5 comments about Art of Floral Arranging, The.

1. This is a book, just as described in the other reviews, of step by step images and text for 7 arrangements. Only one of those involves fewer than a dozen (most are more than 2 dozen) stems. if you're looking for small arrangement help, there's probably a better choice (I am still looking for it).
   
   The book is pretty, though.



2. This book has pretty photographs but it was not what I was looking for. It shows designs by reknowned florists but has little in the way of substance. I don't want to make someone else's bouquets. I want to learn how to do it. I am also more interested in silk flowers, so that may be another reason that I am not a big fan. I want to learn the "Art of Flower Arranging" not how to copy someone else's designs that I don't much care for anyway.



3. I love the flower arrangements in this book they are so classy and simple. Very easy for anyone to make.



4. What little there is is very beautiful, but I somehow expected more. Pretty book though.



5. Honestly reading this book and seeing the designs I do better arrangements and I've never taken a class not impressed by the books pictures or arrangements very generic.

5 comments about Native Florida Plants, Revised Edition: Low Maintenance Landscaping and Gardening.

1. As a fairly new resident of Florida I look forward to Robert Haehle's NGA email each month, with his great advise & tips. This book is a "must have" for anyone new to tropical gardening, as well as, the Southern natives. The information & beautiful photos are especially helpful in identifying what is in my yard & what I would like to add.



2. Native Florida Plants is NOT out of print! A new, updated edition was published early this year, and includes additional plants, an updated source list, and a list of family names. Hope it appears on Amazon's website ASAP. (I am the co-author.)



3. I am the co-author of "Native Florida Plants". The new revised edition was printed in early 2004. The new book is not listed on www.amazon.com I think the problem may be the different ISBN number. The new ISBN number is 1-58979-051-0. The book is available from National Books Network at 1-800-462-6420. We hope to see our book on www.amazon.com very soon. This is a great site to get new and used books. I am a customer. Robert Haehle



4. Great book. Shows many pictures of native plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, vines, etc.
   Also talks about how they grow, best areas, etc.
   While this book will show you all the native plants in Florida, it does not touch (of course) on plants that WILL grow in Flrodai, of which would be an even bigger book.
   Still very useful & will stay on my shelf for many years.



5. While no one book is perfect, this revised edition has a lot going for it. It has interesting chapters on Florida's climate and different plant communities, e.g. seaside, interior sections, etc. Then it gives an excellen t and concise description of plants, e.g. DAHOON HOLLY (Ilex cassine)with a GOOD COLOR PHOTO. I have one in my backyard. It gives all the relevant information in a clear and concise way: height, light, bloom,etc. Habitat was extremely helpful, i.e. usually found near streams and swamps. I started making sure it got more water! It is on my shelf next to "Florida Landscaping Plants Revised Edition" by Watkins and Sheehan, and between the two, I think I can usually find some helpful information.

5 comments about Complete Guide To Flower Arranging (DK Living).

1. This is a great book for people who are new to flower arranging.



2. I was in Heaven through the fresh flower chapters, and then... I was descending to Hell through the dried flower chapters. My math counted 90 pages of Heaven and 54 pages of Hell.



3. When you've been in this business for a while, the floral design business that is, nothing really shocks you anymore.
   
   This is a decent coffee table book, nice pictures but nothing more really. It can not teach you anything, it can not give any ideas that you haven't already seen somewhere else.



4. enjoyed book was very helpful just wished for more information. Seemed a little outdated and reasources limited.



5. This book was recommend to members of our flower guild. It is a reasonably-priced, handy guide to flower arranging. There are lots of different ideas: foam based, vase, potted plants, large arrangements, posies, boutonnieres, swags and dried arrangements. Each arrangement comes with a specific materials list and complete arrangement directions. I'm fairly new to flower arranging and love this book.

5 comments about The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes.

1. In depth, beautifully photographed and written by someone who obviously cares a great deal about the subject. Great for reference -- also great just to peruse.



2. This book is the bible of all ornamental grasses, great pictures for referance and identifacation of grass plants !!!!!!!!!!



