National Garden Book: For the Us and Canada

If you want to know anything about plants, this is the book to buy. Have looked thru a bunch of other books, and none of them even come close to the variety of plants covered and depth of info. If want to buy only one book, this is the one.

This is the most complete reference I have in my collection of garden books. I have yet to find a plant variety that is not in this book. Truly a "must have" for any gardener.

One of the first books I reach for when I feel I need to look something up. Good for beginners and hardy gardening veterans.Contains a plant encyclopedia with botanical names. Detailed Climate zone maps and climate descriptions. Does not use USDA zones but a more thorough and detailed zoning system. All zones are described in detail. Zoning includes southern regions of Canada (very useful) but not all of it. (If you live in the northern portion of the provinces you will be disappointed it's not truly for Canada like it claims.) The only thing I wish for are Latitude and Longitude lines on the zone maps.Also contains: Plant selection guide, Pest and disease reference, Botanical name guide and a gardening dictionary all of which are well explained for beginners.One of the best of the many general gardening books available that I've picked up. Very handy if you move around quite a bit.

I bought the Sunset National Garden book during this past winter. As a home gardener, I found it to be so helpful in everything I did in the garden. Now, as a horticulture student, it is an extremely valuable tool to have as I pursue my education. It is so wonderfully complete and easy to read--I have recommended it to friends and fellow students. Along with every plant and tree in the U.S./Canada (in English and Latin)and all species in each genus, this book includes detailed zone maps, disease and insect problems, a helpful glossary, a directory to botanical gardens all over the two countries, and much, much more. The photographs are stunning as well. This book is well worth every penny. I would recommend it to anyone!

The best book of its kind that I've seen. The climate zones are in much greater detail- over 40 climate zones mapped. Cross-indexed for types of plants, such as shade-loving, fragrant, etc. Has glossary, planting guides, everything. This book makes a great "foundational" book for a landscaping reference library.