This landmark publication features the first 74 plants promoted by Plant Select, a unique collaborative venture aimed at identifying and distributing the best plants for the Rocky Mountain region. This bold new plant palette will revolutionize the way we garden. For the first time, all of the plants promoted by Plant Select during the plant introduction program s inaugural 11 years are presented in a single resource. Durable Plants for the Garden shares the story behind the selection of each plant as well as detailed plant descriptions, growing tips, and anecdotal comments. Photographs and exquisite botanical illustrations make this both an informative and a beautiful resource.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Durable Plants for the Garden is a tool for every gardener who wants durable plants for our region's plant growing challenges. --KUNC Radio, February 2009
"...the stars are the plants themselves, each of them profiled in a two-page spread with comments on use, propagation, range, origin, needs, and -- gasp -- disadvantages... Me, I just want to fall into the pictures. I'm sort of dismayed that it's so gorgeous, because I know my copy will be well-thumbed and likely coffee-stained in no time. And oh, yeah -- I'll probably get it dirty. --Digging In Colorado, February 2009
"Go to your nearest book store and buy this book now. If you live in the Rocky Mountains, you will have your map for this season's gardening. If you live elsewhere, buy it anyway. You will gain a deep appreciation of the beauty and adaptability of a small slice of our plant world." -- The Bloomsbury Review, March 2009
"This oversized, lavishly illustrated volume aimed at Rocky Mountain-region gardeners is lovely enough for coffee table display, but is more likely to end up well-thumbed and dirt-stained. The 74 varieties of shrubs, grasses, and flowers profiled in Durable Plants for the Garden are introductions of the Plant Select program. This collaborative effort of Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University, and regional landscape and nursery professionals aims to introduce plants adapted to our area's challenging climates and soils. Many are native to the Rockies and High Plains, others have proved themselves "durable" here. The heart of this beautifully designed book is arranged in four sections: Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines; Perennials; Perennial Groundcovers; and Annuals. Within these, each plant is profiled on a full two-page spread including close-up and garden photos and botanical illustrations, and narrative sections detailing why each was chosen for Plant Select, plus descriptions, habits, and advantages and disadvantages. Unlike the telegraphic text in many garden guides, these brief stories of botanical exploration and plant lives make compelling reading. The final section of the book is a series of tables summarizing the characteristics of each variety. My only complaint: the book's title. The plants described are far more than merely durable." --Zone 4, May 2009
"...the stars are the plants themselves, each of them profiled in a two-page spread with comments on use, propagation, range, origin, needs, and -- gasp -- disadvantages... Me, I just want to fall into the pictures. I'm sort of dismayed that it's so gorgeous, because I know my copy will be well-thumbed and likely coffee-stained in no time. And oh, yeah -- I'll probably get it dirty --Digging In Colorado, February 2009
"Go to your nearest book store and buy this book now. If you live in the Rocky Mountains, you will have your map for this season's gardening. If you live elsewhere, buy it anyway. You will gain a deep appreciation of the beauty and adaptability of a small slice of our plant world." --The Bloomsbury Review, March 2009
"This oversized, lavishly illustrated volume aimed at Rocky Mountain-region gardeners is lovely enough for coffee table display, but is more likely to end up well-thumbed and dirt-stained. The 74 varieties of shrubs, grasses, and flowers profiled in Durable Plants for the Garden are introductions of the Plant Select program. This collaborative effort of Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University, and regional landscape and nursery professionals aims to introduce plants adapted to our area's challenging climates and soils. Many are native to the Rockies and High Plains, others have proved themselves "durable" here. The heart of this beautifully designed book is arranged in four sections: Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines; Perennials; Perennial Groundcovers; and Annuals. Within these, each plant is profiled on a full two-page spread including close-up and garden photos and botanical illustrations, and narrative sections detailing why each was chosen for Plant Select, plus descriptions, habits, and advantages and disadvantages. Unlike the telegraphic text in many garden guides, these brief stories of botanical exploration and plant lives make compelling reading. The final section of the book is a series of tables summarizing the characteristics of each variety. My only complaint: the book's title. The plants described are far more than merely durable." - --Zone 4, May 2009
A "documentary publication featuring the first seventy-four plants promoted by Plant Select" since the program began introducing plants in 1997. A collaborative effort between Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University, and green industry partners, this program focuses on promoting exceptional plants for the High Plains and intermountain region. Anyone who gardens in this area of the country will appreciate having at their fingertips this list of tough but beautiful plants that will thrive despite low rainfall, alkaline soils, strong winds, little winter snow cover, and other challenges that often make short work of lesser plants. Each entry includes brief notes about why it makes the cut, its characteristics and landscape uses, preferred cultural conditions, native range, and a list of its best features- all accompanied by color photographs and illustrations. --The American Gardener Magazine (July 2009) of Alexandria, VA "Gardener's Books: Regional Gardening Books"
