Plants and Trees Books

i have found this bood to be an excellent resource for all types of trees and shrubs. it has both common and scientific plant names and is loaded with pictures and comprehensive descriptions. the cultivation tips have been very useful and i would highly recommend this book to anyone!

I'm a landscape contractor and have a lot of material available to me and have somewhat of a small library of encyclopedias, reference how-to books, etc. Ordered this book not knowing if I would get just another repeat of what I already have. This is one book I will return to quite often. Towards the front of the book will outline how the book works. The index in back is alphabetized with Latin nomenclature. Some common names are included too. If you want to look up Maples, you will find it under Maple, but will refer you to Acer and page #. Each genus entry gives you some info about the species over all and some 'cultivation'. Then gives you more specifics about each species/ variety alphabetically. First the Latin name then common name. Then includes range, size of the tree or shrub, characteristics, subspecies info, and zone tolerance ranges. There are a lot of very good photos that accompany each entry as well. Now, this is not 'Complete' in that it lists every tree/ shrub out there. That's unrealistic in any volume. But it is a very outstanding and 'Complete' in what it does cover - and it covers alot. I would recommend this encyclopedia be included in your library of reference material.

The Complete Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs: Descriptions, Cultivation Requirements, Pruning, Planting
by Ernie Wasson (Editor), Eric Wasson is a great book for all fields involving trees shrubs and cultivation. It has opened a world of interesting plants I had never before seen. I recommend it to all enlightented lovers of nature!!!!!!!!

The book has great pictures and covers any plant you could ever think of but is lacking in its content. Do the math, 8,500 trees and shrubs covered in 815 pages. That does not leave much room for a complete description. It is a very attractive book to look at, but is not for the serious landscaper or nurserymen.

I like a lot of things about this book. It has some color pictures which are nice for identification.

Reviewed by Juanita Watson for Reader Views (8/06)

Ana Nez Heatherley comes from a long family line of herbalists. She is a registered nurse, speaks regularly on the topic of traditional herbal medicine, and has written for the highly credited magazine Mother Earth News.

Her book "Healing Plants: A Medicinal Guide to Native North American Plants and Herbs" is an excellent addition to any library, but especially for anyone interested in traditional and herbal medicine. Heatherley explores approximately one hundred plants and herbs common to North America. Though some information here may be redundant to a seasoned herbalist, there is a number of herbs that you don't see in the typical books of this genre - such as Buttonbush, Catalpa, and Prairie tea. I actually don't remember seeing Prairie tea mentioned anywhere else, let alone with a picture as included in Heatherley's book. Impressive!

Heatherley includes distribution maps, bullet-point side bars, and photo section containing a picture for every plant. This combined with practical applications, interesting folklore, tips, cautions, recipes, and more, round out this informative and interesting book.

I have a very large library of herbal books and it takes a lot to impress me these day - unfortunately, many simply repeat the same information. "Healing Plants" was an unsuspected surprise! Heatherley provides a slightly new perspective on the commonly known medicinal plants, and an impressive account of many not-so-well-known plants that deserve their day in the spotlight.

Ann is a very close friend of mine and is a Herbalist with knowledge that is is not seen in many Herbalist of our modern times. She is a person the has helped many people with her knowledge on herbs.

This book took much time to research and was a labor of love even at a time when her dear husband was becoming ill. This book is a must for any person interested in Herbs and how they are used.

Ann draws much of her knowledge from her Cherokee ancestry. She lectures and helps people even now.

A great book for natural healing enthusiasts, focusing on the medicinal plants used by Native Americans, the science surrounding them, and tips, photos and maps for finding, identifying anp preparing them.

My son was so excited because we planted seeds a nd watched what happened in "real' life as explained by the book.

We were given a copy of "Magic Schoolbus and the Ocean Floor" as a gift. I then bought "Dinosaurs" and "Senses." There is a difference between the books written only by Joanna Cole and the later books that are basically a comic-book version of the TV show. It takes us a solid 45 minutes to read "Senses", and I even learned some facts. "Plants Seeds" is about a 15 minute read-aloud. I say stick with the earlier books.

As a 3rd Grade School Teacher, I found this book instrumental to my lessons on plant life. Ms. Drizzle and her class answer many of the questions my students come up with before we've read the book so I know that we're reading the right materials for our lessons. Great series for the imagination and for provoking interest in the sciences early in the child's development.

I enjoyed this book very much because it is such a fun way to learn about science. This is the first of many Magic School Bus books I purchased, and I've been hooked ever since.

