1 comments about Complete Hydrangeas.

1. I have about 30 books about hydrangeas and this is a must for every plant lover.by the way from America to Slovenia arrived in 4 days.Buy it.

5 comments about How to Build Treehouses, Huts and Forts.

1. Please don't buy this book unless you are comfortable reading vague plans and are an experienced carpenter. For all the other "Weekenders" like me who appreciate step-by-step instruction with diagrams/pictures, detailed information on techniques for their projects, discussion regarding suitable materials and tips on finishing the project (i.e. painting, etc.) PLEASE choose a book more suited to your skill level. ... I sense impending doom if I attempt to build his cover playhouse which, by the way, seems rather small at only 6'x6'. I think I will join the ranks and order Norm Abrams plans and video as well. DONT BUY THIS BOOK



2. Great book if you want to build a treehouse or fort with your son (or sons) or if you just want to build one for your son (or sons) so he can have fun. Love this book and I HIGHLY recommend it.



3. This book is extremely awesome and has a special section on stuff to build like snowforts, catapults, and cannons. The forts are really awesome. Great buy.



4. As a person who lived in a treehouse for 3 years, and was looking for a basic how-to book for a friend, I was disappointed--this is how-to down to how to buy 2x4s and pull nails. Not good for a skilled (or even somewhat skilled) adult, but this book is EXACTLY the sort of thing I would have wanted as a kid: all the basics, lots of advice, and would have been great for a mom- and/or dad-and-me project.



5. Have not got the chance to use it but it help me realize the difference between building with studs and live trees. It stress safety which is always good.

5 comments about Hydrangeas for American Gardens.

1. Beautiful photos but disappointed that the name wasn't on the picture- was cumbersome to go between the list of names and the photos



2. This guy knows his posies. Everything I've seen that he has written has been well done and most informative. I'm using his hydrangea book as my bible for beginning to raise these gorgeous things and am finding that he knows varieties, tactics, and possible problems (and solutions)I'd never heard of.



3. I think it's the best book I ever saw on the subject. It will be useful to amateurs and specialists. It is critical, complete, and honest. It is exact, practical, and technical, but with personal notes here and there that I find touching, amusing, and endearing. Did you know that Hydrangea anomala subsp petiolaris'flowers stare at the passerby? Now you know. If you love Hydrangeas do buy this book.



4. This was not what I wanted. These are great pictures but I want to learn more about my hydrangeas not your's or anyone else's. My bad! Very pretty pictures.



5. While this CD-Rom is pretty good as far as content and info, the format really needs an overhaul. The window overall is too small. Something like 6x6, which makes for smaller images. And there is no way to enlarge any of the images. Also, navigation needs to be more intuitive. It's not very user friendly to go back and forth between fields for information. Praise is given for content, but one would be better off with a book version.

5 comments about Lavender: The Grower's Guide.

1. This is a lovely book full of in-depth information about different types of lavender with beautiful, detailed pictures. It's a great reference source, but works equally well as a coffee table book because it is so stunning to look at. I have only one minor criticism of this book and that is that it doesn't go into enough detail about the Lanata hybrids that seem to do well in our hot, dry southern California climate. I would have liked to have seen more pictures of these particular lavenders (there are a few, but not that many) and would have enjoyed learning more about them.



2. Virginia tells all about lavender! This is the only book you need to be successful growing lavender.



3. If you are a lavender lover who maintains all the plants in the garden with labels, then this book's for you. In a recent move, the labels of two plants were lost--I needed to re-identify them. This is a technical book right down to it's bracts and sepals. But it also is beautifully photographed so one can identify individual flowers, not just big pictures of a plant's growing habits. The only drawback was falling in love with a particular flower and realizing that it might only be available in her English homeland. But part of the fun of collecting is in the hunt! This book is truly the lavender "bible".



4. This lady knows her stuff. Every attribute you ever wanted to know about lavender is here. Though told from an Australian's exposure to lavender it is the bible for lavender grower's in identification of species and their traits. My only wish is it was more directed at America's varieties and conditions but it can be easily enough transferred over. The pictures are stunning and accurately done



5. In my opinion, Virginia McNaughton's book, Lavender the growers guide is a very good book. However, the title may mislead buyers into thinking it is a "how to" book, which it isn't really. It provides excellent detailed information on classification of lavender, but does not provided a great deal of information on actually growing it. Since there are numerous other sources on the ins and outs of growing of lavender, but few, if any others, that provide this level of detail on classification of lavender, it provides a unique contribution to the field, albeit a bit esoteric for the average gardner.

5 comments about Viburnums: Flowering Shrubs for Every Season.

