Annuals and Tender Plants for North American Gardens

Experienced gardeners often ask: Why plant annuals? They are common and garish and just don’t last.

This anticipated new work by eminent horticulturist Wayne Winterrowd—covering more than 250 genera and 600 species and containing over 250 color photographs—provides a great many answers to that question. Familiar garden plants such as marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias are lovingly portrayed, as well as new species that the gardener may have only just discovered or never previously encountered. Each species is fully described by appearance, range of color, propagation, culture, climatic preferences, and garden value. In addition, Winterrowd supplies fascinating accounts of the botanical etymology, the origins of common names, and the rich historical lore that surround all plants, familiar and rare alike. Most important, his lifetime of hands-on, practical garden experience crisscrosses these pages, offering a trove of practical advice. The result is a volume that will encourage committed annuals growers in their passion and introduce a whole new world of possibilities to gardeners who have hardly guessed at the riches of these formerly undervalued plants.

A tremendously ambitious work that reflects almost ten years of careful research, observation, and experimentation, Annuals and Tender Plants for North American Gardens is a comprehensive, utterly engaging reference. Arranged alphabetically and with convenient, at-a-glance profiles prefacing each entry, this beautifully designed guide is both a good read and a visual delight.

"Writing in a thoroughly engaging style, Winterrowd presents plant entries filled with information and advice on propagation, cultivation, and the level of difficulty one can expect....[A] resource that is both fun to read and instructive..." Alice Joyce, Booklist

"Everyone knows Wayne Winterrowd is one of America's most authoritative and imaginative garden writers. What they might not know — but will once they read this book — is what a wonderful writer he is. Between these covers you will find instruction and delight in equal measure." Michael Pollan, author of The Botany of Desire

WAYNE WINTERROWD has written three previous books on gardening. A longtime contributor to Horticulture and other magazines, he lectures frequently on garden subjects throughout the United States and Canada. He is cofounder with Joe Eck, of the garden design firm and internationally celebrated garden North Hill. He lives in Readsboro, VT.