Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing, lacking basic plant information
Review: Although there is a lot of helpful information in this book, there are some major drawbacks. First, not every plant described is accompanied by a photo. Also, some basic information is missing for many plants (like mature height, type of light/soil required, when the bloom period is..). The book also feels somewhat dated both in the plants covered (and some of the more newly popular natives that are not covered) and the presentation. There also really isn't a whole lot of insight offered by this author. Some of my favorite gardening books are Native Texas Plants, Texas Bug Book, and the locally available "Garden Guide for austin and vicinity" and the excellent and free pamphlet "Native and Adapted Landscape Plants" available at local nurseries and the extension office.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Single Reference for Texas Gardeners
Review: As a longtime Texas resident, first in the DFW area and currently in the San Antonio area, and an amateur gardener, I have collected over the years, every book I can find on the subject of gardening, particurally Texas gardening.Although I believe many aspects of the book could be improved, such as its organization, latest organic techniques, newer varieties etc., (How about a third edition, Neil?) I still believe it is the best single volume reference for the homeowner. (...)
Rating:
Summary: The definitive word in gardening in Texas!
Review: As a new homeowner who desires to beautify my surroundings, I found the pictures and descriptions to be very helpful. Mr. Sperry's book provided me with planting ideas, and it enhanced and increased my knowledge about gardening voluminously. Thank you, Mr. Sperry
Rating:
Summary: Great for the Weekend Warrior! (in Texas)
Review: Do you need a quick reference full of information tailored to Texas gardening (yes, it is different here)? Look no further. So many gardening references try for a national application, but you won't be able to employ them successfully here. Sperry does a great job in this tome and it is never far from me in the spring, summer and fall. Great advice on lawns as well. I use it for advice on my lawn all the time as well. Sperry also has a great radio show worthy of note.
Rating: 
Summary: Consistently Wrong page after page
Review: For years, Mr. Sperry's advice has been taken as the absolute truth by his radio listeners. Folks, there are much better sources for gardening information out there. Chemical toxins and synthetics are not the answer for everything going on in your yard. In fact, they are much more the problem than the solution. MSMA is a particular Sperry favorite, fine if you accept the "Arsenic" as a good weed-killer. He also recommends spraying weeds with 2, 4-D. This will kill your trees! A commonsense, natural approach is now becoming the "norm" these days. Author Howard Garrett is a much better choice for your gardening library.
Rating:
Summary: The Only Book You Will Need!
Review: I became a first time homeowner 2 years ago and I didn't know anything about gardening. My friend recommended this book to me and it has been very educational. It is the only book I reference when planning my garden. This book is broken down by topic: Perennials, Annuals, Trees, Shrubs, etc. It explains the differences between all the flowers and what environment is best for each flower/shrub/vine/trees. The pictures are great! There are pictures of almost every plant he describes. I have able to choose my flowers to plant each season from the book so when I go to the nursery I know exactly what I need.
Rating:
Summary: The Only Book You Will Need!
Review: I became a first time homeowner 2 years ago and I didn't know anything about gardening. My friend recommended this book to me and it has been very educational. It is the only book I reference when planning my garden. This book is broken down by topic: Perennials, Annuals, Trees, Shrubs, etc. It explains the differences between all the flowers and what environment is best for each flower/shrub/vine/trees. The pictures are great! There are pictures of almost every plant he describes. I have able to choose my flowers to plant each season from the book so when I go to the nursery I know exactly what I need.
Rating:
Summary: Yes... its still being used!!!!
Review: I have owned this book for several years and it is still the Bible of Texas Landscaping and Gardening. I noticed the last review that was written was several years ago, and wanted to ensure everyone this book is still just as valuable today as it was in 1991 when it was released. I use it several times a season. In many cases, Neil is more accurate than alot of the nursery's around the DFW/Texas area. At least it gives me a great deal of knowledge prior to going into a nursery to have a clue what they are talking about. I have used it, and still do to determine what may be wrong with my grass or other vegetation. This book is not only useful in its text and the clear way that Neil Sperry explains things, but he also shows either Black and White or better, COLOR pictures of what he is talking about. I am easily able to compare my issue with those pictures in his book and see EXACTLY what I need to know or do. If you live in Texas and have a yard (whether it be a Massive yard, or a flower box on the stairwell of your Apartment building), this book is for you!!!
Rating:
Summary: Yes... its still being used!!!!
Review: I have owned this book for several years and it is still the Bible of Texas Landscaping and Gardening. I noticed the last review that was written was several years ago, and wanted to ensure everyone this book is still just as valuable today as it was in 1991 when it was released. I use it several times a season. In many cases, Neil is more accurate than alot of the nursery's around the DFW/Texas area. At least it gives me a great deal of knowledge prior to going into a nursery to have a clue what they are talking about. I have used it, and still do to determine what may be wrong with my grass or other vegetation. This book is not only useful in its text and the clear way that Neil Sperry explains things, but he also shows either Black and White or better, COLOR pictures of what he is talking about. I am easily able to compare my issue with those pictures in his book and see EXACTLY what I need to know or do. If you live in Texas and have a yard (whether it be a Massive yard, or a flower box on the stairwell of your Apartment building), this book is for you!!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Reference for Texas Plants
Review: I use this book as a reference to look up plants I see in magazines or the nursery to see if they will grow well in Texas. A lot of the information is more suitable to the Dallas area than the Houston area, but it sure beats most of the gardening books out there for advice for Texas gardeners.
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