Customer Reviews

Timber Press Pocket Guide to Ornamental Grasses (Timber Press Pocket Guides)

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TIMBER PRESS POCKET GUIDE TO ORNAMENTAL GRASSES by Rick Darke. Timber Press, 133 S.W. Second Ave. - Site 450, Portland, OR 97204-3527. 2004. 226 pp. $19.95 flexible hardcover, ISBN 0-88192-653-1. color photographs, glossary, index.
Over 330 bright, sharp color photographs illustrate as many different kinds of ornamental grasses. The grasses are cataloged alphabetically. But 32 categories preceding the encyclopedic catalog group the hundreds of kinds according to different characteristics. A few of these are clumping ornamental grasses, cool-season ornamental grasses, ornamental grasses for cut flowers, ornamental grasses for dry sites (and woodlands, dry shade, fragrance, etc.), and ornamental grasses for movement in breezes. Ornamental grasses are becoming increasing popular with today's gardeners because of their textures, variety, and adaptability. And because, as the numerous photographs show, they make for attractive gardens and landscapes that do not appear overly manicured. Darke is a landscape design consultant who has won awards in the field. His "Pocket Guide" is a ideal reference for anyone interested in ornamental grasses, particularly gardeners at all levels.

I checked this book out from my local library in order to preview it before buy it on Amazon. I was not disappointed which comes as no surprise especially since I am one of the fortunate ones who, about 10 years ago, had the chance to study Ornamental Grasses at Longwood Gardens with Rich Darke. He knows his stuff. The book is well written, concise and intespersed throughout with the author's personal observations on specific genera and individual species. Excellent photography supports the text. Rich Darke is one of the best garden/horticultural writers of his time. I also highly recommend another of his books, "The American Woodland Garden" for his well written prose and the ability to articulate the beauty and nuances of each scene photographed as well as a plant's more endearing or not so endearing aspects. Stunning photography.

The author writes from a very strong background gained from having planted many of the ornamentals described and photographed in this excellent book. There is much helpfull detail that greatly aids the reader in selecting plants.

Handy guide that you can take along. Not sure if needed to be so small. You really don't find ornamental grasses in the 'wild'. Ultimately, good for readers that have an interest.

This little book is everything I heard it would be - a perfect compliment to the larger color encyclopedia. Rick Darke has done a wonderful job for those of us who don't have access to so much first hand info.