Product Description

This bestselling encyclopedia, illustrated with brilliant photographs, describes the best woody plants adapted to cooler climates, showing both habit and details of more than 500 species, and including some 700 additional cultivars and varieties. Brief cultural information is supplied for each plant, as well as Dirr's perceptive comments and opinions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13628 in Books
• Published on: 1997-10-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 494 pages

From Library Journal
A first-class source on the very best garden trees and shrubs. Excellent color photos accompany the well-written plant descriptions, which point out both the positive and negative attributes of each plant, including physical features, hardiness, disease resistance, and growth preferences. A multitude of cross-referenced indexes will help readers find the right plant for each location and desired effect. (LJ 11/15/97)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From The Washington Post
"The ultimate in reference texts about shrubs and trees...sets what should be the standard for plant books."

Review
"Before you invest in a tree or shrub, think about investing in this book." -- The Oregonian

"This book is a must for every serious gardener." -- Erica Glasener, Fine Gardening

"This volume...will become a standard garden reference source." -- Booklist, April 1, 1998

"Those readers not familiar with Michael Dirr's plant books would do well to make Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs their first." -- Brian Maynard, HortScience

"A first-class source on the very best garden trees and shrubs."— Library Journal, December 1, 1999 (12/1/1999 Library Journal )

"Michael Dirr is the acknowledged authority on American trees and shrubs. His book ... is a valuable reference."—Garden Design, September 2003 (Garden Design )

"Though my shelves sag under the weight of books about trees and shrubs, there's still space for a pictoral encyclopedia that does the subject justice."—Sunset, February 2000 (Sunset )

A first-class source on the very best garden trees and shrubs. -- Library Journal, December 1999

A photographic tour-de-force... -- The American Gardener

Dirrs illustrated encyclopedia is another in a series of exquisite horticultural and gardening books published by Timber Press. -- Choice, April 1998

Though my shelves sag under the weight of books about trees and shrubs, theres still space for a pictoral encyclopedia that does the subject justice. -- Sunset Magazine

Customer Reviews

Review of Michael Dirr's book on trees
This is probably the best gardening book that I have ever seen. I use it frequently. I am on a committee in my neighborhood that encourages tree-planting by our city's residents. This book is a life saver to take with me when dealing with perspective tree purchasers. It has great pictures of the trees and gives advice as to where they should be planted, problems, et.al.

I like it so much that I have purchased it for gifts.

a quick visual reference for northern gardeners
This book is jam packed with helpful and beautiful photographs. it's the perfect book if you want to show a client or perhaps your wife what the plant you just bought (or more like a twig in a burlap coat) will look like when it grows up a bit. It has just basic info about each plant like ultimate size and ornamental qualities. If you are looking for something more in depth for each plant, get his manual of woody landscape plants. That said, I don't think you'll be disappointed to have the handy visual reference in your library of plant books!

Very Detailed
I have already used this reference to choose and buy a hedge. Lots of information and mentions common hybrids. Only CON makes it tough to use. All the trees are listed by their Latin names and so hard to find for the everyday person.