Synopses & Reviews
The popularity of native North American plants has soared in recent years, for many good reasons. Whatever draws you to native plants, you'll find no better or more authoritative guide than Allan Armitage. Widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost horticulturists, Armitage describes more than 630 species and cultivars of perennials, biennials, and annuals that are native to the United States, bringing to each plant a wealth of practical knowledge and the full weight of his experience and expertise. Each entry includes a general description of the plant plus essential data you need to grow it successfully, including habitat, hardiness, correct garden site, maintenance, and propagation — all in a clear, easy-to-use format. Whether you are a native plant enthusiast or simply wish to use plants that work in the landscape, you'll find everything you are looking for in this readable, information-packed volume.
Review
"Avoiding all the debates, politics, and preaching that often comes with a discussion of native plants, Armitage speaks to gardeners in a way we can understand and offers us more than 400 pages of plants filled with the information we need to grow them successfully." Steve Aitken, Horticulture Jan/Feb 2007 Horticulture
Review
"An essential reference book for nursery people and horticulturalists, home gardeners, and all libraries." Nancy Myers, Library Journal January 2006 Library Journal
Review
"In encyclopedic fashion, Armitage critiques each species and its hybrids, embellishing the information with personal accounts of his experiences with these plants. Within the listings of this very complete volume, Armitage offers plant-care practices, flowering characteristics, site selection and preparation, hardiness, ornamental characteristics, regions where plants perform best, and much more." Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post May 20, 2006
Review
"[This] book is typical Armitage—full of chatty, strongly opinionated, and deeply knowledgeable discussions of both straight species and cultivars." Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune March 12, 2006 Chicago Tribune
Review
"A must-have reference guide for any novice gardener interested in using plants that are beautiful and adaptable in our climate."
Synopsis
This comprehensive and lavishly illustrated volume is perfect for anyone interested in learning about and gardening with North American native plants. One of the world's foremost horticulturists, Allan Armitage describes more than 630 species and cultivars of perennials, biennials, and annuals, bringing to each plant a wealth of practical knowledge and the full weight of his experience and expertise.
About the Author
Widely regarded as one of the world's foremost horticulturists, Allan M. Armitage is a professor at the University of Georgia, Athens, where he teaches, conducts research on new garden plants, and runs the University of Georgia Horticulture Gardens. He travels widely as a lecturer and consultant, and is the recipient of numerous awards from nursery trade groups and horticultural organizations, including the Medal of Honor from the Garden Club of America and the National Educator Award from the American Horticultural Society. He is the author of nine other books, as well as six CDs and two Internet courses for gardeners. Armitage was honored with a Quill and Trowel award from the Garden Writers Association of America, and Greenhouse Grower magazine named him one of the ten most influential people or organizations — ever — in the floriculture industry for "encouraging growers to expand their markets with new annuals, cut flowers, and perennials."