The National Arboretum Book of Outstanding Garden Plants: The Authoritative Guide to Selecting and Growing the Most Beautiful, Durable, and Care-Free

I own many garden books, general and specialized, but this one is my hands-down favorite. The information is reliable, beautifully organized and starts from the premise that you know how to garden and that you know what effect you are looking for. The book is designed to help you select the best plant for the site and use you have in mind. If you want a list of the most desirable small garden trees with excellent crimson color in the fall that will be happy growing in the northeast in a sunny corner, this book will tell you your choices. The plants included run the gamut - from flowers and bulbs to vines to ground covers to shrubs and trees, and more. I think it is a shame a new edition has not been published.