Armitage's Garden Perennials: A Color Encyclopedia

Alan Armitage heads up the Perennial Department of the University of Georgia, so he is great about heat tolerant plants. He is also a truly engaging speaker and a wonderful writer for all of us.


A valuable reference for the perennial gardener   April 9, 2001
 34 out of 34 found this review helpful

This is an outstanding guide for selecting perennials for your garden, especially the southern gardener because the author understands our conditions here. Over 130 varieties are covered in an encyclopedic format and an entire page is devoted (sometimes two) to each plant. The text is clearly written in an engaging style and everything that you need to know (growing requirements, if the plant is easy or difficult to grow, size of the plants, etc.) is covered. The best thing about the book are the photographs - they provide the reader with a full view of how the plant grows in the garden and numerous photos are provided for each plant. He also includes lists of plants that are good for specific locations and conditions (such as good groundcovers, drought tolerant plants, plants for shade, etc.) This is a big, heavy book so it is one that you might can't carry to bed with you for nighttime reading (although you probably will want to!).


Essential, core addition to gardening reference collections.   May 4, 2000
 36 out of 46 found this review helpful

Armitage's Garden Perennials provides gardeners with a color encyclopedia of perennials, listing each genus, several species, and answering questions about how the plant relates to gardening and garden organization. Armitage's lists of recommendations prove especially effective guidelines for gardeners who want solid tips on how to work with perennials.