The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses: How to Grow and Use Over 250 Beautiful and Versatile Plants [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by John Greenlee (Author), Derek Fell (Photographer), Wolfgang Oehme (Foreword) "The term ornamental grass is somewhat confusing because this label is applied not only to true grasses, but to close relatives of grasses and to..." (more)
Key Phrases: large blue hairgrass, purple woodrush, hot inland climates, United States, New Zealand, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"John Greenlee has presented American gardeners with a fine gift-- a comprehensive book on the ornamental grasses that have become so deservedly popular in recent years and that promise to keep adding new interest to our gardens well into the next century. The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses is eminently practical, filled with solid cultural information, not only about familiar and common sorts of ornamental grasses, but also about new or rare ones that deserve much attention, such as Catlin sedge (Carex texensis). This is a wonderfully useful reference book, but it is also lively and readable. John Greenlee is passionate about ornamental grasses and his open delight shines forth on every page."--Allen Lacy, Author of The Garden in Autumn

"The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses belongs on every serious gardener's bookshelf. John Greenlee's book is not only clear and concise, it is complete. Well done, John!"--Carole Ottesen, Author of Ornamental Grasses: The Amber Wave and The New American Garden

Product Description
From the fresh green shoots of spring through the dramatic foliage of summer, the lush colors of autumn, and the pale, feathery maturity of winter, grasses add a special touch to the garden in every season. Native species of beautiful ornamental grasses flourish in almost every part of North America. Now these attractive, adaptable plants are making their way into yards and gardens across the continent. Ornamental grasses are easy to grow, and they provide year-round landscape interest. No wonder grasses have been enjoying a new popularity.

The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses is a comprehensive, fully illustrated reference. An informative opening section describes and illustrates the different types of grasses and their habits. This section also provides a basic primer on gardening with ornamental grasses, including practical advice on selecting and buying plants; using them in the landscape; planting, maintaining, and propagating them; and fighting pests and diseases without harmful chemicals.

The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses provides descriptions of over 250 grasses. For each major entry, the encyclopedia features a color photograph of the grass, plus a special information box that gives the grass's botanical and common names, hardiness zone, origin, and preferred sites. A comprehensive description follows, with information on the grass's physical characteristics (color, habit, height, and flowers), landscape uses (for example, as a border, in masses, as an accent, or for cutting), culture and propagation (its preferred conditions and propagation methods), and any potential pests or problems. Cultivars and varieties are listed as well.

A special section of ornamental grass garden designs by well-known designers provides lots of ideas for using grasses in perennial borders, meadows, curbside plantings, and cutting gardens. A resource section lists suppliers of seeds, plants, and equipment, and a bibliography suggests where to find further information. An index of common and botanical names makes this book as easy to use as it is practical, informative, and beautiful.

The most comprehensive reference available, The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses is destined to become a classic work on the subject-- a must for any serious gardener.


See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 186 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Books; illustrated edition edition (November 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875961002
• ISBN-13: 978-0875961002
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #429,456 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #28 in	Books > Outdoors & Nature > Plants > Grasses
  #37 in	Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > By Plant > Grasses
  #94 in	Books > Reference > Encyclopedias > Gardening

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an authorative compendium on a unique subject, January 21, 1999

By A Customer

Greenlee did his homework and that shows when you browse through this friendly, yet exhaustive and descriptive work. Ornamental grass is growing in popularity and this is a good reference book for the novice and professional alike.

Climate info, decent photography throughout and even a list of mail order suppliers make it a must have for a burgeoning landscape designer...

34 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Only one thing missing, August 25, 1998

By A Customer

This is a great book with clear, concise information and photographs of grasses, sedges, rushes, etc., but there is one important thing missing: bamboo! I was disappointed to find that family missing completely, but very satisfied with the rest of the book.