Author Scott Calhoun has visited the gardens of top designers from coast to coast and selected more than 100 stunning plant combinations, each using no more than six plants, to include in this photographic guide. Riots of complementary colors, masses of grasses, foliage spectacles in extraordinary shades of green and purple, and height variations as arresting as city skylines are all featured in these exciting gardens, each one an intimate glimpse of a larger garden. A favorite pairing can be the beginning of a larger garden design, or a five-plant grouping might be all you need to fill a small urban garden. The possibilities are as varied as your imagination!
Designer Plant Combinations
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From the Back Cover
Perfect Combinations from America's Top Garden Designers
Put plants together in your own backyard using the best combination ideas from design professionals across the country. More than 100 stunning gardens inspire you to mix and match your favorite plants with confidence. Spark your garden-design creativity with proven groupings, test-planted and enjoyed by the experts. It's easy when every combination uses no more than six different plants!
The exciting ensembles include a variety of textures, colors, and seasonal displays. You will find chapters devoted to Perennial Partners, Masses of Grasses, Annual Acquaintances, and Ground Cover Groupies. There are plants for every preference and colors for every season, with alternatives for various climates. Choose your favorite and plant it as a gorgeous focal point in your garden or as a splash of fresh color in a small space.
About the Author
Scott Calhoun is an award-winning garden designer and the author of two previous books, Chasing Wildflowers and Yard Full of Sun, for which he won the American Horticultural Society's book award in 2006. Formerly the "Garden Expert" for Tucson's CBS affiliate, Calhoun now writes a weekly garden design column for The Arizona Daily Star and the Western states plant notes column for Country Gardens magazine. He's also a regular contributor to Sunset and Horticulture magazines. His Web site is www.zonagardens.com.
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More About the Author
Scott Calhoun is the author of six books about plants, gardens, architecture and food. His first book, Yard Full of Sun, received the 2006 American Horticultural Society Book Award. His second title, Chasing Wildflowers, was awarded the Garden Writers Association 2008 Silver Book Award. Scott is a Contributing Editor to Horticulture magazine, writes a monthly garden column for Sunset magazine, and freelances for numerous print publications including, American Gardener, Fine Gardening, and Wildflower. Based in Tucson, Arizona, Scott lectures and designs gardens across the United States. Catch up with Scott at www.zonagardens.com. To book a speaking engagement visit www.greatgardenspeakers.com/listing/scottcalhoun.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
First of all the pictures--by the best garden photographers around. I doubt you will ever find such high quality reproduction or gorgeous pictures in such a convenient and incredibly inexpensive format. Second: diversity--what an extraordinary range of gardens, from cactus and desert stark to lush woodlands and of course classic English style herbaceous extravaganzas. By carving a manageable vignette out of what are often extremely complicated gardens, Scott makes it possible for the reader to duplicate the scene. More importantly, he shows how combos work: groundcovers melding together, focal point plants, see through designs--some nuts and bolts beautifully demonstrated. As well as being a very handy handbook, this is a valuable benchmark of garden design as practiced in America today: he's picked gardens from California to the east coast and everywhere in between to sample the range of outstanding garden design comprising the American perennial garden. The world is awash with mercurial computer images that constantly disappear and flicker away: books like this are monuments that capture the moment. They will never be replaced by websites or digitization.
Scott has produced four stunning and very different books in as many years. He is a force to be reckoned with: I don't know anyone who wouldn't be beguiled by the pictures and enlightened by the text. You will be delighted to own this one!
Scott has produced four stunning and very different books in as many years. He is a force to be reckoned with: I don't know anyone who wouldn't be beguiled by the pictures and enlightened by the text. You will be delighted to own this one!
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By Pat Hayward
Format:Paperback
As anyone interested in gardening knows, there are thousands of books to choose from to help with garden design ideas. What sets this new book by Scott Calhoun apart is the absolutely perfect packaging for people like me who can't devote their whole lives to their gardens, yet want them to look as if we did. I love the organization of the book (perennials, grasses, annuals, accent plants, groundcovers and woodies) but most of all I love the way the vignettes are presented. Each combination has a full shot of the plants together, then there are separate "pull-outs" of the individual plants which include the botanic name, cultural conditions, maintenance tips and propagation methods. Various "Designer tips" are also scattered throughout the book highlighting tricks and tips that will help the reader become a real pro.
This book will appeal to gardeners of all levels, from the energetic novice to the professional looking for that inspirational "fix." It's a huge resource in a small package to keep alongside your garden gloves- make sure to pick it up every time you get ready to go out and "edit" your own garden.
