Customer Reviews

Garden Plants for Mediterranean Climates

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I had high hopes for this book. I enjoyed the introductory narrative, but was horrified to see included in the encyclopedia of recommended plants several terrible weeds, with only a casual mention their possible invasive tendencies. Examples include giant reed (Arundo donax), brooms (Cytisus spp.), tree of heaven (Ailanthus), tamarisk (Tamarix spp.)--just these four plants have caused many millions of dollars' damage to wildlands in California alone. It's unconscionable that a book this recently written would still be recommending planting these.
Putting the weed issue aside, as a home gardener in a Mediterranean climate with winter freezes and very very hot summers, I was looking for plants new to me that might be suitable for my climate. I was again disappointed; the information given in the plant descriptions only occasionally mentioned frost or heat tolerance, and the author does not use a zone ranking (USDA, Sunset, or other) that would impart some of this information.
I have no further use for this book; unfortunately, given its flaws, I don't even want to give it away.

I have a garden in Greece and I was looking for a comprehensive list of bushes shrubs and trees ( and plants) that thrive there , are easy to grow and do not need much water. This book provides just what I need.
Humphrey T.