Description:
There is nothing as important to a garden as its trees; they provide canopy, shade, setting, scale, privacy, and winter "bones." However, there is also nothing easier with which to make a big mistake, as trees invariably grow faster and larger than a gardener expects--a wrong choice can be expensive and even destructive. Far too many views are blocked, sewer lines or sidewalks torn up, and gardens made gloomy and rooty by the wrong tree in the wrong place. Author Hazel White helps out by selecting the best trees for small gardens and clearly explaining how and where to plant them. Most of us with urban or suburban gardens need to grow these more modestly sized trees. But never think that small means modest, as illustrated by Matthew Plut's photos of truly glorious trees. Eddie's White Wonder dogwood is lush with pure white, open blossoms; Harlequin glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum) is small, easy to grow, and lights up the autumn garden with starry fruits in a nearly unbelievable color combo of magenta and iridescent turquoise. Its leaves smell of peanut butter, too. For each tree recommended, White gives hardiness and cultural information, a thorough description, suggestions for companion plantings, and detailed pruning instructions. Best of all, a color photo shows how to use the tree in the garden; these photos aren't just plant portraits, but design inspirations. All the ways in which trees can enrich a garden are explored: as groves, centerpieces, allées; in pots; to accent an entrance; even as a miniature, fruiting hedge (dwarf apples). Rarely is both inspiration and practicality so beautifully combined as in this stunning book, which will make you glad you garden on a property just the right size for smaller trees. --Valerie Easton
| 