This book will appeal to gardeners of all levels, from the energetic novice to the professional looking for that inspirational "fix." It's a huge resource in a small package to keep alongside your garden gloves- make sure to pick it up every time you get ready to go out and "edit" your own garden.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
There is a new language of garden design, and it is decidedly American. Appropriately named the New American Garden, it takes its inspiration from the recently introduced meadow gardens, the warm climate and flora of Southwestern USA, as well as a casual garden style that seeks to embrace the informality of nature. The New American Garden style is an alternative to traditional design. It is more relaxed, requires no deadheading or pesticides, and uses tough perennials such as Perovskia and Echinacea as well as ornamental grasses.
The author makes it very clear that some old rules about gardens design no longer apply. We now allow ourselves greater freedom to combine plants in original and creative ways. Contemporary designers and horticulturalists have deconstructed the rigidity associated with traditional color groupings and borders. Greater value is given to texture and shape more than flowers and colors. Native plants are included in the designs and perennials are mixed with trees, shrubs, annuals, accent plants and grasses.
It is apparent that when the author decided to introduce this topic to his readers, it was not his intention to design gardens, photograph them, and add some explanatory text. Instead, he consulted the best and the brightest in American horticulture and design, including the talented Dutch designer Piet Oudolf whose work represents a successful pushing of the boundaries of contemporary gardening.
The book focuses on innovative ensembles, created by these prominent designers, using a maximum of 6 plants. The author and his colleagues believe that by limiting plants to no more than this number, one can create bolder, more cohesive, designs. The resulting plant combinations are not intended to be self-contained gardens, only portions of them. By breaking up a landscape into segments, readers will find it easier to start using plants in innovative ways.
Another interesting development of the New American Garden has been the relaxed attitude towards perennial maintenance, recognizing seed heads for their beauty, form, and foraging value. Furthermore, the monotony of the flowerbeds may be broken up by planting in graduated heights by placing some tall plants at the front of the border. Contemporary designers encourage gardeners to include globe shaped plants such as Verbena bonariensis or Allium Christophii, tomentose plants whose little hairs seem to illuminate them, and neon-colored perennials such as Papaver Turkenlouis. When bold colored perennials are part of the plan, the gardener is encouraged to paint background walls in bright colors to balance out the bold. This is the only aspect of the new philosophy that did not sit well with this reviewer.
The liberal use of ornamental grasses results in softening the usual stiff or formal plantings by adding movement and dynamism. This contributes a sense of wildness and feelings of spontaneity. Annuals are recommended to add color and excitement; they enliven, brighten, and fill in empty spaces. Bold sculptural plants such as Yucca and Agave are recommended for drama.
The author and his colleagues also believe that diverse groundcovers are more interesting than lawns and that attractive patterns may be created when different groundcovers are mixed together. For an effective multicolor groundcover treatment in warmer gardening zones, the author suggests using red-yellow Gaillardia pulchella combined with blue Scenecio vitalis. Newer cultivars of colored Heuchera are effective groundcovers as well as they combine effectively with light green Persicaria Virginia Lance Corporal.
The new phiolosophy also encourages the planting of woodland gardens that include trees and shrubs as they provide the largest benefits with the lowest maintenance. Today, it is possible to find dwarf trees and shrubs that have been bred for the shrinking American garden. These smaller plants combine quite successfully with interesting perennials as the structure of their foliage provides a backdrop for other plants.
Readers who expect illustrated garden books to be breathtaking and awesome will not be disappointed. Mr. Calhoun has searched wide and far to include only the most eye-catching combinations in this book. The graphic design of this publication is also commendable as the layout of image, text, and detailed background information is incomparable. The reader will be impressed. For those that still believe that landscapes need to be designed in the antique manner of the English, this publication will be a revelation when they see how the Revolution of 1776 has finally trickled down to the gardens of North America.
Allan Becker reviews books on gardening for (...) and for his blog , (...)
The author makes it very clear that some old rules about gardens design no longer apply. We now allow ourselves greater freedom to combine plants in original and creative ways. Contemporary designers and horticulturalists have deconstructed the rigidity associated with traditional color groupings and borders. Greater value is given to texture and shape more than flowers and colors. Native plants are included in the designs and perennials are mixed with trees, shrubs, annuals, accent plants and grasses.
It is apparent that when the author decided to introduce this topic to his readers, it was not his intention to design gardens, photograph them, and add some explanatory text. Instead, he consulted the best and the brightest in American horticulture and design, including the talented Dutch designer Piet Oudolf whose work represents a successful pushing of the boundaries of contemporary gardening.