3. Excellent for the experienced and inexperienced grasses' growers. Beautiful photographs and readable, informative text. We live in Maine and have planted many grasses. This book helped us understand soil conditions and care.



4. This is an awesome book. I own another of Rick Darke's grass books, the Timber Press pocket guide, which is also excellent as an overall reference. This one, though, goes in to a depth I didn't know I needed until I saw it! I find I am reading every page, after having skimmed every beautiful photo. I particularly admire the wisdom behind the design theory (see the chapter on design)--a true artist's understanding of color, form and line. Why use grasses in a garden design? And how to do so? The topic is eloquently covered. So well in fact that I have had a bit of a paradigm shift.
   
   In addition to Darke's exquisite artistic sense, his horticultural, encyclopedic knowledge of all these plants is very appreciated. I can trust what he tells me. The only thing missing (and missing from almost all--dare I say ALL--ornamental grasses books) is the width size for grasses listed. One needs to try to extrapolate a probable width from the height which IS given for every plant. Granted this piece of info must be hard for authors as there may be two or even three width sizes for grasses--the basal clump in spring, the foliage fully expanded in summer, and tip-to-tip spread IN BLOOM in fall, for example. And there is the question of time as well: e.g. a 3-year size vs. a 10-year size. Still, a gardener needs to know these things: what sort of space to give a grass for its best look to be achieved.
   
   The above is a small point for an overall excellent book. It covers ornamental grasses from every angle, from a man very experienced in the genre.



5. Encyclopedia of Grasses is a very beautiful, and at first glance comprehensive, book. However as I got into the details of both the book and my current landscape project I was somewhat disappointed. The book contains beautiful photographs and descriptions but has a limited usage as a reference book. In particular, I was looking for information on plant hardiness, appropriate zones, size, care, pairing with other plants etc. In addition, it is difficult to cross reference from common plant names to genus species names and there were a number of grasses which are common in Northwest nurseries that I could not find in the book.
   
   As a landscaping resource book I would rate this book as a 3; however the book itself is of extremely high quality, the photographs are beautiful and the narrative is close to lyrical. If you are looking for a pure reference book on grasses I would not recommend this as your first choice. If you are looking for a very attractive coffee table book or gift, this is definitely a 5.

5 comments about Perennial All-Stars: The 150 Best Perennials for Great-Looking, Trouble-Free Gardens.

1. Great for the beginner gardener, it's easy to understand and gives a lot of information on planning your perrennial gardens to look great from early spring right into the fall.



2. Keep this book on your counter all spring and summer long - you'll find lots of reasons to refer to it.



3. My wife wore out her 1st copy and the yard looks great.



4. I am really enjoying this book. It has given me a lot of good ideas for my garden this summer. I already have some of the flowers it lists, and I agree they are winners. An excellent book for beginning and experienced gardeners looking for new flowers for their yard.



5. This is a well organized and colorful book that is good for the first time gardener as well as the seasoned veteran. Attractive pictures pull the reader into the page, then concise, helpful information is readily available.

5 comments about Viburnums: Flowering Shrubs for Every Season.

1. This book is a helpful tool to those interested in landscape design and gardening. When you are done reading it, you will be as in love with viburnums as Durr.



2. [[ASIN:0881928534 Viburnums: Flowering Shrubs for Every Season] This book
   was ordered for my husband Dorick Corbo, he is interested in horticulture and is a part time landscaper. Donald Wyman says that "many viburnums have decided value every season of the year. They are sturdy shrubs and are subject to few pests." Michael Dirr gets his information about plants out in the field from more than one area or continent.
   
   His information on viburnums is excellent and the colored pictures are outstanding.
   
   I've never heard or seen another book on viburnums. Donald Wyman is on Dirr's reference list.
   
   Dorick Corbo



3. Loved this book. The photos were great as were the illustrations. The information it contained is priceless. Mr. Dirr knows his stuff. I would recommend this to anyone interested in obtaining Viburnums.



4. Good detailed information on a wide range of viburnums - including many that aren't typically available in the nursery trade. Fills a void that existed in plant information. I just wish there was an easy to read table that summarized the essential plant info for designers to use as a quick reference when choosing plants.



