[fitzg2md]

I am the type of learner that does best when I sit down with a book and read it front to back. i want to increase my knowledge of plant and tree species so I can pick more suitable plantings etc. I have also realized that I am aware of maybe 10 percent of whats out there. So my question...What good books do you know of that can show me the ways? I would also like to build a library that has good pictures so I can show clients examples of what we intend to plant. Ive looked around local barnes and nobles, etc, but their selection is somewhat homeownerish. I guess Im looking for good encyclopedias, etc. What books do you use on a daily (or close to it) basis? Thanks! -MF

[Lanelle]

Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr is the most quoted, used book in many landscape offices.

[RottieMommy]

I completely agree with any books from Michael Dirr. He has a bunch of books out with both photos and information.

A couple more I would like to recommend are from Tracy DiSabato-Aust. She has written The Well Tended Perennial Garden and The Well Designed Mixed Border. Good stuff...and not really written for the homeowners. The Perennial book gets into soil sciences and tips to manipulate perennial bloom times and growth habits. I have recommended them to clients and they were a little over their heads.

[cutntrim]

I've got three of Taylor's Guides To... (Shrubs, Perennials, Trees) and believe it or not, the Ortho books are pretty good in that they show nice glossy pictures, so does Home Depot's Landscaping 1-2-3...yep, I said Home Depot.

[pineapple]

You might look at Horticopia software.
It has lots of photos and info, can be sorted to what grows in your zone, etc.

[LandArts]

Besides Dirr's stuff you might want to check out "The Southern gardener's book of lists".



www.land-arts.net

[TrickyDick]

Dirr is great but a little choatic (I defy anyone to find a specific Rhododendron in Dirr) and I still use it often but since I got Horticopia Pro software I use it much less. Horticopia is the best resource for info and plant pics that I've seen or heard of.

Sunset makes some really good regional books.

For inspiration I love "The Natural Garden" by Ken Druse.

Also I just discovered Stoneyard.com for hardscape pics.

[fitzg2md]

thanks, they seem like good books/software (checked them out online). Ill be picking up a few tomorrow...-MF