1. Great resource for any horticulturist. plantsman or weekend gardener. Varieties can be so hard to correctly identify, Dirr takes out most of the guesswork. Would highly recommend to all.



2. Michael Dirr knows his stuff which is why I knew I had to have this book. He not only has beautiful pictures, and drawings, his description of the various varieties of viburnums is wonderful. If you are a fan of viburnums, get this book!



3. 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.



4. [[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



5. 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.

5 comments about Timber Press Pocket Guide to Japanese Maples (Timber Press Pocket Guides).

1. For any one who loves Japanese Maples this is a must have reference book & a feast for the eye's.



2. I'm a acer lover and it's the most amazing beautiful book that I have knowledgement. I have some magazines and another papers that talking about japanese maples, but nothing like this. For enthusiasts or acer lovers, like me, I recomend this book!



3. Excellent resource for identifying maples' leaves, colors, sizes, groups,etc. Nice size and feel to the book. Highly recommend, especially for someone just starting out in learning about these beautiful specimens!



4. I was pleased with the whole turnaround time and the quality of the book is wonderful. The book is a pure delight for anyone who loves Japanese Maples.



5. this is a must for maple enthousiasts. it has plenty of pictures and descriptions, for the price you will not find better.
   what I missed is a chapter about pests and diseases of these trees.
   what is very good is a specific chapter where you can find the different species sorted by color, size, autumn color ...

5 comments about The Shrub Identification Book: The Visual Method for the Practical Identification of Shrubs, Including Woody Vines and Ground Covers.

1. This book is the best manual for the identification of shrubs and shrubby plants. The photographs are in black & white. There are a set of master pages and then sets of pages with flowers, leaves and fruits. All are very descriptive and enable one to identify with only parts of the plant.
   We just were able to identify low alpine plants that look herbaceous using this manual.
   I have had this book for a long time and like it so much that I just purchased another for a friend. I am pleased to know that it is still available.



2. While it is nearly a half century old, it is still quite relevent, as well as being easy to use. It is, unfortunely, all b/w photographs (no clumsy line art), but they are very sharp & clear, and the colors are printed next to the pictures. No matter what part of the plant you have available, there is a pictoral key you can use to identify the plant.
   
   Identify, however, is the operative word. The only other information given about the plants is the scientific name, approximate flowering date, range, and height. Once you have identified the plant, you will need to look elsewhere for more info, but it is the most comprehensive book of it's type I have found. There are numerous books on what you can do with any given plant, but first you need to know what plant you have. That's where this book really shines.



3. I GOT THIS BOOK FOR MY SON WHO HAS 40 ACRES WITH LOTS OF UNKNOWN TREES AND SHRUBS ON IT, AND HE TELLS ME THAT IT IS VERY HELPFUL AND CLEAR TO READ AND UNDERSTAND. THANK YOU.



4. This book is an identification guidebook for shrubs and woody vines of the Eastern United States. It is organized according to Symonds' visual key. The first part of the book has tab-indexed sections featuring details of plants, including thorns, leaves, flowers, fruits, twigs, and bark. Following this are the main pages, which include entries for individual plants or closely related groups of plants. The entries in the main pages include common and Latin names, notes on range and flowering season, and other notes useful for identification. The book is illustrated throughout with high-quality black-and-white photographs cropped to bring out the important identification details.
   
   This book follows a different methodology than many other identification guides. Instead of following a descriptive key, which forces you to guess on features that may not be observable in your sample, with this book, you first examine your sample to decide which features are most prominent. Then you consult the relevant section of the details guide, whether it is leaves, flowers, thorns, or twigs. When you find a photo that matches what you have in hand, you are then referred to the main pages where you can find more details of the plant to confirm whether you have a match, or if you need to give more weight to other features for identification. Although this system takes a bit of getting used to, especially for those accustomed to picking through descriptive keys, once you get the hang of it, it's simple, fast, and very effective for plant identification. However, given the large size of the book, it's not one you are likely to want to carry into the field with you. It makes a better shelf reference for consulting once you return home with your samples.



5. I received the book promptly and have found it to be very helpful for identifying plants.

5 comments about Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses.

1. Hands down this is the best reference guide for anyone involved in the green industry. Don't expect flashy pictures and illustrations, only hand drawn samples here. Dr. Dirr is a master and this book contains insight and witty remarks on thousands of species.



2. This is the textbook for my landscape design class. Not only is it thorough, but Dirr has some humorous insights into plant culture. Plants are listed in the back with botanical as well as common names for easy reference. I wish there were photos of the plants, but some black and white illustrations of leaves and buds are included. Overall, this is my primary reference for identifying and learning about woody shrubs and trees.



