The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening is the one and only practical guide to gardening you'll ever need. The comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date text -- supported by more than 3,000 specially commissioned color photographs -- guides you expertly through the entire range of gardening techniques. The first section of the book, Creating the Garden, opens with detailed information on garden planning and design. Other chapters focus on the major plant groups, including trees, shrubs, and perennials, as well as special areas such as the fruit garden and indoor garden. Each chapter presents detailed. Each chapter presents detailed, in-depth coverage of soil preparation, planting, routine care, pruning and propagation with step-by-step photographs and artwork. Important plant groups, such as hostas, daylillies, an peonies, are highlighted. The second section of the book, Maintaining the Garden, covers tools and materials as well as soil an climate in different regions of the United States. Construction projects, from putting up fencing to building a pergola, are covered with easy-to-follow photographic sequences. A gallery of pests and diseases aids in quick identification and control. There is also a gardener's calendar with seasonal reminders and an extensive glossary. Written by Experts: Endorsed by the American Horticultural Society, the Encyclopedia of Gardening has been expertly researched and written by a team of more than 50 distinguished international gardening specialists. Four years in the making, painstakingly photographed and carefully written, The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening is truly the ultimate gardening reference book.
Many books claim to be a "definitive guide"; this is one title that happily lives up to those claims--and then some.
Encyclopedia of Gardening will become your indispensable how-to manual for any plant-related topic. Indoors or out, you'll find information on choosing and maintaining healthy plants of all varieties, how to build structures from greenhouses to trellises, ways to identify pests and diseases, and methods of garden design that enable you to turn your lawn into a unique and personal work of art.
The text is straightforward and accompanied at all points by close-up photos of techniques, ideas, and specimens. The handy glossary is ready with definitions for everything from bulblet to vermiculite, and two pages of seasonal reminders are a great quick-reference cheat sheet. Thanks to clear category separations and the easy-to-read layout, the information is never overwhelming, just friendly and helpful--it's like having a master gardener living in your bookshelf! For the beginning-but-committed gardener, this encyclopedia is the perfect starting point. With every question answered thoroughly and accurately, you may find it's the only book you need for years to come. The fruit and vegetable sections are terrific, as are the areas on propagation and water gardening. For novice and expert alike, there's plenty to be learned from this information-packed volume. --Jill Lightner
