Product Description

Shrubs can form the backbone of a garden and add year-round interest in so many ways. This practical book covers all you need for the successful growth, maintenance and propagation of these versatile plants, including advice on selecting species to make the most of their different habits and forms, and utilizing their architectural qualities to best effect. The diverse range of foliage shape and hue and the many colourful flowers, berries and fruits give you the freedom to create a stunning garden that carries its beauty through every season. A fully illustrated directory lists popular species from 70 genera, including camelia, daphne, garrya, magnolia, potentilla, senecio and yucca. Notes on average height, flower type, flowering time, and cultural requirements help you choose the right plants for your garden to achieve colour and interest throughout the year.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #774107 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Review
Beginners to gardening can easily be overwhelmed by the choice of shrubs on offer and often fall foul of the old adage "forsythia, and ribes and you can't go wrong". Unfortunately they both flower at the same time and in most eyes are not a pleasant sight with the yellow flowers of the forsythia clashing hideously with the almost fluorescent pink of the ribes! Experienced garden writer and photographer Eric Sawford attempts to right this situation with his colourful, comprehensive guide to the most common garden shrubs available today. Clearly written, he offers cultivation advice, pruning details and propagation techniques and, in a straightforward, matter of fact way, he dispels all the myths of "difficult" shrubs such as daphne and tree paeonias and introduces the reader instead to their various charms. Providing not only form and structure to a garden but flowers, fruits, height and foliar interest, shrubs are the backbone of every garden and this book should ensure their importance is passed on to all those just discovering the wonderful world of gardening. - Lucy Watson

About the Author
Eric Sawford has over 30 years' experience in all aspects of gardening, from plants, seeds and gardening products to garden machinery and plant photography.