It would seem that in the realm of garden literature, relatively few books are devoted to conifer gardening; a shame, since few plants rival their variety and versatility. Whether used as companions for other garden plants, massed as privacy screens, or positioned alone for dramatic accent, conifers impart a rich and lustrous element, turning any garden into a veritable tapestry of color and texture. Bloom, a conifer expert with some 35 years experience to his credit, covers virtually every aspect of conifer use and culture in a format accessible to horticulture students and home gardeners alike. In a comprehensive encyclopedia listing more than 600 of the best garden conifers, Bloom concisely analyzes unique features, and offers care tips and critical data on growth dimensions, an important factor in determining proper design and landscape usage. Magnificently highlighted by more than 250 striking color photographs taken by Bloom's son, Richard, including vivid and fascinating close-ups, conifers are showcased in their full glory as richly textured, brilliantly colored, and subtly structured plants deserving of a spot in every garden.
Carol HaggasCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Useful information on combining conifers with other plants in the garden and using them as topidary, as well as ... illustrated descriptions of some of the best conifers make this a valuable addition to a gardening library. A comprehensive guide to the coniferous trees and shrubs available to North American gardeners.
Adrian Bloom is well known for extraordinary knowledge and use of conifers in the landscape ... The photography is awe-inspiring and shows what can be done with careful planning. (Joanne S. Carpender
National Gardeners Magazine 2002)
A labor of obsessive love on the part of Adrian Bloom ... It offers useful advice on the care and propagation of this wide family of evergreens. Describes [conifers] color, 10-year height and width, ultimate size, hardiness and more. Use the 250 color photos to help picture conifers in your landscape and Bloom's expert cultural information to grow them successfully.
The photos in this book prove that evergreens don't have to be green or boring. (Marianne Binetti
Seattle Post-Intelligencer 2002)
Competently written, sensibly organized, and exquisitely photographed book. (Carol Bishop Miller
Horticulture, Gardening at its Best 2002)
Every serious garden book collection should include Gardening with Conifers by Adrian Bloom. The author's fully shared expertise is superbly depicted with hundreds of mesmerizing full-color photos. (Oedipus King
California Garden 2002)
I strongly recommend Adrian and Richard Bloom's book to anyone looking for a useful guide to planting and using conifers in their garden. (Bill Thomas
American Gardener 2002)
This is a beautiful, detail-rich guide to the uses of conifers in horticulture, produced by a renowned expert on the subject. (Carol Noll
American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35 2004)
Manage[s] the delicate task of encouraging gardeners without stupefying them, though it's hard to avoid the feeling that it would take two or three lifetimes to grow all the conifers you want. (Verlyn Klinkenborg
New York Times Book Review 2002)
Covers virtually every aspect of conifer use and culture in a format accessible to horticultural students and home gardeners alike ... Magnificently highlighted by more than 250 striking color photographs ... Conifers are showcased in their full glory as richly textured, brilliantly colored, and subtly structured plants deserving of a spot in every garden. (Carol Haggas
Booklist 2002)
A first-rate introduction to 650 of the best cultivars .. a work of quality deserving a place in the library of any serious gardener. (Steve Whysall
Southam Newspapers 2002)
One of the very few gardening books devoted to conifers in the garden, and it proves quite inspiring.
After reading [this book] you will be enthusiastic about using these surprisingly versatile plants. (Kay Hofmeister
Lexington Herald-Leader 2003)
A fine introductory primer to evergreens... the lovely photographs are sure to educate and inspire you. (Susan Banks
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2003)
This book is well-written, a pleasure to read and easy to follow.... An excellent addition to any gardener's library. (Ian Munt
The Sudbury Star 2007)
This inspirational, popular book has been reprinted again to met the demands of an admiring public... Gorgeous photographs... capture the full beauty of these evergreens.
This is an excellent book filled with breathtaking photos taken by the author and his son, Richard. It's so inspiring, it almost makes me want to dig up my hostas and daylilies entirely and plant conifers. But by using the many suggestions given for plant combinations, I could simply add conifers instead.... Introductory chapters deal with the history, naming and growth habits of conifers. A wonderful series of photos depicting a single fir cone's development throughout the year was an eye-opener. Using conifers as specimen plants and in mixed plantings in landscapes is described in detail, and good ideas that will easily translate into the home garden, including growing conifers in containers, are shown. Almost half the book is devoted to plant descriptions that include the height and spread at 10 years, along with the "ultimate" height.... The final section is on caring for your conifers, offering advice on planting, pruning, propagation and pest control. (Trevor Cole
Canadian Gardening 2010)
