Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Culture, and Use

If you are trying to select plants for a Landscape Design...THIS IS BY FAR the most helpful book I have found for several reasons: 1.This book is organized perfectly...by type of plant (tree, shrub, etc.and evergreen or deciduous) and mature size (ex sm, med, lg)...which makes it very easy to say I am looking for a plant with the following characteristics and then turn directly to it. 2. It offers a very concise description of all of the vital information about a plant: size, sun requirements, hardiness, a good overall picture and a good detail picture, and any special notes. If you are trying to plan a landscape design this is the book I would recommend.

Landscape Plants Their Identification,culture and use, by Ferell M. Bridwell is an excellent reference book. For students, Growers, Landscapers, and even the backyard hobbyist. I would definetly recommend this book as a valuable resource tool.

I am in landscape design and this book is wonderful. I look through it when trying to find something different for a particular area or spot. Most landscapers make beds so they look perfect right from the very beginning. They do not take into account what size the plants will grow to. Quite a few of my customers are having me re-do beds because the plants got too big in a short amount of time and look over-bearing. I have referred to this book often to make sure the plant I think will do well won't be too big at maturity.

As a Landscape Architect specializing in Residential Landscape Design in the Southeast, this is the first book I reference when creating a Planting Plan. I have had the first edition for almost ten years and still have not found a better reference for quick and accurate information when specifying plant materials. Although it may not have the extensive horticultural detail of Dirr's 'Woody Landscape Plants', it is very practical and easy to use, with excellent photographs of every plant referenced. This book is well organized and full of all the information necessary for choosing the right plant for the right location. Including zone, size, shape, growth rate, habit, exposure, maintenence, pests, and special comments. There are thousands of potential landscape plants to be used in the Southeast and this book does an excellent job of only including the most common and practical plants used in the industry. If your a big fan of natives, it does include most of the standard, easily available native plants but your not going to find 'Virginia Spiderwort' listed as an excellent perennial groundcover. This is a fantastic book and I would recommend it to both Landscape Professionals and Do-it-yourself gardeners.