Fruits + Berries Pa

One of my two favorite gardening books, and maybe one of my favorite books overall. Lots of great information and photographs. Each chapter has me inspired and mulling over where I can sqeeze two of those into my landscape... I just wish it were brought up to date with a new edition (newest I can find is 1996, and I had to buy mine used). I read it cover to cover without planning to, and I have reread several chapters for information and several others for good dreams. I also really like the section at the end of each chapter that gives characteristics about the receommended varieties, with much less bias than you get in catalogs and garden centers.

Well, when the book first arrived, all I could think of were the types of books that were 'field guides to. . .' I actually considered sending it back as I thought it would be of little value--I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE MISTAKEN! While the book gives the appearance that it is pure textbook in style and format it was at least for me VERY informational, AND put together in a very readable format. There is an absolute wealth of technical information on berries and fruits but the book is also written so that even the most berry-less person (myself) can easily use the information. The book contains a great section on the care of berries and fruits with several chapters on pruning. It also lists the berries and fruits individually with a chapter devoted to each. The chapters all contain the same type of topics: overview, selection, care, disease, suggested cultivars for your zone, and anything unique about the cultivar. It is also very well photographed AND the illustrations are very helpful. I found it to be a valuable addition to my growing gardening library with a great deal of very practical advice!