Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from Around the World

asked by rob33 on November 13, 2006 9:07 PM

This is the definitive guide to landscaping in the Southwest. Co-author Warren Jones is responsible for introducing several now-common plants to Southwest landscape professionals and gardeners. This book includes plants with tremendous potential in arid regions but that have never been used in Southwest landscapes before.

Includes: Trees, Shrubs, Groundcovers, Vines, Cacti, and Succulents and how to use them for: Privacy, Shade, Shelter, Climate control, Erosion control, and Beauty.

Contents: An A-to-Z guide to the landscape potential of more than 600 plants that thrive in dry regions. Each plant is listed in a chart format that includes: Scientific name(s) Common name(s) Description Landscape value (how to maximize the plants best qualities in your landscape) Sun, soil and water requirements Cold hardiness Growth rate and size Specific problems Full-color photos that illustrate the plant full grown, as well as special features, such as bloom or leaf close-ups, or the different growth stages of the plant Professional and amateur landscapers, landscape architects, new-home buyers, college and university students, serious gardeners, landscape design and horticulture students, staffs of nurseries, arboretums and botanical gardens will all benefit from owning a copy of Landscape Plants for Dry Regions.

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Reviews

I own several desert landscaping and gardening books and this book is by far the best of the bunch. It is organized according to species alphabetically, which makes it easy to look up plants. It is comprehensive...I have never failed to find the specific plant, bush or tree I am researching. Plus, full color photographs of each plant make it easy to pick and choose for visual effect.

reviewed by perfect10 on November 18, 2006 5:30 PM

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We're building a new home in Arizona and this book has served as a wonderful guide to my husband and myself in the planning of our landscaping. The photos are clear and great examples of what the plants will look like. Plants are listed alphabetically by scientific name, but there's a handy cross-reference in the back to make it easier. The most helpful tool is under each plant's description where it clearly lists possible problems and maintenance needed. One thing I wish it did include are citrus trees, but I suppose they were left out because they are not native plants (but then again, I didn't think palms were either, and they are listed).

reviewed by goonball on November 24, 2006 3:33 AM

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All plants discussed have a color photo right next to the text, and the text provides all key information in specific format. This makes it easy to compare plants, or find specific information about a plant you're interested in. The book goes into detail on different varieties also, e.g. there are color pictures and text on each of several varieties of mesquite - very helpful when you're trying to choose the right one for your landscape. A very few of the photos are poor quality, but any picture here is worth a thousand words. This is the only book I have seen for this climate (I live in Phoenix) that attempts to provide this volume of information with full color photos. Definitely worth the money.

reviewed by radar on November 24, 2006 11:39 PM

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I bought this book because I wanted a landscape that is in harmony with the region in which I live. I also wanted to be as efficient as possible in using water to irrigate my plants. This book has been enormously helpful in accomplishing these goals - I also like the fact that it has allowed me to access information about new plant releases on the internet. This is a useful textbook of options and information for anyone who lives in a dry region and enjoys plants.

reviewed by jbritt on November 29, 2006 7:22 AM

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This landscaping book for dry regions is the best we've seen so far! What plant planet did Breck Breckenridge from Tucson, AZ USA come from? We combed through dozens of books (most black & white and low-grade hand drawings)and I was amazed by the glossy packed pages (all pages) and *quality* photos. We are basing our new home's desert landscaping from this great book! Each plant contains Specifications - "cold hardiness," "landscape value," "cultural requirements," "possible problems," and a short description of potential size, growth habits, etc. "Landscape Design Examples with Large photos" sporadically included throughout the book.

Granted, this book can't possibly show *every* dry region plant but we were was amazed by the selection other than cactus, yuccas and agaves.

reviewed by motivations on November 29, 2006 8:27 AM

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add a new book!