Right Plants for Dry Places

Interesting book. VEry helpful in setting up a zeroscape. I am starting to use more native plants and this book refered to both native and not native species for Florida.

Kudos for this ecologically correct book published in response to xeriscaping and the shift to using native plants and the reasons for using them in the landscape. Although exotic plants are arguably beautiful, this book opens your eyes to using native Floridian plants for landscaping. First, these plants evolved in the central Florida area so are well adapted to the rigours of the climate- disease, watering, temperature requirements, water requirements, etc. These already adapted plants will not just look attractive, but will flourish in your landscape. Also, being native, the worry of introducing yet another exotic pest plant to the already endangered Florida ecosystem is negated. Thirdly these plants tend to be xeric-- drought resistant when established- a godsend for those waterwise and ecologically responsible gardeners. As far as the book goes, the photographs are fair to excellent and many show what the plant appears..not just closeups, of say the flower, or a twig. For the most part one can picture what the plant will appear in the garden. The language used in the book is easy to understand for the beginner, yet technical enough for the avid gardener. I love the conciseness of the description of each plant from its scientific name to its growth rate,landscape maintenance and other specific growth needs. There are also "Notes" which provide the gardener specifics, such as if a plant is toxic, or other specific characteristic, for example. All in all, the reader of this book will be impressed by the information. If nothing more, it will open Floridians' eyes to the possibility of incorporating these neglected, but beautiful plants into their landscape. For the price, this book is a wonderful value. It is going in my "can't do without" collection in my library-- and you will find it indispensable, as well.

This book is an excellent source of information about native Florida plants that can be used in landscaping projects. These plants grow well in Florida without the large amounts of care and water required by many exotics. They also provide habitat for native animals and butterflies. For each plant described in the book the authors give both the common and botanical name. They also provide a color photo, a written description, mature size, growth rate, water, soil & light requirements, salt tolerance and propagation tips for each plant. Although some of the plants are hard to find, they also provide sources to help locate nurseries that carry native plants. This book is a must for anyone that wants to help the environment, reduce their use of water, fertilizer and pesticides on their lawns and save money in the process!