert. Let's take a look at some features that make this a valuable reference book.
The A-Z Illustrated Guide to Woody Plants makes up Part I of the book. This section is arranged alphabetically by scientific (Latin) name of the plant. The common name is listed directly below the Latin name. Information is presented on the plant which indicates suggested landscape uses along with potential size, growing zones, and recommended cultivars. The plants are illustrated with photographs showing the shape of the plant. Some plants also have close-up photographs of the leaves, seeds or flowers to help in identification. The photographs are outstanding in quality, making this an excellent coffee table book.
Part II of the book assists the reader in selecting plants for certain characteristics or purposes. There are lists of plants where fragrance and flower color are provided. Still other lists identify those with good fall color or interesting bark. One list even tells you whether the plant flowers on old or new wood so you can determine the best time to prune it. These lists make this a valuable book for both the homeowner and the nursery owner or landscaper.
I have no reservation about recommending this book for everyone from beginners to experienced professionals. It will instill a deeper appreciation for the value of woody plants in the landscape in the reader.
Dead Daisies Make Me Crazy
Do you need a book that would encourage the gardener on your gift list to try gardening organically? Loren Nancarrow's and Janet Hogan Taylor's book, Dead Daisies Make Me Crazy, published by Ten Speed Press in 2000 is just such a book. I recommend this book for gardeners of all skill level. Let's take a brief look at the book's contents.
Chapter 1 discusses the importance of creating healthy soil in the garden. The next chapter discusses common lawn and garden diseases and presents organic solutions using ingredients such as baking soda, garlic and vinegar. Chapter 3 contains information on controlling garden and lawn pests without using insecticides. Several recipes made from ingredients found in most homes are presented. I found Chapter 4, on making your own fertilizers and compost very interesting. Chapter 5 provides an excellent collection of tips on planting, potting, and maintaining your garden. It even covers keeping Christmas trees fresh or growing quality tomatoes. This chapter is quite comprehensive in scope! The final chapter, 6, discusses wildlife in your organic garden. Dog owners may find the tips on getting skunk scent off your dogs helpful.
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