5. Dirr provides thorough coverage of North American viburnam species. Chapters are devoted to single species and include pictures of the infloresence, fruit, foliage closeups, fall foliage, and shape of mature plant for each species and popular cultivar. Additionally, there are detailed botanical illustrations by his "better half." It is much more thorough text than his book on hydrangeas--as there are more reasons to plant a viburnum. I bought the book because I now have room to start a viburnum collection, but it may have paid for itself with the discussion and photography of deer damage--which should give every reader something important to consider. Another great book written by a scholar who has contributed much to my gardening experiences.

5 comments about 4000 Flower & Plant Motifs: A Sourcebook.

1. This book has found a permanent spot in my home, namely, on my desk, where I do all my hobbies. It has loads of great ideas that I've already used. Can't wait for the author's next book --apparantly its a sourcebook on animal designs.



2. I have a collection of books on designs and historical motifs. This is one of the most useful. I'm using it to create designs for decorating pottery.



3. I love this book for the quilting designs it inspires. If you're stuck for ideas, open McCallum's book and start drawing.



4. My wife asked for this for her birthday. She absolutely loves it. So much so that we recently purchased 7 more as gifts for her friends in different crafting groups. She insists that 4000 Flower and Plant Motifs has inspired her with tons of quilting/craft ideas. This book is a great gift.
   
   Sam Hendricks, author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comrehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" and "Fantasy Football Almanac"



5. I'm an avid embroiderer, always looking for the perfect design to embellish a cardigan or pillowtop. McCallum's collection offers plenty of ideas and serves as a springboard for some of my own. I imagine this would be an equally essential tool for many other types of hobbyists. This one is nice just to leaf through, too -- it's very well arranged. I'm tempted to order his other books right away, but there's plenty to work with right here.

5 comments about Native Ferns, Moss, and Grasses: From Emerald Carpet to Amber Wave, Serene and Sensuous Plants for theGarden.

1. William Cullina provides the opportunity to see the natural beauty around us and realize its potential. Excellent resource and spectacular photographs.



2. I love this book! I have been taking it with me everywhere. It's beautiful, written in a very personable style, and contains tons of information and insight about a pragmatic approach to gardening - using native plants, most of which are happy in the shade (which I happen to have a lot of, and don't want to change!). If you're tired of "fighting city hall" in the shady spots in your yard, this is a great source of inspiration and fresh perspective.



3. When it comes to native vegetation, Cullina,s books are the bible for me. This is no exception. He's taken on ferns, grasses and mosses all of which are hard to differentiate and different in the way they propogate. He,s done a masterful job in helping me identify them, know where to plant them and how to propogate them.



4. Cullina knows whereof he writes. This is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in using ferns, mosses or grasses in his landscaping. You are not going to find advice like this at your local nursery, much less a big box retailer.



5. From the introduction, through the explanation about native plants through the excellent photos and descriptions of each plant, this book informs the reader about different important aspects of native ferns, moss and grasses. The chapter "Ferns and Fern Allies for Various Uses and Conditions" as well as the similar one on grasses, sedges and rushes lists specific plants & the sites they are best suited for optimum growth.
   
   It is a book I highly recommend for a gift to yourself or to gardening friends.

5 comments about Paula Pryke's Flower School: Mastering the Art of Floral Design.

1. I would never contest the beauty of this book, but I found the lessons section to be lacking in terms of specificity. After all, this book is meant to be instructive. The instructions were often much too general for someone actually trying to learn floral design. Sometimes the generality is along the lines of 'put the twigs in the vase, put the roses in the vase,' while at other times it is more specific. In essence, the real process of placement is sometimes excluded.
   
   Also, many of the arrangements are of a similar style, round and mouned, and though this is a particular style, I would have appreciated fewer examples of this type of bouquet, which I consider to be less complicated to make. As a florist, I would recommend this book to other florists looking for interesting ideas for using alternative floral materials such as food. I would also recommend this book for beginners needing very basic informatioin, such how to use greeneries and basic floral tools.
   
   I would not, however, recommend this book for beginners or florists hoping to make commercial sorts of arrangements. After all, her book is the "art" of floral design, not the "economics" of floral design. Many commercial floral arrangements make more economical use of stem length and amount of flowers. This is not universal, but it is something to keep in mind when deciding who to buy this book for.



