Australian Native Plants: A Manual for Their Propagation, Cultivation and Use in Landscaping

by John W. Wrigley

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful An encyclopaedia of Australian Native Plants 9 Aug. 1999 By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com Hardcover Probably the best reference book available for Australian Native Plants 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful This book covers all areas of native Australian species well 31 Oct. 1999 By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com Hardcover Fantastic, a book that covers all.Well worth a look at if you are interested in Australian plants.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Australia, Reference

623 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

John Wrigley, Curator of the National Botanic Gardens, has spent over twenty years developing his knowledge of Australian native flora and is eminently qualified to write on this subject. He has been involved with many organizations including the Society for Growing Australian Plants, in which he has held the position of Federal President. He landscaped the Australian pavilion at Expo '70 in Japan. Mr Wrigley is actively engaged in encouraging others to grow Australian native plants and has presented numerous papers on administrative and horticultural problems at national and international conferences.

Reviews

[Alison F]

This, at over 700 pages, is the best & most comprehensive single volume book on Australian native plants. My review refers to the 6th edition. The fact that around a quarter of a million copies have been sold & the 7th edition is about to be published (the first was in 1979) gives an indication of its enduring appeal. However, given that the new edition is priced at over A$200, I won't be upgrading. I've seen several editions & each has been better than the last, as one would expect.

There are introductory chapters on topics such as propagation, cultivation, pests & diseases, & landscaping. The major part of the book is plant entries, including cultivars, grouped under ground covers, rockery plants, water features, shrubs, trees, annuals & bedding plants, climbers, & container plants. Each entry includes climatic zones, description, distribution, propagation, cultivation & symbols for special features of the plant. There are small but high quality photos for about half the plants.