The book focuses on innovative ensembles, created by these prominent designers, using a maximum of 6 plants. The author and his colleagues believe that by limiting plants to no more than this number, one can create bolder, more cohesive, designs. The resulting plant combinations are not intended to be self-contained gardens, only portions of them. By breaking up a landscape into segments, readers will find it easier to start using plants in innovative ways.
Another interesting development of the New American Garden has been the relaxed attitude towards perennial maintenance, recognizing seed heads for their beauty, form, and foraging value. Furthermore, the monotony of the flowerbeds may be broken up by planting in graduated heights by placing some tall plants at the front of the border. Contemporary designers encourage gardeners to include globe shaped plants such as Verbena bonariensis or Allium Christophii, tomentose plants whose little hairs seem to illuminate them, and neon-colored perennials such as Papaver Turkenlouis. When bold colored perennials are part of the plan, the gardener is encouraged to paint background walls in bright colors to balance out the bold. This is the only aspect of the new philosophy that did not sit well with this reviewer.
The liberal use of ornamental grasses results in softening the usual stiff or formal plantings by adding movement and dynamism. This contributes a sense of wildness and feelings of spontaneity. Annuals are recommended to add color and excitement; they enliven, brighten, and fill in empty spaces. Bold sculptural plants such as Yucca and Agave are recommended for drama.
The author and his colleagues also believe that diverse groundcovers are more interesting than lawns and that attractive patterns may be created when different groundcovers are mixed together. For an effective multicolor groundcover treatment in warmer gardening zones, the author suggests using red-yellow Gaillardia pulchella combined with blue Scenecio vitalis. Newer cultivars of colored Heuchera are effective groundcovers as well as they combine effectively with light green Persicaria Virginia Lance Corporal.
The new phiolosophy also encourages the planting of woodland gardens that include trees and shrubs as they provide the largest benefits with the lowest maintenance. Today, it is possible to find dwarf trees and shrubs that have been bred for the shrinking American garden. These smaller plants combine quite successfully with interesting perennials as the structure of their foliage provides a backdrop for other plants.
Readers who expect illustrated garden books to be breathtaking and awesome will not be disappointed. Mr. Calhoun has searched wide and far to include only the most eye-catching combinations in this book. The graphic design of this publication is also commendable as the layout of image, text, and detailed background information is incomparable. The reader will be impressed. For those that still believe that landscapes need to be designed in the antique manner of the English, this publication will be a revelation when they see how the Revolution of 1776 has finally trickled down to the gardens of North America.
Allan Becker reviews books on gardening for (...) and for his blog , (...)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
planting
I got the book shortly after ordering it but haven't gotten to look
at it as it has been snowing in Mn. Now I will get to work
at it as it has been snowing in Mn. Now I will get to work
Published 12 days ago by Miss Kitty
5.0 out of 5 stars
just what i wanted
I needed help restraining myself this spring. this book helped me focus on a select group of plants and avoid the 'one of everything' scenario that usually happens when i hit the... Read more
Published 13 days ago by yankanuk
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Great book for those that want ideas for planting combinations of plants in a pot. a nice How To book.
Published 19 days ago by Stephen B Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect resource! Beautiful photos, easy-to-understand descriptions.
This book came and I instantly wanted to read it cover-to-cover! Not only is it the best format I've seen for this type of a resource book, but it's also stunningly... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Heather Lukemeyer
1.0 out of 5 stars
Zoning
Is this book for Zone2-3 as well? We are in Alberta, Canada and I would like to get a recommendation as for which book or if this book is applicable for this zone as well! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jessica
5.0 out of 5 stars
A go-to idea book
I recently edited my bookshelf, and this book made the cut as used and useful. Such beautiful combinations, not limited to annuals or perennials. Read more
Published 2 months ago by M. Linda Hopp
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
I recommend this book for anyone who does not have a lot of land to garden, but can put containers around. The six plants looks so different in different combinations.
Published 2 months ago by Lela Mills
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wish I'd found this long ago
This is truly an exceptional resource. BUY IT. The author has gone to serious effort to provide clear examples and beautiful photos, which will help any doubting gardener. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Alyonline
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Nice
Have just moved down south, I wanted a book to help me plan my new garden at my new home. I think this was a perfect choice.
Published 2 months ago by Southern Aurelia
2.0 out of 5 stars
Very frustrating
Pretty book but not that helpful. All you saw were pictures, not any planting layout, like from above. So it is hard to tell the right order, combination and spacing. Read more
Published 3 months ago by CarolM
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