American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening

From Booklist In 1993, when the first edition of The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening , the Americanized edition of The Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening (1992), appeared, reviewers used the terms definitive and comprehensive when describing it. Very often, something of that caliber is difficult to improve. However, a decade later, the American Horticultural Society has done just that in its revised and expanded edition of the 1993 work. The book remains unchanged in size, appearance, and format. Even most of the photos and actual text are identical. Subtle revisions are scattered throughout the entire work, with the majority and most obvious appearing in the first half, "Creating the Garden." It is here that the latest botanic technology and principles are found. State-of-the-art planning and design concepts now incorporate our various living conditions into today's garden lifestyles. The beauty and elegance of yesteryear's formal estates and traditional gardens have been preserved and at the same time transformed into the more casual landscapes and container gardens. An entire chapter on container gardening has been added. Techniques are discussed and illustrated for achieving the graceful and utilitarian window box, deck, patio, and rooftop gardens so prevalent today. Planning diagrams now take into consideration container sizes, shapes, and styles as well as all types of flowers and plants. The American Horticultural Society plant codes (also new) guide the selection of the most appropriate plants for the gardening space. These are based on the 2002 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone and 1997 AHS Plant Heat Zone maps found on the end papers in the front and back of the book. A detailed "Hardiness and Heat Zone Index" lies at the end of the text, just ahead of the extensive regular index. As previously, the second half of the encyclopedia pertains to garden maintenance, including pruning, diseases, structures, and surfaces. This outstanding encyclopedia supersedes its first edition and brings gardening into the twenty-first century. Recommended for gardening collections. RBB Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved The American Horticultural Society educates and inspires people of all ages to become successful and environmentally responsible gardeners by advancing the art and science of horticulture.