Flora

What makes a good reference book on Trees and Shrubs?

It is a book that has information on a broad selection of trees and shrubs. Many more plants than I can possibly use in my garden. The book also has to have all the required basic growing information (plant description, hardiness, soil preferences, and sunlight rating) in addition to handy tips that the author has observed. These extra tips can be valuable information like pruning instructions to encourage trees to grow with a good form (so important when young to set the framework for good strength at maturity). Also important when selecting a tree or shrubs for a garden are characteristics that differentiate one plant from another. When often only one tree will fit, it is important to get the perfect tree for a garden. A good reference book is the culmination of many years of growing, research, or observational experience possessed by the writer.

Good reference books are not totally about “glowing praise”. A valuable reference book will mention the downfall of some plants, too. Good authors will include justified candid comments about trees and shrubs, good or bad, that will be important information for gardeners.

Many good reference books have equally good images to accompany the quality text alongside. For books on shrubs, this is vitally important. A good visual picture of a shrub through the seasons and a landscape picture to show the scale is essential for readers to judge whether that plant is a worthy consideration for their garden.