Native Plant Primer, The : Trees, Shrubs, and Wildflowers for Natural Gardens

Rating:
Summary: Don't Pass This One By
Review: If you are interested in wildflowers, natural habitats, or just plain curious about what this country has to offer you and the world in native plants, this is THE BOOK. It has become my resource of first choice whenever I need data about native plants (and as a professional garden writer and environmental landscape consultant, this is frequent). Everything you need whatever your level of garden experience to plan a landscape of any size including native plants. Great ideas for problem sites, too!

Clear, easy to understand, divided by geographic region in the front, and by plant type in the plant list section (annual, grass, shrub, etc.)in the back. Packed with info and a wealth of well labeled photos, plus mature plant dimesions, soil requirements, wildlife interest and even fall color notes! Outstanding.

Rating:
Summary: Cullina's book is better
Review: Interesting plant descriptions, with lots of information on hardiness zones, landscape uses, height, culture, etc. However, Cullina's books are more exhaustive and generally superior in all areas. There are puzzling omissions, such as wintergreen, and this is probably because the book is biting off a lot of territory.

The introductory travelogue on the regions of the United States is outstanding. When it comes to the plants themselves, though, Cullina does this book one better.

Rating:
Summary: Cullina's book is better
Review: Interesting plant descriptions, with lots of information on hardiness zones, landscape uses, height, culture, etc. However, Cullina's books are more exhaustive and generally superior in all areas. There are puzzling omissions, such as wintergreen, and this is probably because the book is biting off a lot of territory.

The introductory travelogue on the regions of the United States is outstanding. When it comes to the plants themselves, though, Cullina does this book one better.

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding primer on North American native plants!
Review: This book gives an excellent overview of horticulturally useful and interesting plants native to North America, particularly the United States, and the number of species described is very extensive.

The pictures give an excellent idea of the plants described in the text. The text is also very helpful, providing not only the expected information pertaining to cultivation but also engaging observations by the author concerning the plants described.