Miracle-Gro Complete Guide to Perennials

I first borrowed this book from the library. Had it for 6 weeks and knew it was a must have. I could not be more pleased with the information and help this guide provides.

Miracle Gro Complete Guide to Perennials Edited by Marilyn Rogers Written by Scott Aker and Laura Deeter Published by Meredith Books 2008 ISBN-10 0696236648 ISBN-13 978-0696236648 Amongst some gardeners, the Miracle-Gro company is reputed to have created some of the most eye catching TV commercials and print ads that have ever targeted plant lovers. They are very good at visualizing the successful results of proper feeding and care. However, the detail lavished in the preparation of this basic primer on growing perennials surpasses anything that they've done in their marketing department. This is a popular priced book targeting a mass audience and yet the information between its covers and the quality of its color photographs are worthy of a book twice its cost. Not only is it comprehensive and illustrated in clear detail, but almost everything one needs to know about growing perennials may be absorbed by studying it's pictures. In an age of instant messenger, a book that can instruct with such immediacy is a significant achievement. With an economy of words, the editor and writers amply cover basic topics such as garden design, plant selection and planting instructions. Great attention is paid to every detail as the reader is guided, unambiguously and step by step, to becoming a perennial expert. The chapter on perennial care is a wonderful bonus because this is an area of expertise that determines the difference between a beautiful garden and a perfunctory collection of plants. Here too, the editor makes it so easy to follow. Another surprise is the inclusion of a ninety two page encyclopedia of perennial plants, enhanced with in depth information and color photos. This alone is worth the price of the book. The greatest challenge facing any gardener of perennials is how to keep a garden in bloom from spring until autumn. Most perennials have a blooming period of no more than three weeks, and each plant has its particular time to bloom. For that reason, creating continuous blooms throughout the growing season requires strategic planning. Many of us have spent countless hours juggling planting blueprints to ensure that there are no gaps in blooming time. I wish that I could have read this book back then because it contains a brilliant bloom time guide that takes the guesswork out of creating a continuously colorful garden. The secondary title of this book is called "Techniques that guarantee a fabulous garden" Believe it! Allan Becker, reviewer for Bookpleasures.

Finally we've finished the major changes and updates to the interior and exterior of the house and it's time to make the outside look nice too. I'm a beginner so this book was a must. It's has tons of useful information. I look through the pics to see what I like, figure out if I'm in the right zone and if I think it's something I can manage...then I head off to the garden center. The book covers everything from how to plant, how to care, garden and plant pests and how to eliminate them... It has everything. It should be the only book you'll need. I'm starting small this year...just one small flower garden and one small vegetable garden...but I'm always looking around the yard and coming up with plans and locations for next year!