The Subtropical Garden

This guide to the subtropical garden is very fine, with good photos, but the names of plants are given in their botanical forms, with only occasional references to the common names. The photos are lush, but the plants are sometimes hard to identify from the headings.

Primarily a garden design book, this offers two major oraganizational sections: plant architecture, and soft furnishings. The opening discussion about the importance of layering in the subtropical garden sets the tone for the practicalities that follow. Photos include close-up shots of intermingled plantings as well as those illustrating full-scale landscape design. The index, supplier list, and recommended reading list add substantially to the usefulness of the work, helping gardeners identify, find, and grow some of the plants so fetchingly prosented here. Further information is available in Ornamental Plants & Flowers of Tropical Mexico.

I went through this book cover to cover about 3 times. I also stopped in certain sections and read a few pages of text. The pictures were outstanding and definitely gave me some new ideas about landscape architecture. However, as expected the book was a little short on detail regarding specifics. It covered a lot of plants but, it did not go into details. At most, it might have devoted about 4 or 5 lines per plant although it covered the family in greater scope. This is fine for generalities but, even indiviual species within a family have vastly different requirements which is the kind of information I was looking for. For example, type of soil, amount of watering, to use or not to use ferilizer, drought resistance, amount direct sun versus indirect sun, etc., etc.I already have a myriad collection of books addressing the Palms. I will probably have to get books which specifically address the growing requirements of the various subtropical plants. To this degree I have also ordered the Encylopedia on Tropical Plants. Hopefully, it will add more depth regarding the characteristics and growing requirements of various tropical and subtropical plants. Living in Florida, this has evolved into a hobby since we have a year-round growing season down here.

Glad I bought it! Great reading book to introduce you to all that's available. Breakdowns are by plant type -wish it had some more specifics, but with the numbers of species out there I can understand. Excellent photography.

The Subtropical Garden is just the book for those landscaping their homes, gardens, and greenhouses to achieve a tropical feel. It will give you many ideas and you will start making lists before you turn the first page. I do not agree with her advice against the running bamboos, but then I am used to handeling them. I think you will be surprized at some of the things she will teach you about these "mostly" foliage plants and their cultural needs. A big plus is the wonderful photography by Gil Hanly. Buy this today!