Customer Reviews

Subtropical and Dry Climate Plants: The Definitive Practical Guide

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

 

 

Fantastic book--Rix begins the book by summarizing the various subtropical climates and their characteristics. He then lists plants according to a logic that is not hard to follow (e.g. succulents, trees of the fabacae, cool climate orchids, etc). He notes the climatalogical preferences of the plants (e.g. warm wet summer, dry cool winter)--which is very helpful, as well as water and USDA zones (this could be more specific).

He includes some not too obvious genera / species and peppers the book with lusciuos photographs.

For me the merits of the book are: a. its discussion of different sub-tropical climates b. its inclusion of less-than-garden variety / "exotic" species c. its beautiful photography.

The downside is that not more species / cultivars are included--but this is something remedied by a more quotidian companion book (e.g. sunset western garden book).

In this book you can find a large selection of all purpose plants, for subtropical (Mediterranean in my case) garden, presented in good quality photos. If someone is looking for new plants for his subtropical garden or wants to create its own, this is a good option. The only problem i find, is that the descriptions of the growing tips of each species are quite brief, and sometimes is necessary to search in another placer for more information.

While there are a number of books written for landscaping and gardening in Hawaii for the most part they cover the normal varieties that are seen in every Hawaii garden. This book opens one's eyes to other possibilities, the illustrations are excellent with many pictures of whole bushes, whole flowers with stems, etc. as opposed to close up shots seen in some other books making it hard to decide how they will look in ones garden.

Soil types, temperature needs, etc. are noted where necessary, a great help. Drought resistance and wind resistance is also well noted, a must have in Hawaii with our drying trade winds averaging 16 mph.

All in all the best book I have seen, so far, for choosing the right plants and their location placement, shade, sun, wet, dry areas, etc. for Hawaii.

I wished I had bought it at Amazon as I paid full price for this beautifully illustrated book on impulse at a local store, dumb of me. Normally I always check Amazon on my phone's internet. At Amazon's price the book is a bargain for the Hawaii or Mediterranean gardener

For once the wording "The Definitive Practical Guide" is absolutely correct.

One word of caution get your soils tested at the University of Hawaii - Agricultural Extension Lab, about $10, and then amend your soil before you plant anything. Hawaii has many different soil types and even the clay baked ones on the mountains can grow beautiful gardens if amended properly, if you do not do this you will go through a number of expensive plant purchases. Additionally add a sprinkler system, watering infrequently but heavily for lawns, and as necessary for plants, roses (even the Rose of Maui -Rosa "Archduke Charles") needs daily or every day other watering, unless of course you live in a rain forest.

This book is fabulous! Martyn has detailed descriptions on cultivation,watering & hardiness. Not to mention the beautiful photographs of over 700 plants. This book is a must for anyone who loves to 'surround oneself with beauty in their garden'