Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia

Rating:
Summary: Dirr's plant/landscape presentations just get better - WOW
Review: "The great American plantsman Michael A. Dirr of the University of Georgia". . . . . . what an understatement by the publisher. This book will carry you through the winter months' reading and wishing for spring planting, be you a Zone 3-7(8) gardner. Hundreds of just the right landscaping shrubs and trees are discribed and beautifully photographed to wet your appetite to try something new or different. Selected species forms and choice hybrids are suggested. An easy to read text that will be most appreciated by the general gardening audience and a reference tool which professional nurserymen and landscapers will gratefully utilize. The standard has been set by Dr. Dirr, once again. J. C. Raulston would have insisted on an autographed copy for his personal library. Boris Bauer ([e-mail]), Easley, SC

Rating:
Summary: Dirr's plant/landscape presentations just get better - WOW
Review: "The great American plantsman Michael A. Dirr of the University of Georgia". . . . . . what an understatement by the publisher. This book will carry you through the winter months' reading and wishing for spring planting, be you a Zone 3-7(8) gardner. Hundreds of just the right landscaping shrubs and trees are discribed and beautifully photographed to wet your appetite to try something new or different. Selected species forms and choice hybrids are suggested. An easy to read text that will be most appreciated by the general gardening audience and a reference tool which professional nurserymen and landscapers will gratefully utilize. The standard has been set by Dr. Dirr, once again. J. C. Raulston would have insisted on an autographed copy for his personal library. Boris Bauer ([e-mail]), Easley, SC

Rating:
Summary: Great reference for a novice landscaper
Review: As a Master Gardener, but a novice at designing, I find this book to be an invaluable source of information. While many such books only show the features (flowers, leaf color) of a plant, Dirr has taken care to show the entire specimen, showing the shape and texture of mature trees and shrubs. It's a pleasure to read his descriptions (and opinions), which are written in plain but colorful language.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Book
Review: Before I bought this book, I read the other customer reviews. People seemed to rave about this book. I was skeptical, but bought it anyway. Now I am one of them.

This is THE BEST BOOK on trees and shrubs. No matter how much I use other books for guidance and reference, this is the book I come back to. Dirr has this wonderful combination of knowledge, good judgment, and the ability to communicate with photos and words exactly what I want and need to know. It's simple and complete at the same time, and worth every cent.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty and Useful
Review: Dirr has made an beautiful color encyclopedia of landscape-useful trees and shrubs. This book is more friendly to the amateur gardener than his previous gigantic reference book and has the added advantage of color photos. All of the expected plants are included as well as a large number of less common species and cultivars, but this book does not attempt to be an exhaustive reference like his earlier work. I am certain that a horticulturist would find a few glaring omissions, but I couldn't. The photos are the reason to buy the book, but the writing is also worth reading. Dirr conveys particulars about the plant as well as his opinions with humor and an intent to educate.

Rating:
Summary: If you love trees and shrubs this is an essential book
Review: Dirr's book educates through the use of copious photos and text. The photos provide a comprehensive view of trees and shrubs at maturity, difficult to find in other references. The text guides you while making nursery selections. This is an expensive book but worth every penny. If you are truly interested in trees and shrubs this book should be in your library. It is an excellent reference.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Reference - Incredible - Beautiful - Useful
Review: Dirr's book should be in every serious gardener's library. Well worth the cost; it will still be valuable to your grandkids. Dirr's commentary is clearly written and useful, with no B.S. Other volumes on trees and shrubs do not begin to compare.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful pictoral tree guide
Review: Dirr's color encylopedia of common landscape plants is simply beautiful. Not nearly as complete as his "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants", it is much more user friendly and definitely easier for the lay person or someone with a casual/new interest in horticulture to cope with. As stated before, he provides gorgeous pictures of many many landscape specimens while still providing pertinent botanical information (i.e. flowers, fall color, size, etc.). Unlike in his manual, his writing style is much more narrative than technical, and he includes more detailed descriptions, personal comments, and humor for each specimen.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of potential plantings, but it is of great value for searching out new plants (just look for the prettiest picture!) or trying to obtain a visual of what a plant that you've heard of or been reccomended (like in those ever-vague landscape plans we always see). Fun to read and easy to use, this is a great addition to any horticultural library.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful pictoral tree guide
Review: Dirr's color encylopedia of common landscape plants is simply beautiful. Not nearly as complete as his "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants", it is much more user friendly and definitely easier for the lay person or someone with a casual/new interest in horticulture to cope with. As stated before, he provides gorgeous pictures of many many landscape specimens while still providing pertinent botanical information (i.e. flowers, fall color, size, etc.). Unlike in his manual, his writing style is much more narrative than technical, and he includes more detailed descriptions, personal comments, and humor for each specimen.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of potential plantings, but it is of great value for searching out new plants (just look for the prettiest picture!) or trying to obtain a visual of what a plant that you've heard of or been reccomended (like in those ever-vague landscape plans we always see). Fun to read and easy to use, this is a great addition to any horticultural library.

Rating:
Summary: Much better than I hoped!!
Review: Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs is a great combination of wonderful photographs and concise, helpful information. Well laid out and easy to read whether you are a novice or an expert. This helpful guide covers most areas of the country with lovely choices and hints that will help you choose the right variety for your project. A great coffee table book, as well. This one is well worth the money!