AHS Plants for Every Season

Without hesitation I would recommend this little (see the dimensions, above) book. It is a quick reference for US gardeners who seek guidance about year-round plantings. The book sorts plants into six seasons: early spring; late spring; early summer; late summer; autumn; winter. Each plant has a small, but in most cases entirely adequate color photograph and an annotation which includes information about soil moisture preferences or tolerances, preferences or tolerances for sun or shade, hardiness zones and -- this is a pretty new one -- heat zone ratings (zones based on the average number of days with temperatures about 90F; there is a zone map inside the back cover) for plants. Fragrance is also noted, along with expected full size (height and width), and some information about culture and care. This is not an encyclopaedia of plants; it's more of a digest. In many cases you may want to search out additional information. But what a great place to start. Its small size makes it the book to take on expeditions to nurseries and gardnes. Its durable cover and strongly sewn binding make me happily anticipate years of hard use.A great little gift for any gardener, including yourself.