Customer Reviews

Tough Plants for California Gardens: Low Care, No Care, Tried and True Winners

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Intrigued by the title, I began reading this book and found myself laughing out loud with the author's descriptions. Though a good book for anyone with an interest in gardening, with its easy-to-follow instructions, beautiful pictures and recommendations, this is also a 'good read' for those of us who are already gardening addicts. I was glad to find someone else who couldn't pass up an intriguing plant even though we had absolutely no idea where we were going to put it. This is a book for the curious, the experimenter, and those who simply find joy in the garden. I loved the book, have already enjoyed reading the commentary over and over again...and, of course, will look for some of the recommendations I haven't heard of before. This would also make a great gift for any 'budding' gardener!

As a "novice" gardener, and new owner of an old house with plenty of landscaping to improve on, I find this book an easy, enjoyable and inspiring read on low care, tough plants. Great photos, too.

I received this book as a Christmas present. Very refreshing unstuffy style, for example the cell phone tower tree is pictured and given a latin name. I am an avid gardener but over the years you figure out you want non-fussy plants. Based on experience many of his suggestions are good ones so I am looking forward to trying out some of the other ones. Not the same old thing, he has many ideas that you may not have seen elsewhere. For more details about how big the plant will get and such refer to the Sunset Western Gardening book. I am looking to buy more books from this author. Apparently he is a southern gardener but you sure couldn't tell from this book, it was great!

Love the book! Great condition, timely delivery, great photos and info. Now if my garden could look as good!

I use this book a lot. It is very well organized, has nice clear photos, and gives you the information you need in a straightforward manner. It's a great companion to Sunset's Western Garden book. This book gives you both the common and Latin names so it's easy to find them in Sunset where they are listed by Latin name but there is no cross-reference directory for the common names. The author's writing style is not dry like many gardening books and he doesn't take himself too seriously. I've planted many species that he recommending and they are all doing well.

I read this book almost as quickly as a novel it was so entertaining for the gardener in me! And it's a great resource for info on plants for the southern Calif areas, a much needed topic today with drought tolerant plants the coming rage!

The price was right and the delivery was timely. The book is a good guide to tough plants for California's varied climates. I hope to try some of its suggestions next spring.

Your garden may be large or small, serene or energetic, practical or whimsical, formal or casual...whatever reflects your style. Felder Rushing's book can help you turn your garden into something magical as well. He gives directions and suggestions for easy care, sturdy, beautiful plants that will complement your garden, and compliment your style. The first chance I get, I'm going to start a bottle tree to add some whimsy and surprise to the yard. This is a useful garden tool, as well as a fun read.

Happened upon this book almost by accident; I don't know why it's not more widely known. My husband and I are experienced gardeners, and my fear was that it would be too basic, but it's fabulous. This is a witty, well-written, informative look at a wide spectrum of "performers"--plants that will do well in a variety of situations in California. There are some old faithfuls (the agapanthus graces the cover), some not-so-well knowns, some natives, some Mediterranean plants--he really covers the whole gamut in a refreshingly accessible, non-pretentious style. He makes a strong case for going with what you like, pleasing yourself, and making gardening a lot of fun.

If you're trying to go more drought-tolerant, this is also an excellent reference book, especially if you're not sure you want to go whole-hog California native.

The book provides great photos, notes on sun and water requirements, and a section for each plant of "interesting kinds": the hybrids, cultivars, variegated varieties, and so on. Interesting and irreverent sidebars on container gardening, gardening tools, why tulips hate California, and so on. Really, just a great, entertaining read as well as a great reference, and how many gardening books can you say that about?

When you just want a beautiful garden without high maintenance then this is the book to refer to.

I have found my most favorite plants in my garden listed in this book. Even though they are practically maintenance free, they are the most beautiful plants in my garden.

Instead of wasting time and money experimenting on exotic plants, just spend a little money on this book and enjoy the rewards of a lush beautiful garden.