3. I bought this book "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants" together with "Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs" some years ago. One of the best purchases I ever made. They really go together like hand and glove. If you see something in "Dirr's Hardy Trees ans Shrubs" and you want more specifications just keep the "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants" at hand and you'll find what you are looking for.
   Recently I ordered them once again to give away as a present.



4. Too bad that so many of these reviews are written by Weekend Warriors who wanted a "pretty book with pictures." ~sigh~ I'm a landscape architect who trained under Dr. Dirr when he was teaching at U of Illinois. Of course, because he was teaching the subject, this tome was part of the required course. For the professional plantsman or very serious gardner, there is nothing like it! This is my third edition of this book, the first one being thin and light and probably a two-pounder. This one weighs in at 6 pounds. I don't know of a serious nursery that does NOT have this as part of their library; it's excellent when you need to know just how Acer saccharum and Acer saccharinum differ; what diseases do Betula nigra contract; and which Ilex species to plant in your zone.
   
   The reason why he does NOT bother with roses, clematis and other pretty plants extensively is that there are far better sources than his book to refer to for information and he just can't be bothered to rewrite what better experts have already written.
   
   This book is NOT a key to identify plants. This book is NOT a coffee table book to impress anyone. This book is to be used at a store or in the field, covered with mud and spotted pages as you earn your living from working, planting and selling woody ornamentals. There are 100's of pretty books that Barnes & Noble cranks out each year for the casual gardener. If in doubt about a book, hike to a store or library and check the book out THERE, rather than ordering an unknown book and criticizing the author for what he's NOT vs. what he is. If you pay your mortgage and truck payment by working with trees and shrubs, you already have this book and know how good it is!



5. Dirr is the bible for plant information. I find that most plant people have a copy on their bookshelves with significant signs of use. (worn pages, dog earing, stains, soil etc)

5 comments about The Backyard Orchardist: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in the Home Garden.

1. I bought this book because I wanted to learn to care for the fruit trees and plants in my yard. This book looks like it has a lot of good information but honestly unless you are really good at gardening it is very wordy. I don't think I will sit and read it but I will probably use it as a reference book.



2. Never recieved this order. Credit card was billed but still no package(1-2-08). Never got any response from email stated that I have not recieved my order!



3. I have about 5 books on fruit trees and this is by far the best and most comprehensive. Only drawback is that they don't use real pictures.



4. The Backyard Orchardist: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in the Home GardenI found this book very thorough and informative for someone just learning about growing fruit and nut trees at home. It answered very nearly every one of my questions.



5. Extremely helpful! Just moved to a new home and wanted to start my plants off right. This book helped me not only in the selection of my plants, but where on my property it is best to plant them, and how to properly plant them. I also learned the correct ways of pruning and fertilizing each plant. I have found this book to be an invaluable tool to a begining backyard gardener.

5 comments about Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia.

1. This is a valuable book to see what trees and shrubs are like when they are mature. It will sort of help in identification, but it is not a book for identification. I enjoyed viewing it over again and again.



2. I bought this book to gain more knowledge about trees and shrubs so I make informed decisions on what to grow in my yard. This book helped me tremendously. I wouldn't have been able to select the trees and shrubs that surround and beautify my entire yard without the help of this book. I used to take it with me to nurseries and when seeing a tree I like, I opened the page that discusses it and got the ins and outs about it. I also have asked specialty nurseries for a specific tree I found in this book that they don't display, but can get as a special order. It was worth it. It is true that no book can contain all the information you need to know about trees and shrubs in your area, however, this book comes quite close!



3. I have already used this reference to choose and buy a hedge. Lots of information and mentions common hybrids. Only CON makes it tough to use. All the trees are listed by their Latin names and so hard to find for the everyday person.



4. This book is jam packed with helpful and beautiful photographs. it's the perfect book if you want to show a client or perhaps your wife what the plant you just bought (or more like a twig in a burlap coat) will look like when it grows up a bit. It has just basic info about each plant like ultimate size and ornamental qualities. If you are looking for something more in depth for each plant, get his manual of woody landscape plants. That said, I don't think you'll be disappointed to have the handy visual reference in your library of plant books!



5. This is probably the best gardening book that I have ever seen. I use it frequently. I am on a committee in my neighborhood that encourages tree-planting by our city's residents. This book is a life saver to take with me when dealing with perspective tree purchasers. It has great pictures of the trees and gives advice as to where they should be planted, problems, et.al.
   
   I like it so much that I have purchased it for gifts.