A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants

by Christopher Brickell

The 15000 plants featured in this encyclopedia have been selected by consultants from the UK, North America and Europe. They include not only tried and tested garden favourites, but also a selection of unusual species and cultivars. The plants are arranged alphabetically by botanical name. Common names are cross-referenced throughout, enabling plants to be found easily, even if the botanical name is unfamiliar. Synonyms are similaly cross-referenced. The introduction describes and explains the A-Z section, including detailed features on the plant kingdom, plant nomenclature, types and shapes. Basic concepts of hardiness, cultivation and propogation are set out in straightforward language. The A-Z section consists of individual descriptions of 15000 plants. Plants are arranged alphabetically by botanical name, with an introduction for each genus, as well as background data on the botanical family, geographical origin, native habitat, the range of plants within the genus and any unusual qualities. Symbols show the basic shape of all treees featured, while more detailed illustrations help to explain the range of flower shapes, leaf types and habitats within a particular group.

Genres: Gardening, Reference, Nonfiction, Horticulture

1080 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful two volume (A-J and K-Z) encyclopedia of garden plants. Everything you can think of is there on nice quality paper, accompanied by shiny photographs (and it comes with a box too). The only fault I can find it...it's the weight. Unfortunately this is a book you can't leaf through folded in your favorite armchair. It's heavy. Well, I guess you should read rich editions properly seated ... putting it respectfully on a table. *sigh* To tell the truth it's so heavy that I prefer searching for a plant online instead. Still,....so pretty.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mum Won It In A Newspaper Giveaway, It's a Giant book of all things about plants. Despite its size it is concise which gives an idea of the amount of factual information it contains. Usual RHS quality literature.

[Ruric Amhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent two volumed encyclopidia (V1 A-j, V2 K-Z).

Sections on how to use the book, botany for the gardener, cultivation and ornamental plant groups.

main bulk of both volumes in an A-Z which gives brief description, into on hardiness, cultivation, propagation and pests & diseases. Also info on cultivars and variants. Some small thumbnail photos and line drawings for illustration.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only annoying thing about this incredible book is you have to know the Latin name for a plant in order to look it up. Otherwise, it's as comprehensive as anyone could wish, and also "correct" (for instance, it lists pelargoniums under pelargoniums, not geraniums, one of my pet peeves).

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource. I've never failed to find what I'm looking for here.

[Lesley Cobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will never let this book go. I have bought several used copies to give to my friends as I have with all the RHS big ones, herbs, gardening etc. Fantastic!

[Ads Decadence · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it grows you will find it in this book. Regarded world wide as the plant bible