Candid assessments of each plant and practical information about propagation make it an interesting ready for those looking for unusual additions to their garden. --Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune
"...the stars are the plants themselves, each of them profiled in a two-page spread with comments on use, propagation, range, origin, needs, and -- gasp -- disadvantages... Me, I just want to fall into the pictures. I'm sort of dismayed that it's so gorgeous, because I know my copy will be well-thumbed and likely coffee-stained in no time. And oh, yeah -- I'll probably get it dirty. --Digging In Colorado, February 2009
"Go to your nearest book store and buy this book now. If you live in the Rocky Mountains, you will have your map for this season's gardening. If you live elsewhere, buy it anyway. You will gain a deep appreciation of the beauty and adaptability of a small slice of our plant world." -- The Bloomsbury Review, March 2009
"This oversized, lavishly illustrated volume aimed at Rocky Mountain-region gardeners is lovely enough for coffee table display, but is more likely to end up well-thumbed and dirt-stained. The 74 varieties of shrubs, grasses, and flowers profiled in Durable Plants for the Garden are introductions of the Plant Select program. This collaborative effort of Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University, and regional landscape and nursery professionals aims to introduce plants adapted to our area's challenging climates and soils. Many are native to the Rockies and High Plains, others have proved themselves "durable" here. The heart of this beautifully designed book is arranged in four sections: Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines; Perennials; Perennial Groundcovers; and Annuals. Within these, each plant is profiled on a full two-page spread including close-up and garden photos and botanical illustrations, and narrative sections detailing why each was chosen for Plant Select, plus descriptions, habits, and advantages and disadvantages. Unlike the telegraphic text in many garden guides, these brief stories of botanical exploration and plant lives make compelling reading. The final section of the book is a series of tables summarizing the characteristics of each variety. My only complaint: the book's title. The plants described are far more than merely durable." --Zone 4, May 2009
"...the stars are the plants themselves, each of them profiled in a two-page spread with comments on use, propagation, range, origin, needs, and -- gasp -- disadvantages... Me, I just want to fall into the pictures. I'm sort of dismayed that it's so gorgeous, because I know my copy will be well-thumbed and likely coffee-stained in no time. And oh, yeah -- I'll probably get it dirty --Digging In Colorado, February 2009
"Go to your nearest book store and buy this book now. If you live in the Rocky Mountains, you will have your map for this season's gardening. If you live elsewhere, buy it anyway. You will gain a deep appreciation of the beauty and adaptability of a small slice of our plant world." --The Bloomsbury Review, March 2009
"This oversized, lavishly illustrated volume aimed at Rocky Mountain-region gardeners is lovely enough for coffee table display, but is more likely to end up well-thumbed and dirt-stained. The 74 varieties of shrubs, grasses, and flowers profiled in Durable Plants for the Garden are introductions of the Plant Select program. This collaborative effort of Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University, and regional landscape and nursery professionals aims to introduce plants adapted to our area's challenging climates and soils. Many are native to the Rockies and High Plains, others have proved themselves "durable" here. The heart of this beautifully designed book is arranged in four sections: Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines; Perennials; Perennial Groundcovers; and Annuals. Within these, each plant is profiled on a full two-page spread including close-up and garden photos and botanical illustrations, and narrative sections detailing why each was chosen for Plant Select, plus descriptions, habits, and advantages and disadvantages. Unlike the telegraphic text in many garden guides, these brief stories of botanical exploration and plant lives make compelling reading. The final section of the book is a series of tables summarizing the characteristics of each variety. My only complaint: the book's title. The plants described are far more than merely durable." - --Zone 4, May 2009
A "documentary publication featuring the first seventy-four plants promoted by Plant Select" since the program began introducing plants in 1997. A collaborative effort between Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University, and green industry partners, this program focuses on promoting exceptional plants for the High Plains and intermountain region. Anyone who gardens in this area of the country will appreciate having at their fingertips this list of tough but beautiful plants that will thrive despite low rainfall, alkaline soils, strong winds, little winter snow cover, and other challenges that often make short work of lesser plants. Each entry includes brief notes about why it makes the cut, its characteristics and landscape uses, preferred cultural conditions, native range, and a list of its best features- all accompanied by color photographs and illustrations. --The American Gardener Magazine (July 2009) of Alexandria, VA "Gardener's Books: Regional Gardening Books"
