[.ca] Photographic Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Form and ... (ISBN 0875631533)

Extremely Thorough:
If you are a landscape architect or simply have a great interest in plant materials in general, Michael A. Dirr has composed a book of vast information. Sticking to the zones of North America, Dirr goes into scientific description of each species of plant, including form, foliage, bark, flower, culture, landscape use, size and hardiness to its indigenous zone. This collection is made more special as there is are good black and white photographs of each plant material. These photos are meant to only show the "typical" appearance, as all plants will vary with age and growth conditions. It is especially helpful that each plant and photograph is keyed numerically to the text for reference to the Scientific Name Index. This extensive book on woody plant materials is a must for any landscape enthusiast. The only thing lacking are color photographs, but it is still a complete piece of referential work.

Appendix to Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants:
Even though I am glad to have these photos to accompany one of the most important books in horticulture today, I consider this book disappointing. The photos are all black & white, often with poor quality printing so that I found it difficult to see what the picture was showing. Also, even though the photo manual is arranged in much the same way as the text manual (alphabetical order of scientific name), I would have appreciated referral page numbers to the original text manual. For good photos get Dirr's Hardy Trees & Shrubs. It is in full color with excellent photos -- top quality in everyway.