Customer Reviews

Landscape Plants For Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species From Around The World

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

All plants discussed have a color photo right next to the text, and the text provides all key information in specific format. This makes it easy to compare plants, or find specific information about a plant you're interested in. The book goes into detail on different varieties also, e.g. there are color pictures and text on each of several varieties of mesquite - very helpful when you're trying to choose the right one for your landscape. A very few of the photos are poor quality, but any picture here is worth a thousand words. This is the only book I have seen for this climate (I live in Phoenix) that attempts to provide this volume of information with full color photos. Definitely worth the money.

This landscaping book for dry regions is the best we've seen so far! What plant planet did Breck Breckenridge from Tucson, AZ USA come from? We combed through dozens of books (most black & white and low-grade hand drawings)and I was amazed by the glossy packed pages (all pages) and *quality* photos. We are basing our new home's desert landscaping from this great book! Each plant contains Specifications - "cold hardiness," "landscape value," "cultural requirements," "possible problems," and a short description of potential size, growth habits, etc. "Landscape Design Examples with Large photos" sporadically included throughout the book.

Granted, this book can't possibly show *every* dry region plant but we were was amazed by the selection other than cactus, yuccas and agaves.

I bought this book because I wanted a landscape that is in harmony with the region in which I live. I also wanted to be as efficient as possible in using water to irrigate my plants. This book has been enormously helpful in accomplishing these goals - I also like the fact that it has allowed me to access information about new plant releases on the internet. This is a useful textbook of options and information for anyone who lives in a dry region and enjoys plants.

The authors pack alot of information about arid land plants into this book but I found the quality of the book production values far below the content. Many of the photos used to illustrate the plants are just plain fuzzy. I was so puzzled by these poor photos that I called the publisher who happens to be here in Tucson, and asked them about the pictures. They admitted that the photos are in some cases poor, but that these were what they had to work with. I assume that the authors provided the photos and the publisher went along with things.

In any event, neither author nor publisher should have allowed this situation to go forward. I will keep this book because of the sheer volume of information but the photos aren't worth a plugged nickel.

On the positive side, the authors have compiled an admirably complete listing of plants suitable for landscaping in arid climates. One could be tempted to say that if the plant isn't in this book you don't need it! While I would have used a bit different set of characters to include under each species heading, overall there is useful information to the gardener and professional horticulturist.

We're building a new home in Arizona and this book has served as a wonderful guide to my husband and myself in the planning of our landscaping. The photos are clear and great examples of what the plants will look like. Plants are listed alphabetically by scientific name, but there's a handy cross-reference in the back to make it easier. The most helpful tool is under each plant's description where it clearly lists possible problems and maintenance needed. One thing I wish it did include are citrus trees, but I suppose they were left out because they are not native plants (but then again, I didn't think palms were either, and they are listed).

This book is great, especially if you happen to have at least a little background in landscape. There are probably too many plants in this book and it is arranged alphbetically by Latin names, but the pictures and descriptions make this book a must have for gardeners and landscapers. It is probably most useful to those planting in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California (most of these plants won't be available outside these areas). Having a little knowledge to begin with will help you know which plants in the book are rare or generally unavailable. That being said, all of the best performing desert trees and shrubs, etc. are in this book. The book also gives descriptions of plants and how and where to use them (or where not to use them). In summary, this book will help you set up a desert oasis or pure desert landscape in your yard.

After visiting my daughter in Phoenix, I hoped to find a source that would help me identify, and also explain the culture of, the plants I found there. This book provides cursory information on plant form and culture. It is well designed, but lacking in crucial details.

It is nearly worthless as a means of plant identification. The text of vegetative characteristics are vague or missing. It would be helpful to know if a plant is evergreen, deciduous, or summer deciduous. The pictures are so blurry and distant that only the form of the plant is visible. Some photos are of the plants in the wild and some in cultivation, differences that can dramatically change the form of a plant. And then, there are those irritating trinomial names without subspecies markers.

The cultural data is abbreviated in bullet points with some good tips and general information. The early chapters give a brief, but informative, overview on desert gardening.

In designing my landscape for a new home, the landscape architect had this book. I bought one so I could research the plant options and contribute to the design. It has been a great resource and I recommend it to anyone in the Desert Southwest, particularly those who reside in Arizona. I refer to it much more than the also helpful Western Garden Book.

I own several desert landscaping and gardening books and this book is by far the best of the bunch. It is organized according to species alphabetically, which makes it easy to look up plants. It is comprehensive...I have never failed to find the specific plant, bush or tree I am researching. Plus, full color photographs of each plant make it easy to pick and choose for visual effect.

The book is exactly as was described. I'm completely satisfied and very, very happy to have saved so much money. Thank you for this WONDERFUL service!!!!!!