American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening

If you're wanting a great reference book that you'll look at time and time again, this is the tome to look for.


This is it. It's a must have. Truly an Encyclopedia   December 17, 2002
 34 out of 34 found this review helpful

It's is worth the money. It is the single most comprehensive book on Gardening. I know it does not give super detailed descriptions of every plant out there. Their supplemental book can help you with that. Buy this one first. When I built a greenhouse, this book have several pages on construction, types of materials, venting, watering systems, cooling, hydrating, you name it, it was covered. When my neighbors pine tree was getting a white pithy coating on the lower leaves, this book described the problem to a T, and had several methods of curing it. No matter where I go, in irrigation, propogation, seed starting, grading, setting up a bed, identifying which plants work, where, when, and in what kind of soil, climate, etc., this book is there. They must of had a zillion contributing editors-authors create this work, because nobody knows everything this book has to offer. It is big, it is well illustrated, and a definite must have for any gardener. It is even a great read during the winter, for planning your spring garden. Even at this price, it is about twice what other books cost, but it is 5 times the book. It's a bargain. In the long run it will save you money by avoiding costly mistakes. I highly reccomend it.


Just one thing lacking   August 29, 2002
 6 out of 9 found this review helpful

This book is definitley a wealth of information. As a novice gardener, I wish more of the plants were listed not only with their scientific name but also their common name.