Interesting plant descriptions, with lots of information on hardiness zones, landscape uses, height, culture, etc. However, Cullina's books are more exhaustive and generally superior in all areas. There are puzzling omissions, such as wintergreen, and this is probably because the book is biting off a lot of territory.

The introductory travelogue on the regions of the United States is outstanding. When it comes to the plants themselves, though, Cullina does this book one better.

If you are interested in wildflowers, natural habitats, or just plain curious about what this country has to offer you and the world in native plants, this is THE BOOK. It has become my resource of first choice whenever I need data about native plants (and as a professional garden writer and environmental landscape consultant, this is frequent). Everything you need whatever your level of garden experience to plan a landscape of any size including native plants. Great ideas for problem sites, too!

Clear, easy to understand, divided by geographic region in the front, and by plant type in the plant list section (annual, grass, shrub, etc.)in the back. Packed with info and a wealth of well labeled photos, plus mature plant dimesions, soil requirements, wildlife interest and even fall color notes! Outstanding.

This book is wonderful from pictures to text. An invaluable over-all text on native american plants.

This book gives an excellent overview of horticulturally useful and interesting plants native to North America, particularly the United States, and the number of species described is very extensive.

The pictures give an excellent idea of the plants described in the text. The text is also very helpful, providing not only the expected information pertaining to cultivation but also engaging observations by the author concerning the plants described.

This book is filled with historical content, I could not stop reading because the book is so interesting. I was intrigued to find out that Charles Darwin was obssesed with orchids, they don`t tell you that in history class, or that he came up with his theory of evolution when he was traveling the world on a ship called the H.M.S, looking for new species of orchids and other exotic plants.

Luigi Berliocchi Timber Press 1996 ISBN 0-88192-491-1 184 pages

I read this booknot because I was interested in orchids but because I'm fascinated by the lore and legends of plants. It was so beautifully written and so informative that I became interested in orchids.

I had always felt that orchids were somehow a bit "over the top". I had no idea just how "over the top" they were. By the tie I read the chapter on myths and legends I was hooked, and when I finished "Patrons and Hunters" I couldn't put the book down. Just as well because I would have missed the story about vanilla being part of the Aztecs chocolate drink, and, of course, thought to be an aphrodisiac. Montezuma was said to drink it fifty times a day, especially before visiting one of his many wives.

The book also covers the literature and art of the orchid and the magic, medicine and religion related to it. There are also chapters on the plant, the genera and on growing orchids and a list of information and illustration sources. There are some colour photographs and, throughout the text, delicate engravings from a wide range of historical sources.

This is a very literate book. Not a long book - the writer does not belabour any of his points, but an interesting and thought-provoking read. If you are interested in orchids or fascinated by the history and legends of plants, this is a must read.

I read this book not because I was interested in orchids but because I'm fascinated by the lore and legends of plants. It was so beautifully written and so informative that I became interested in orchids.

I had always felt that orchids were somehow a bit "over the top". I had no idea just how "over the top" they were. By the tie I read the chapter on myths and legends I was hooked, and when I finished "Patrons and Hunters" I couldn't put the book down. Just as well because I would have missed the story about vanilla being part of the Aztecs chocolate drink, and, of course, thought to be an aphrodisiac. Montezuma was said to drink it fifty times a day, especially before visiting one of his many wives.

The book also covers the literature and art of the orchid and the magic, medicine and religion related to it. There are also chapters on the plant, the genera and on growing orchids and a list of information and illustration sources. There are some colour photographs and, throughout the text, delicate engravings from a wide range of historical sources.

This is a very literate book. Not a long book - the writer does not belabour any of his points, but an interesting and thought-provoking read. If you are interested in orchids or fascinated by the history and legends of plants, this is a must read.

This book delves into the history of orchids and their rise in popularity. Some of the topics covered include the culinary uses of orchids, orchids in literature and orchid lore involving religion.

There are several chapters covering historical aspects of several of the most popular orchid families. The final chapter gives a brief rundown of orchid culture today.

My favorites in this book are any of the marvelous line drawings of orchid plants and flowers. There are also several color plates included.

I'd highly recommend this to anyone interested in orchid lore and legends.

