Texas Trees

According to his web site, "Garrett received his Bachelor of Science degree in Park Administration and Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University in 1969. He is a registered landscape architect, I.S.A. certified arborist, horticulturist, broadcaster and writer." Howard's observations and preferences have not been developed casually, but are the result of a lifetime of experience. He maintains a firm committment to organic horticulture, and explains his reasons for this more thoroughly in other books.I would like to see more information crucial to the small city lot (which is after all the realm of most beginning home gardeners), such as appropriate trees for the front of the lot that won't eat the sidewalk. However, it is a fact that a book which covers every issue in tree gardening would be huge and quite costly. For instance, the appearance of oak leaves can vary greatly, even from the same tree. Howard has merely presented pictures covering some of the varying appearances, rather than delving deeply into this subject. He has hit the highlights on most of the important issues, giving us a manageable and affordable book.Someone who wants an extensive education on this subject will of course want to consult additional books and additional authors. But the beginning gardener (or someone who is new to Texas) would do well to follow Howard's advice, because it does provide an excellent starting point. Many gardening issues are of course a matter of opinion, but Howard's opinions are built on a firm foundation.