Customer Reviews

Annuals and Tender Plants for North American Gardens

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As with his earlier book, "Annuals for Connoiseurs," this is a great reference book for annuals and tender perennials. It's also a great place for inspiration and ideas -- you'll want to try some new plants, or use an "old" one in a different way.

What makes Winterrowd's work unique are his suggestions on how to get the most enjoyment and beauty from each species. Besides the usual basics, he gives suggestions for each plant on how to grow and use it well (pot, trellis, in shrubbery, etc.), how to start seed, how to overwinter it (if applicable), when to pinch back, which varieties are most floriferous/hardy, etc.

He's also very readable -- engaging, often humorous, a bit like talking to a friend about favorite plants.

My only regret is that there aren't more pictures, particularly of the less well-known species. But, in combination with one of the more traditional plant encyclopedias (for pictures), "Annuals and Tender Plants for North American Gardens" will give you way more ideas than you'll be able to use!

This book has an encyclopedic meticulousness plus such affection for the subject that I consider it one of the best gardening resources around. I intend to give it to every landscape designer I know (at least the ones I like!)

This is being cleared out now at a fabulous price. The book is a tome of 576 full sized pages. The hardcover version is physically hard to read lying down since it is heavy. But oh what a book! Each annual is loving detailed in Wayne Winterrowd's lively prose. About the only thing I could wish for is maybe more pictures since after reading about a plant, you just want to see it.

Readers looking for a casual book about annuals that is mostly pictures, be disappointed but those with a passion for plants will be delighted.