I really enjoyed this book. Many essayists who attempt to gather together their work into some single body fail to gain a fluidity, a rational and ordered presentation. Johnson, though, succeeds by ordering his essays seasonally. Of course, his subject matter conforms pretty well to that progression! Nevertheless, Johnson allows us to enter separately into a gardener's spring state of mind and then a summer mindset, which appear to be quite distinct from the anxious fall state of mind. Looking past any particular bits of "wisdom", I believe that this feat is Johnson's book's greatest virtue. I cannot vouch much for the gardening tips; I myself am not involved in the hobby. What Johnson is able to demonstrate to me, however, is how to nurture a hobby. He shows us how to whole-heartedly pursue a secondary pursuit. Johnson truly loves gardening, and I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn how the love of a hobby can breathe energy into you.

I thought PUTTING DOWN ROOTS was a delightful collection of thoughts and practices for the agronomically sensitive upper midwesterner. I immediately ordered one for each of my kids in Minneapolis. They'll love to explore the areas that are relevent to them. It's quite a collection!

I'm not much of a gardener or horticulturist. In fact, for several years, I have contemplated paving my yard. Pave it and paint it green. But Putting Down Roots has changed my opinion; now I'm anxious to plant, landscape, compost, and prune! Cliff has written a wonderful book. It's fun, informative, and very well-written. What's more, this is not a book just for gardeners and others of that ilk. This is a book for anyone that enjoys good writing. It's a keeper.

Mr. Johnson has compiled a collection of his gardening articles and grouped them by season. The result is fun, informative, and very readable. His style is somehow reminiscent of the work of James Herriot in his "All Creatures Great and Small" series. But don't let the entertainment fool you--the gardening information is solid!

This is a good beginners book with information about all phases of the art and some of the science. It is accessable to anyone. I would recommend it to serious beginners.

This book provides excellent background and general information for someone starting out in bonsai. The photos are excellent and a wide variety of types are shown. However, I was expecting more of a guide on how to actually start growing a bonsai. There are a lot of references to finding "a local club" which would of course be helpful, but if you're just starting out (like me) and don't have a nearby bonsai club, you'll probably want additional books to guide you through getting started.

What is vastly different about this book and most other Bonsai books is one simple premise. It is this. When you start Bonsai you are afraid that growing such a plant will take many years. Most folk can be put off by the fact that they believe they will need 30 years to produce a Bonsai that looks old. Craig Coussins new book explodes that myth.

In his first book, Bonsai for Beginners, Craig Coussins covered a vast range of subjects up to intermediate but in Totally Bonsai, the title used in North America, ('Growing Bonsai' elsewhere)he uses Bonsai throughout the book that are rarely over five years old. But what Bonsai. Some of these trees are wonderful and extremely beautiful. Gone are the seedlings in a plastic pot, Craig Coussins really shows you what you are capable of. This shows the newcomer exactly how much they can achieve in a short period of time. Many of the trees are also shown in winter so that you can really see the branch structure and shape under the leaves. Most of the trees are easily available as shrubs or garden centre material which makes life a lot simpler for the complete novice.

The unique section written by his friend Salvatore Liporace and his student Luigi Maggione, highly respected Bonsai Masters from Italy, also shows how you can, within Craig's five year period, take basic raw material and turn it into a masterpiece when you have understood the basics and focussed on the techniques.

This well liked Bonsai International Teacher has kept to his remit in writing a book that is truly for the beginner and it is recommended as a very good read. A great present for a friend just starting out.

One interesting thing is also his sensitive dedication to his mentor, John Yoshio Naka, the respected American Bonsai Master and one of the top five Bonsai Masters in the world.

"What else would I need than this book when learning about Bonsai? I recommend it fully and suggest that it should be on everyone's bookshelf, or at least in his or her hands"

When you start growing Bonsai, it is hard to work your way through all the titles available. I first bought a book called Bonsai for Beginners by the same author and while this was a very nice book, it was not only geared to beginners but also to more advanced growers. This new book is a revelation. Beautifully laid out, the practical guide to Growing Bonsai is the first book I have read that truly spells it out. It is lavishly illustrated and very well written that it is more than a reference book. It has become a `read'.
The Practical Guide is just that. It covers all the basic information that you, as a Bonsai Grower in the early stages of this wonderful hobby, need to learn to understand what is to be done. A real beginners book but written by someone who understands what a real teacher needs to speak about when speaking to a newcomer. Craig Coussins writes in a very one to one style and I really felt that he was with me every step of 'his' way. This is a great book!
Clear instructions filled with some gorgeous photographs looks at all the techniques that I need to know. Charts explain the right times of the year to do the work and completed by a species list of all the most popular Bonsai that beginners should try.
Therefore, what else would I need than this book when learning about Bonsai? I recommend it fully and suggest that it should be on everyone's bookshelf, or at least in his or her hands.

