From Publishers Weekly
Whatever one's garden's status--a new yard, a landscape under renovation or a flimsy flower bed that needs some fortification--this book offers cold-weather comfort that northern gardeners will warm to. Written by gloves-on horticulturists who live in Minnesota, the well-organized text scrimps nowhere, giving equal attention to 750 plant species and to cultivars. Easy-reference tables rate plants on a five-star system, while simplifying plant comparisons by hardiness, size at maturity and color of leaf, flower and fruit. Additional information, often missing even in comprehensive tomes, appears in consistent categories: site, light, soil type, moisture requirements and landscape uses. Along the journey from evergreen abies to deciduous wisteria, gardeners will encounter some lovely plant combinations, such as spreading cotoneaster with its bright red berries interspersed with white potentilla, all against a dark evergreen background. Although this exhaustive treatment of individual plants serves as the book's ballast, there's still plenty of expert counsel in additional chapters covering such topics as plant selection, planting and transplanting. From rots to wilts and from bagworms to leafrollers, pests and problems also get their due. "What to Prune and When"--24 concise paragraphs on the gardener's craft should be tacked on the wall of every toolshed. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The authors, who live, work, and garden in Minnesota, provide an authoritative, detailed guide to more than 750 species and named varieties of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees that thrive when winter temperatures fall to minus 20 F or lower. Part 1 is arranged alphabetically by genus, with each entry consisting of a description of the genus; light, site, soil, and moisture requirements; spacing; landscape use; planting instructions; culture (watering, mulching, fertilizing, pruning, and winter protection); insect, disease, and animal controls, including organic remedies; propagation; and sources to purchase plants. A listing of species/varieties follows covering foliage color, flower color, height/width, and hardiness for each. The authors also rate the plants for landscape value and cold adaptability using a five-star system. Part 2 explains plant selection, site preparation, planting, transplanting, culture, problem-solving, and propagation. Color photographs complement the text. Highly recommended for beginning and experienced gardeners, especially in USDA zones 1-5.DSue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
