American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants [Hardcover]

Christopher Brickell (Author)

Book Description

Series: American Horticultural Society Practical Guides | Publication Date: September 1, 1997

More than 15,000 plants in 6,000 photographs and illustrations.

The AHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants is the most comprehensive, detailed, and lavishly illustrated guide to garden plants ever published. With authoritative coverage of more than 15,000 ornamental plants, accompanied by nearly 6,000 full-color photographs, it is destined to become the essential reference work for all gardeners, from novice to expert. Plants are arranged alphabetically by their botanical names for fast, straightforward access. All names are completely up to date, and previous names (synonyms) appear as cross-references throughout. Any plant can be located quickly, even if the current botanical name is unfamiliar or not known. Detailed plant profiles, prepared by an international team of more than 40 expert contributors, describe growth habit, leaf and flower anatomy, plant height and spread, geographical origin, and hardiness. A concise introduction to each genus provides essential details of botanical family, native habitat, number of species, and the ornamental qualities for which the plants are grown, together with succinct advice on cultivation, propagation, and pests and diseases. Specially commissioned photographs closely integrated with the plant descriptions, capture the beauty of nearly 6,000 plants. The full diversity of growth habits within a genus is shown wherever possible, and special close-up panels illustrate the range of flower colors and shapes. A comprehensive introduction and glossary guide beginners and experienced gardeners alike to a greater knowledge and understanding of the key elements of plant classification, anatomy, and cultivation.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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.

From Library Journal

If they can afford it, libraries should have both editions of this invaluable one-volume reference. For gardeners seeking the right plant for the right place but with no knowledge of the specific name, the 1989 title arranges its catalog of 8000 plants not alphabetically by name but by season and color. It starts with color photos and descriptions of large trees, separating them by seasonal interest and by color within each season. It does the same for smaller trees, then for shrubs, climbers, perennials, annuals, rock plants, bulbs, and succulents. Expanding its coverage to over 15,000 plants, the 1997 encyclopedia is organized alphabetically, making it an ideal reference for patrons who want to know what a particular plant looks like, how it grows, and its hardiness zones. Its descriptions of popular plant species, like Narcissus, Primula, and Rhododendron, are a real strength.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1092 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; Reprint edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789419432
• ISBN-13: 978-0789419439
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.8 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #235,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #45 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Gardening

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Referance, December 25, 1999

By 

"-prometheus-" - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants (Hardcover)

This book is the ultimate reference guide for the home gardener. The pictures and detailed information is staggering. There are also sections for creating your own garden with some very good drawings. Maps show the temperature zones and planting times. The only downside(which is minor) is the plants are listed by their botanical name and not the common name. There is a section in the back that cross-referances them so you won't be totally lost. This minor inconvienance may not affect more advanced gardeners. The lack of an index also is a short-coming. Over all though, this book has the most comprehensive information in one volume. Highly recommended.

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make this the very first gardening book you buy!, October 17, 1999

By 

Dee Dixon - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants (Hardcover)

This is the book that makes my gardening dreams possible, it is never far from my side. I guess I would call it a reference book because it is packed with information, but don't let that scare you away. There are a staggering 15,000 plants described with 6,000 photographs. Each plant's cultural needs, botanical name, hardiness and method of cultivation are mentioned however briefly. The book is well organized and easy to use. It isn't hard to find a 4-5 ft shrub that blooms pink in summer, or whatever your garden needs are. This book is also beautiful; I look at it for fun all winter long...sweet dreams til summer's sunbeams find you.

71 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Your coffee table garden plant reference for years to come!, March 2, 2000

By 

S. Wolfinger (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants (Hardcover)

This is the new garden plant reference book for the home or professional gardener. Although it is set up by Family/Genus/Species/Variety, there is a handy common name index in the back of the book. Extensive varietal color photos make this book a must for the flower enthusiast. There is also an excellent reference on plant terminology in the front of the book. Since I live in the western US, my plant reference book of choice has always been the Sunset Western Garden Book. This book has since taken it's place as my preferred, but the Western Garden Book does have some plants that are not listed in this book. However, there are many times more plants not listed in the Western Garden Book that are found in this book. Highly Recommended!