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Rating: 
Summary: A great resource, even for Florida
Review: I am a beginning gardener, and Felder Rushing's book is helping me figure out how to replant where too much wax myrtle, Virginia creeper and palmetto have taken over my five acres. I am already using (and quoting!) the advice. An experienced gardener might not get as much from the book, but it's a fun read for anyone.
My only caveat is that some of the plants are not as suitable for Florida as for the upper south. For instance, Rushing mentions potato vine without warning deep south gardeners against air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) and winged yam. Pretty and containable in cooler climates, they are invasive in central and south Florida; after two years, my family is still digging up potatoes and cutting down vines that infest our property.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource for southern gardeners
Review: We southern gardeners are often the envy of other gardeners in the country because of our long growing seasons and ability to grow a wide range of plants. However, we know that it sometimes not a walk in the park - dealing with heat, humidity, erratic weather, drought and insects is not that much fun. The plants that thrive in our gardens have to be tough and tried and true. This book profiles plants that have been around a long time and have proven to perform reliably in the south. Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs and Trees, Porch Plants (Houseplants), Bulbs and Vines are covered here. Each section includes 10-20 major plants with detailed information on growing conditions, planting, etc. The photos are great especially the whimsical "garden art" that is often seen in the rural south. The author also includes anecdotes about his family and people's attitudes towards gardening. This is a fun and useful book!
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