The Complete Shade Gardener [Illustrated] [Paperback]

George Schenk (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2002

This classic and indispensable reference for shade gardening is now back in print. Long considered required reading for those with difficult low-light areas, it covers the basics literally from the ground up, leading the gardener through the creation of his or her own shady retreat. Part One concerns the art and science of a shade garden, from preparing the soil, to pruning, to considering different "shades of shade" (does your favorite bed lie in dappled shade or high shade?). Part Two, which details information on growing the plant, is neatly arranged in sections according to the type of plant. These descriptions are casual, to the point, and often humorous. The sago palm, for example, "will put you in touch with paleobotany." Selected photographs and line drawings both illustrate and inspire.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I wish that I had had (this book) to advise me forty years ago when we bought our property ... (Schenk's) plant lists are valuable for gardeners everywhere ——even in the desert." John R. Dunmire, Pacific Horticulture, Fall 2003 (John R. Dunmire Pacific Horticulture )

"Long considered required reading for shade gardeners, this classic reference has been recognized by the American Horticulture Society as one of the '75 Great American Garden Books.'"—American Gardener, July/August 2002 (American Gardener )

"My first introduction to gardening for interest other than flowers. I'll always remember his comment about arranging a garden as though it were a party with plants and to make it look like all the plants are having fun."—Victoria Shallow, Spring Affair News, Spring 2005 (Victoria Shallow Spring Affair News )

Book Description

First published by Houghton Mifflin, this classic and indispensable reference for shade gardening is now back in print.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 327 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (May 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881925349
• ISBN-13: 978-0881925340
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #490,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable resource for the gardener, May 7, 2000

By 

Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Complete Shade Gardener (Paperback)

This book is the bible of shade gardening. (I bought apaper-back version in 1985 ........, and have used ever since.) A big Walnut Tree shades my back yard and I alternately curse and bless it. I want a cool patio on a hot summer afternoon, but the Walnut tree makes gardening a challenge. Using Schenk's book, I have learned how to grow pleasing and pretty plants in the dry shade under it.

Probably the best part of Schenk's book is his discussion of trees and shrubs. Many gardeners, even experienced ones, pay the least amount of attention to the trees affecting the ground they are trying to cultivate. Trees do matter. Some trees create more problems than others. Most of us discover too late that Maple trees are not the gardeners' best friend. (Those cute little maple trees from the Japanese hybridists are a possible exception.) Mr. Schenk shares many good thoughts on making a beautiful, not just passable garden under your shade tree(s).

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Shade Gardener, April 11, 2000

By 

Barbara Ames (Darnestown, Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Shade Gardener (Paperback)

This is an excellent resource for any gardener. Well written, practical advice on all aspects of shade gardening, planning, planting & care. It includes lists of plants & their descriptions, uses, & requirements, subdivided between trees,shrubs,perennials & annuals. Also good examples of shady gardens & imaginative ideas.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have reference for the shade gardener!, September 28, 2001

By 

"maggiesoderstrom" (Bellevue, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Shade Gardener (Paperback)

If you a looking for a pretty picture book - this is not it. It does have a nice color picture section in the middle however.

If you are looking for an indispensable reference to shade gardening - this is your book! It has detailed information on growing the plants, neatly arranged in sections according to type of plant. Highly recommended for the shade gardener.