Product Description

Annuals are experiencing a resurgence, as today’s gardeners demand a wider variety of options in plant selection. No longer confined to monotone bedding plants, dozens of "unusual" annuals are now available at garden centers in colors and forms far removed from the classic annual bed of pink petunias or red geraniums.

In the tradition of his classic Herbaceous Perennial Plants, Allan M. Armitage has compiled descriptions and assessments of 245 genera of true annuals as well as plants that behave like annuals in USDA zones 1-7. Focusing on identifying the plants, successful culture, and their primary garden attributes, Armitage discusses 279 species in detail and summarizes the distinguishing features of hundreds of cultivars, many of which he has tested himself. Classics like begonias and pelargoniums are juxtaposed with newcomers from Australia, and all are subject to Armitage’s critical eye. Color photos and line drawings illustrate the text, and he suggests additional reading in books, articles, and Web sites for many of the covered genera.

Armitage bases his descriptions on extensive personal experience. His frank and conversational style keeps potentially dry details fresh, and each entry is liberally sprinkled with strong and sometimes amusing opinions ("Triphylla Hybrids… should be actively sought out if you have grown dead fuchsias in the past."). Useful lists in the appendix are further evidence of his expertise, as he compiles biennials, half-hardy perennials, winter annuals, shade-tolerant plants, fragrant plants, climbing plants, and everlastings. These lists extend the volume’s application beyond a necessary tool for horticulturists and nurserymen to a practical guide for the dedicated home gardener.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #442336 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 604 pages

From Booklist
Regardless of whether one lives in the deep South or in an area of frigid winters, there is much to learn from the learned Armitage's latest effort: a wonderfully written resource chockablock with gardening information. Color photos and charming line drawings illustrate an encyclopedic compilation focusing on true annuals, along with a wealth of exciting garden specimens that will grow year-round in mild regions. In a format encompassing 245 genera as well as countless species and cultivated varieties, Armitage colors each chatty and enlightening entry with personal experience. Fragrant rosemary, architecturally striking castor oil plants, and angel's trumpet are found here alongside familiar summer bedding plants like begonias, impatiens, marigolds, and cockscombs. Detailed plant descriptions, pronunciations, suggestions for additional readings, and indexes of both botanical and common names are featured. Moreover, an endearing approach that goes against any form of "plant snobbery" ensures accessible guidance for all. REVWR
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"A complete book about temporal plants that grow in this region. There are more than 100 photos, but the information is the primary reason to get this tome."—Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, May 3, 2003 (Joel M. Lerner The Washington Post )

"I have yet to see the perfect guide to annuals and tender perennials, but this new compendium by esteemed plantman Allan M. Armitage comes close ... [Gardeners] will need no other reference on the subject."—Steve Silk, Fine Gardening, May/June 2002 (Steve Silk Fine Gardening )

"True to form, Armitage's humor accompanies his sage advice throughout the text. I predict that this book will become holy writ on the subject of annuals. And I confess that when it comes to a book written by Allan Armitage, I buy it unhesitatingly for the authority associated with the name and then find out all about the subject within."—Russell Studebaker, Horticulture, November 2002 (Russell Studebaker Horticulture )

A complete book about temporal plants that grow in this region. There are more than 100 photos, but the information is the primary reason to get this tome.Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, May 3, 2003 (The Washington Post )

Excellent throughout, this guide is a rich book for every plant lover. -- Diane M. Calabrese, American Reference Books Annual 2001

Finally, there is a definitive reference for annuals. -- Joel Lerner, The Washington Post, December 8, 2001

Gardeners have long needed a comprehensive and affordable encyclopedic reference to plants of brief longevity, and now we have it. -- Rand B. Lee, The American Gardener 2001

I finally have the reference I have been wanting and could not find. It has arrived [title]. -- Linda Askey, Garden Design, May 2002

I have yet to see the perfect guide to annuals and tender perennials, but this new compendium by esteemed plantman Allan M. Armitage comes close ... [Gardeners] will need no other reference on the subject.Steve Silk, Fine Gardening, May/June 2002 (Fine Gardening )

Invaluable. . . . It’s compendious, learned and chatty all at once, encyclopedic in coverage of these important plants. -- Verlyn Klinkenborg, New York Times Book Review, December 2, 2001

True to form, Armitage's humor accompanies his sage advice throughout the text. I predict that this book will become holy writ on the subject of annuals. And I confess that when it comes to a book written by Allan Armitage, I buy it unhesitatingly for the authority associated with the name and then find out all about the subject within.Russell Studebaker, Horticulture, November 2002 (Horticulture )

[Gardeners] will need no other reference on the subject. -- Steve Silk, Fine Gardening, June 2002

From the Author
Allan M. Armitage is professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia, Athens, where he teaches, conducts research, and runs the University of Georgia Horticulture Gardens.

Customer Reviews

It doesn't get any better than a reference book by Allan Armitage
Armitage is #1 when it comes to bedding and garden plants, and this book shows it. His manual is a top-notch resource and includes his own personal insights into each plant. Unlike other references that are boring and dry, Armitage makes the material spring to life!

The line drawings in this book are spectacular as well, and the middle of the book includes several pages of full-color photographs. Very professional and highly recommended.

Which is it? Annual, Perennial or Biennial
Excellent book in so many ways, but not every entry indicated what the plant type was--annual, biennial, or half-hardy perennial. Consequently, it was not as useful to me in doing a presentation on annuals!

Great book - lots of good information
My son used this book for his class Herbaceous Landscapes at University of Delaware. He is so turned on by the information in this book. There are great reference pictures and even though the class has ended, he refers to the book quite often. Found it to be very useful!