This book is very good for it's price. Some of the photos are a little close, so it's hard to picture how the plant will look mixed into your garden. There are also some plants that I've looked up and this book doesn't cover. Also, there aren't a lot of ideas for shadey areas. However, I would honestly recommend this book. There are hundreds (400 to be exact) great plants in it. It also gives detailed information on how to care for the plants both before and after planting. This book is great for beginning and seasoned gardners alike!

Book contains about 425 pages divided into 4 major sections: Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, and Trees & Shrubs. Each section describes 100 plants (hence the title, "400 Best Garden Plants").

Each plant is described by habit, leaves, flowers, light, soil, fertilizer, pruning, propagation, uses, etc. The information is fairly meager, about one sentence per item. Many of the sentences are repetitive and extremely general. For example, "fertilize with 5-10-5", is listed as advice for 97 out of 100 annuals. I'm not saying the advice is wrong, I just wonder why it must be repeated 97 times. At the beginning of the annual section, couldn't they say "fertilize most annual with 5-10-5", then go into details about the three plants that get treated differently. (By the way, the 3 special case plants are Amaranthus, Basil, and Flowering Maple).

The photography is a high point. Images are crisp and clear, most pictures are large (6 inches height). Unfortunately, the species or variety in the photograph is never identified.

The information is very general. For example, one of the 100 Best Perennials is listed as Anemone (Windflower, European Pasqueflower, Japanese Anemone). Egads! There is an extreme difference between two inch tall Windflower and three feet tall Japanese Anemone. Then they list uses as "cut flowers". Yeah, right! I can just see them now, on their hands and knees, harvesting the tiny flowers from the two inch tall plant. Listing characteristics of Windflower, European Pasqueflower, and Japanese Anemone in the same discussion is not useful gardening advice.

I have mixed feelings about this book. It's a great beginner's guide, but not a complete encyclopedia. Expert gardeners will find little of value in the book. For beginners, it's a 5 star book. For garden experts, it's only a 3 star.

This is a great book for the novice as well as the expert. Itis divided into 4 categories and contains many excellent pictures ofthe plants listed. For each plant, there is a description including height/habit, leaves, and flower; detailed instructions on how and when to plant and propagate; light, soil and fertilizer needs; and pruning requirements. The plants are listed with their scientific and common names and indexed accordingly. Overall, it is one of the best reference books I've seen.

I have read several books in this series with my 4 year old daughter. She loves taking turns reading the pages. The books hold her attention much more than other beginning reader books that we have found.

I decided to teach a rainforest theme in Kindergarten, what an awesome book, the kids love the pictures and can't wait to find out about the different animals. I generally read the child's side, (this is set up for adult and child)to the class so I do not lose them and they LOVE IT. I just wish I could find more for this age.

This is a great rain forest book. It tells us about various animals that live in the rain forest such as marmosets, lemurs, and capybaras. It also tells us that some of the rain forest is being destroyed and that is not good. Many life saving plants can be found in the rain forest. This book tells us that it's important to take a stand against the deforestation.

This book is one of the We Both Read series where more detailed reading is on the left side of the page for the parent to read and the child's page on the right has only two or three words in larger type.

I would recommend this book for children and parents to read together. The full color photos of the rain forest animals are great. There is a lot to learn in this short book.

Photographs show great composition. From a stand of pines to a stark leafless oak these photos preserve the visage of trees in every form and season.

Wonderful book. It again shows the art and skill of Mr. Adam's talent. This book is a great addition to all that enjoy trees, photography, landscapes, and beauty. Worth every cent!

I really, really don't understand how a person can see so much out of so little. There's a tree right outside my window. It looks like a tree, seen one seen all of them. But Ansel Adams didn't just see a tree.

Sure he saw a tree. But he also saw its shape, the texture of its bark, it's setting, perhaps the brook flowing by, or the mist or the clouds, maybe the mountain in the background. And the timing. This picture has the sun directly behind the trunk of the tree so it's almost just an outline. That picture was taken at dawn so the light would be just so, and the mist not quite gone. This grove of trees are all tall and straight, that single Jeffrey Pine growing out of the rocks in Yosemite is twisted and deformed by the wind.

You know what to expect of an Ansel Adams book. Black and White photographs carefully selected, merged with insightful text, printed (in Germany) with impeccable quality -- What more can I say.