Annuals and Perennials

I'm a first time homeowner, and therefore, I am just beginning to really learn to take care of my yard/garden. I have had no prior experience really in flower gardening (just vegetable gardening), and I wanted to add some easy-to-care for color in my yard. . . I purchased the big Southern Living "encyclopedia" about gardening (which I love), but I have found this particular book _Annuals & Perennials_ to be more friendly for the "amateur" gardener in me. I highly recommend this book to Southern gardeners. I have had great success with my flower/plant selection since using this book as a guide. It's very easy to use!

This is one of my 'bibles'. I look at it every day. It has great information. It gives specifics about each plant, like what light, moisture, soil, temperature it likes as well as if it is prone to a certain disease or insect problem. I love the pictures, both close ups and distance.

What a fabulous resource! I've been taking Southern Living magazine for 20 years, and am continually inspired by the displays of floral color in each issue. The book begins with a lengthy section on how to use flowers in landscaping for year round effectiveness. The bulk of the book is taken up with its greatest feature: highlights of over 75 of the most popular annuals and perennials to glorify your lawn or garden. Included in each summary are beautiful, full-color photographs (you will find yourself thinking 'so that's what that is called'), planting and care, different selections to choose from, how to start from seed, and troubleshooting. Also included is a helpful "At a Glance" box listing features, colors, height, light, soil, water, pests and remarks. Finally, a detailed plant hardiness zone map will take all the final guessing out of whether or not a certain flower will thrive in your area (a real money saver). It gave me the knowledge and confidence to dig new beds and buy bulbs and seeds, knowing that what I selected more than likely will not only thrive, but be beautiful and accomplish the "look" I'm seeking for my lawn and garden. A great suppliment to this is The Southern Living Garden Book which details over 5,000 southern plants. Now that's some homework!