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Armitage`s Native Plants for North American Gardens

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The popularity of native North American plants has soared in recent years, for many good reasons. Whatever draws you to native plants, you'll find no better or more authoritative guide than Allan Armitage. Widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost horticulturists, Armitage describes more than 630 species and cultivars of perennials, biennials, and annuals that are native to the United States, bringing to each plant a wealth of practical knowledge and the full weight of his experience and expertise. Each entry includes a general description of the plant plus essential data you need to grow it successfully, including habitat, hardiness, correct garden site, maintenance, and propagation — all in a clear, easy-to-use format. Whether you are a native plant enthusiast or simply wish to use plants that work in the landscape, you'll find everything you are looking for in this readable, information-packed volume.

451 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

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Allan M. Armitage

28 books6 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Lorraine.
1,161 reviews87 followers
August 10, 2017
Armitage's Native Plants for North American Gardens by Allen M. Armitage had all kinds of useful information on native plants for the backyard gardener. Much to my surprise, I have some of the plants listed already in my garden but was unaware that they are native plants. I love to learn new things! The author includes lists such as plants for the sun, plants for partial shade, drought-tolerant
plants and plants that attract butterflies that will assist the gardener in selecting plants for her/his
garden(s). He also lists 'sources and resources' so the gardener will know where to obtain a plant or at least information about the plant and where it may be obtained. The native plants are in alphabetical order (Personally, I wish they had be in geographical area such as NE, S, SW, etc.) and most have a photograph to make identification easier. The author also has details about the plants next to the photos. Extremely readable not textbook material. If you are looking for a few new plants for your garden, try Mr. Armitage's Native Plants for NA Gardens. You may already have some great native plants as I discovered I do without knowing it!
Profile Image for Kelsie Oreta.
179 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2021
Super informative, written well but the information is organized alphabetically and I can not figure out why this would be the best choice for a reader. I would assume one who would pick up a book about native plants would do so in order to put a garden together with natives to an area. North America is expansive and full of so many different climates and conditions, so one trying to use this as a resource and fishing through the descriptions to see if it’s appropriate for your area would find it to be a real pain.
Profile Image for Lynne.
70 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2015
Armitage is a renowned horticultural writer, with a delightful sense of humor. This book will save you a lot of time and energy if you are eager to get out to the garden armed with indispensable information. It is filled with wonderful photos and excellent details on growing over 1250 native perennials. One reader remarked it is a "very useful guide for bringing more diversity and beauty to your garden". I certainly second that opinion.

In addition to scientific and common names, hardiness and growing tips. I especially value the plant lists for various growing situations. A newer edition was published in 2011, and it's a book I'd love to own.
796 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2009
Lots of good descriptions, color photos, useful lists, and solid advice.

I read the library copy, but would be well worth buying.

Addendum: Well worth reading more than once, so I re-read it (October 14, 2009).
4,089 reviews84 followers
December 20, 2015
Armitage’s Native Plants for North American Gardens by Allan M. Armitage (Timber Press 2006)(635.9517 ). Armitage is the best, most thorough, and most complete teacher of any of the garden writers. This is his work on plants known as "natives." My rating: 7/10, finished 2002.
Profile Image for Amanda.
77 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2011
My go-to reference guy for growing native plants. The photos are just wonderful. Very useful guide for bringing more diversity and beauty to your garden.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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