Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Graham S. Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2003

"Undisputedly the classic international reference...authoritative and scientifically accurate, " and "One of the most important garden books of our age" are the way John Elsley of Wayside Gardens and Fred Whitsey of the Daily Telegraph respectively, described Graham Stuart Thomas's Perennial Garden Plants, Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos is its keenly awaited equivalent for woody plants: a comprehensive and detailed survey undertaken by one of the world's most knowledgeable plantsmen. Thousands of species, their hybrids and cultivars are described in alphabetical order; only rhododendrons and roses are not included, on the grounds that the author has already covered roses and that others have done the same for rhododendrons. The emphasis is on the use of shrubs in the garden, and the expert information is related always to the interests of the gardener: size, evergreen or deciduous, colour of flower, scent, season of flowering, autumn colour, methods of propagation are all given in an ingenious Line of Facts for easy reference. Lively short descriptions of the characters of each plant will help amateurs and professionals alike to choose what to grow and also what to avoid. In introductory chapters the author describes the history of shrubs in Britain, their introduction and use at different periods. He stresses the value of shrubs in the garden today - for their individual beauty or as a structural part of mixed plantings - and urges the gardener to consider climate and conditions but also to consult the ethos of the place before he plants. Practical advice covers planting, cultivation, pruning, propagation, pests, and the book includes lists of shrubs for special purposes andconditions - for damp soils, shade, clay, hedging, etc - as well as for the colour of the bark or leaves. A chapter on the use of colour is masterly: a reminder that foliage as well as flower-colour must be planned in order to achieve effect throughout the year, and setting forth p

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Will inspire all kinds of gardeners from the greenest novice to the expert." Emma Tenant. -- The Spectator "[Graham Stuart Thomas] ... has been turning out books luminous with opinion, humour, and consumate plantsmanship." -- Horticulture "Destined to become a standard work." Anthony Huxley. -- The Garden --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Book Description

This is an encyclopedic treatment notable for the author's expertise & poetic gift. Also a valuable complement to his book on roses (see page 18).

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press, Incorporated (January 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881922501
• ISBN-13: 978-0881922509
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.2 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,874,502 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first step in selecting shrubs, April 1, 2000

By 

G G Edwards (Fife, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos (Hardcover)

I bought this book several years ago and left it on the shelf. Then one day when I was looking up a particular shrub, I decided to check this book. From that time forth it has been my first choice when deciding on selecting a particular shrub. The auther is a exceptional horticulturist of many years standing with several plants named after him.

5.0 out of 5 stars Informed, January 26, 2011

By 

Benjamin (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos (Hardcover)

Written by an acknowledged expert for the British gardener, this book contains a wealth of information, but what makes it outstanding is the so often the plant descriptions include the personal comments from the author as to the plants' garden worthiness.

It is well presented and the basics about each plant such as size, flower colour, flowering period and more are clearly set out, along with occasionally any special merits indicated by the relevant symbol. Also sometimes included are quotes from other notable gardeners. The introductory chapters on cultivation are helpful and make interesting reading. The main listings of plants are divided into section: firstly Shrubs followed by Climbers and then Bamboos. Also included are various lists under the section Shrubs and Climbers for Special Purposes, over twenty different lists covering amongst other things plants for particular aspects, soil types, or plants with particular attributes such as specific colour foliage, fragrance, or being attractive to bees or resistant to various animal pests. The book also includes a useful bibliography, a list of nurserymen and a hardiness zone map.

The book is illustrated book with a 32 section of colour photographs and another 32 page section of back and white photographs; each page contains about three or four pictures. But this is not a book to buy for its pictures, it is about informed comment, at at that it succeeds 100%. It is always one of the first books I turn in my collection of over 250 gardening books for information on and assessments of shrubs and climbers.