Here are some of my favorite basic books about landscape and garden design that have prominent places on my bookshelf. I reach for them first.
These books form the core of my basic landscape-garden design bookshelf. They are my favorites and even though some are tried-and-true favorites, others are newer and more innovative. They are outstanding and I usually reach for them first.
Design for Gardens by Joseph Hudak is more than a garden design book. Form, function, and design are winning attributes of this landscape design book. American gardeners, especially, will appreciate designs suitable for all sizes of pocketbooks.
Anyone Can Landscape!by Joel M. Lerner is one of the few good books that provide landscaping basics in an easy-to-read and -understand arrangement. This book is ideal for homeowners of all skill levels as well as professionals wanting to review basics.
Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia by Michael A. Dirr is a good book about temperate trees and shrubs for those who need the security of photographs in a manual. Instructive and crisp photographs are from the author's vast collection of his own work.
Armitage's Manual of Annuals, Biennials, and Half-Hardy Perennialsby Allan M. Armitage is a very welcome manual for temperate climate landscape designers and home gardeners. Armitage provides identification tips as well as cultural information. This is a great addition to the bookshelf for those interested in container gardens and filling up space with color.
Text and photograph by Georgene A. Bramlage, October 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
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