[.ca] The Pacific Northwest Gardener's Book of Lists (ISBN 0878339566)

mixed feelings:
In one sense, this book is great. If you want a list of plants that fit one certain criteria, just look for that list. The book is fairly easy to use in this sense, and that's why I gave it three stars; it seems like the authors spent a lot of time thinking about how to organize this book so you could find the list you were after. The problem is that no one picks a plant based upon one single criteria. One could page back and forth to see which lists contain which plants, but that seems rather more complicated than simply reading the complete descriptions in your copy of Sunset's Western Garden Book. Of course, you need to narrow your focus before diving into the Sunset book. And there is the dilemma. This book answers that dilemma, sort of. It offers a first step, a way to begin the process of elimination. But you'll drop this book immediately upon narrowing your focus. If, say, you're looking at the 13 trees in the "trees with fragrant blossoms" list and then proceed to the Sunset book to read complete descriptions of each tree you'll discover that one of the trees in the "fragrant blossoms" list (Southern Magnolia) is difficult or impossible to grow things underneath. You could also find this out by looking up "trees that are impossible to grow things underneath" in the Book of Lists, but you wouldn't know to do this without having already looked in the Sunset book. Confused yet? Basically, this book offers one way to narrow the focus a little before you begin investigating specific plants. That's worth something, I guess. However, if you are expecting that you will be able to use this book to determine the right plant for a situation, it won't work for that.

Roses need sunshine:
A rose needs lots of sun and looks really sad trying to grow under a tree. Put the right plant in the right spot - take this book plant shopping and enjoy growing plants that thrive in the right location. Most often garden planning starts with a site that needs something and the authors simplify this process with lists of plant suggestions that fit the site conditions.

Here's what to plant in each area of your NW Garden:
This book will make you an instant plant guru! Anyone who's ever needed a plant to fill a particualr spot in their garden and wished for a reliable source will love The Pacific Northwest Gardener's Book of Lists. The authors have divided the plant kingdom up by its major forms - i.e., trees, shrubs, annuals, etc - with a couple sections devoted to special groups such as roses and rhododendrons. Each section is comprised of plant lists for various conditions - for shade, dry shade, hot sun, evergreen foliage, all-year interest, etc. Both common and botanical names are listed in most cases, making this book appealing to both new and experienced plantspeople. And it's well-indexed for easy cross-referencing. Each section is also peppered with sidebars from various experts from the local horticultural community. Their comments usually expand on the topic of the nearest list and provide a fresh, first-hand perspective. The only thing this book doesn't provide is pictures an! d plant descriptions. When I sit down to down to do research with The Book of Lists, I typically grab my Encyclopedia of Garden Plants to provide more information. Add a cup of coffee and a window looking out on my yard and I'm content for hours!

A must for the serious gardener.:
Consult this book before you start your projects. As a master gardener it has been invaluable answering questions from the public. What species of tree can I plant in a wet land? What shrub can handle dark shade? Over 200 lists answering this type of question. Geared for the Puget Sound.