Candid assessments of each plant and practical information about propagation make it an interesting ready for those looking for unusual additions to their garden. --Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune
Review
The photos make this book a coffee table book as much as a garden guide.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A horticultural symphony for Western horticulture,
By
This review is from: Durable Plants for the Garden (Paperback)
Anyone who gardens outdoors in the Intermountain West (from the Sierra Cascade crest to the Midwest) would benefit substantially from reading and owning this book. I suspect that even keen gardeners who live on the coasts could grow many of the plants contained herein, and certainly the lavish photography (and graceful paintings) depicting these plants in combination with one another and with similar plants should inspire anyone to create gardens in the brash, new Western style so much more in keeping with our intense sun, low rainfall and changeable climate. As a sometime player in Plant Select (a cooperative program between Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado State University and the horticultural industry nation wide) you may take my words with a grain of salt. Go ahead! Most dishes can use a dash of salt, and frankly this book is not just a platter but a banquet of gorgeous photographic images, concise history and data of each of the nearly 80 plants covered, with charts and data galore for those nerdy to the point of masochism. Yes, I did write one of the forewords, contributed a few pictures and some prose, but this is a truly massive effort with dozens of artists and photographers, and a sizeable village of contributors. Jim Henrich is to be commended (along with Fulcrum) for blending the potentially discordant voices into a resounding symphony of gorgeous art and valuable cultural information. I believe Plant Select is nothing less than drought insurance for our vast region, promising stunning landscapes needing little supplemental irrigation and fuss. I will treasure this book forever, and have already bought copies to give to friends across the country and abroad. Viva Waterwise Gardening! Long live Plant Select!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must have if you live along the front range of the Rockies,
By Barb (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Durable Plants for the Garden (Paperback)
Durable Plants for the Garden features "Plant Select" trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, etc. tested & evaluated for conditions along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. If you live near the Denver metro area or the foothills this is a must have book. The illustrations, diagrams, and detailed information on each plant is like none other. Take this book with you to plant sales, design your gardens with the facts from this book, read for pleasure, or just support the folks at CSU & Denver Botanic Gardens who developed the ideas and put the book together. Finally, a book for our area!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect book for the beginner gardener,
By
This review is from: Durable Plants for the Garden (Paperback)
This book is absolutely perfect for someone like me who is a beginner gardener. There is so much useful information and it is presented in a very easy to follow way. Great pictures and descriptions help me tremendously when trying to identify and learn these awesome plants. Thanks for putting together the "Gardening for Dummies" book for me. It is a life-saver!!!
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Inside This Book
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Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs):
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landscape use, leaves alternate, stems erect, perennial groundcovers, soil garden, woody vines, watering full sun, moderate watering, ascending tips, garden loam, bloom that can, soft straight hairs, accent plant, sage pages, cold stratification, naturalistic gardens, partial shade Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Type of Plant, Elevation Range, Soil Moisture, Culture Exposure, Characteristics Flowers, Year Recommended, Year Introduced, Plant Select, South Africa, Miscellaneous Plants, Denver Botanic Gardens, Requirements Requirements, Leaves Opposite, Fruits Capsules, Season Color, Native Americans, Best Features, Form Densely, Scientific Name Flowering Season Name, Plant Characteristic, Species Plantarum, Disadvantages Does, Native Range of Species, Fruits Four, New Mexico Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
landscape use, leaves alternate, stems erect, perennial groundcovers, soil garden, woody vines, watering full sun, moderate watering, ascending tips, garden loam, bloom that can, soft straight hairs, accent plant, sage pages, cold stratification, naturalistic gardens, partial shade Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Type of Plant, Elevation Range, Soil Moisture, Culture Exposure, Characteristics Flowers, Year Recommended, Year Introduced, Plant Select, South Africa, Miscellaneous Plants, Denver Botanic Gardens, Requirements Requirements, Leaves Opposite, Fruits Capsules, Season Color, Native Americans, Best Features, Form Densely, Scientific Name Flowering Season Name, Plant Characteristic, Species Plantarum, Disadvantages Does, Native Range of Species, Fruits Four, New Mexico Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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