2. This book is being used as a text book for an advanced floral design class I am taking. Very useful for the advanced or beginning floral designer. Pictures are very detailed.



3. Beautiful book on fresh flower arranging. Lots of information and lovely photographs. There is good technical information regarding the basics of arranging flowers in general. Her designs are beautiful but personally, not something I would want to reproduce. They are too edgy. She is obviously very talented. If you are looking for a book on silk flower arranging, try Decorating With Silk & Dried Flowers by The Home Decorating Institute. Even if you are more interested in silk flower arranging, there is still a lot of good information about color, line, texture, etc. in this one.



4. This was supposed to be a NEW book. All the pages were stuck together on the bottom of the book and when I got them apart you can see a huge water stain. This was the first time I had ordered from Amazon and I will never do it again!!!!!



5. For the beginner, this is a great book, it gives great visual and step by step instructions.

5 comments about Perennial Combinations: Stunning Combinations That Make Your Garden Look Fantastic Right from the Start (Rodale Garden Book).

1. Although I have a plethora of gardening books, this one stands out as one of my favorites. It shows a picture example on every page. It has planting diagrams (garden plans) so you can duplicate what you see and it gives a lot of information about the plants. It's the best of both worlds - you can use the information and get creative, or follow the plans and duplicate what you see. Either way, you'll have a great garden!
   Although I've been gardening for a good many years, it's nice to have a reference as to how things will look together, instead of my usual "plant it here and hope for the best" approach! I'm tired of moving my plants every year.
   I bought my book over the winter and it's a great "dream" book. Now I can't wait till I can get out there and put it all to good use!



2. This book was (is) a big disappointment, containing as it does nothing new regarding perennnial combining that isn't covered in at least a dozen or more recent and more interesting books, not to mention the classics. This is perennial combining 202 with no spark of imagination in the pairings that can make a garden jump for joy. The photography is so ordinary and the color is extremly garish. Is that due to the Digital Imaging Specialists Dale Mack and Jane Ramsey or what? I can find no photographic credits (except for the cover) which is probably just as well. Obviously in a book this size (351 pages), from someone who is as accomplished as Mr. Burrell, there is useful information to be gleaned but I already have books that serve that purpose. If I had seen this in a book store, having thumbed through it for a few moments, I would never have bought it. However, if you are just beginning your library of perennial books this one may be useful to you.



3. One of the drawbacks of buying gardening books online is that you can't see the photos. If I had thumbed through this book I don't think I would have purchased it. Not that it doesn't have a lot of good information and ideas. It's just that the photos are, for the most part, awful. The color is garish and over-saturated and the images actually look blurry. Also, many of the plant combo photos are very close up, which doesn't help when you are trying to figure out how to place your perennials when planting. For me, a good gardening book has to not only give useful information and how-tos (which this book does for the most part), but it has to inspire with lovely photos! And that is where this book fails.



4. Being pretty new to perennials but having read many books I was having sort of a writers block when it came to WHAT to put in my new garden.
   
   I knew all about HOW but with so many choices I was overwhelmed!
   
   This book has a good number of templates to give you a jump start and many outstanding photos of combinations of flowers that work together. In fact this has some of the best photos I have ever seen in a garden book.
   
   It also covers difficult situations like what works in Heavy Clay and wet sites an so forth.
   
   My plan was a butterfly garden and they had the perfect template for a 12x8 garden.
   
   Excellent book for beginners or people that are looking for new combinations!! My fav book so far. (out of the 30 I have looked at).



5. If you've ever drooled over perfectly arranged landscapes designed with fabulous color combinations, texture, and an array of plants all sizes and shapes who's colors are pleasing to the eye, this book is your tool. There are many garden companies that offer pre-designed gardens, but they're expensive and sometimes have plants that you just don't care for. This book gives you ideas, plans, tips on how to combine plants in such a way that it looks like a professional landscaper came and did all the work. Every design is wonderful, the photography is superb and the gardens are beautiful. A real asset for anyone who wants to have a beautiful garden without paying a designer/landscaper to do it for you. A great book.