Product Description

When it first hit the shelves in 1998, it took the South by storm. After all, it was the first major, comprehensive gardening encyclopedia solely dedicated to the South. Now there’s a new reason to celebrate. The 2004 edition is bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever, with more luscious photography, updated plant listings, and a special focus on native and heritage plants. Find the right plant for every place with Plant Selection Guides and 7,000 plant listings keyed to the Southern Living climate maps. With hundreds of practical hints and tips—plus some garden gospel from Southern Living’s resident experts—this is the single most authoritative source for gardening in the South. Key Features: -New American Horticultural Society Heat Zone Map and plant ratings -2,000 new plant entries -More than 1,200 all-new, full-color plant illustrations -More than 1,300 color photographs -New Practical Guide to Gardening, -70-page section of tips and techniques -Updated list of mail-order nurseries and Southern public gardens

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #188162 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 720 pages

Customer Reviews

The best reference for the South
As the librarian for my garden club, I have a small budget to buy books that meet our needs. A happy by-product of this activity is that I learn the best ones, and I can then buy them for myself. This is one of these. A great index, cultural information, plant descriptions for almost everything (not everything, but almost) make it indispensible for us as a reference at our annual plant sale and during meetings. I would say it is the most popular book at our meetings and the one owned individually by the most members.

Wish I'd bought the hardback edition!
We bought our first home this summer and knew we had to make big changes to the small backyard but had no idea where to begin. This was the first gardening book I bought, and I might never have to buy another! The lists of plants for various conditions is extremely helpful. The plant descriptions are thorough but easy for a beginner like me to understand. And the other gardening procedures and tips, from how to prune a shrub to how to get rid of pests and diseases are equally as readable and useful. A must-have for any Southern gardener!

Excellent resource for gardeners for Southern and Southeastern states
The USDA provides a general hardiness zone map that does not take into effect the microclimates that many US regions experience. These zones are generally seen on store bought plants and seeds. This book takes those microclimates into consideration and makes adjustments accordingly while also giving in depth information on each plant that can grow well in our Southern states. If you have lived out West and own the Sunset Western Garden Book, this is the bible for Southern gardeners in much the same way.