David Hobson
Many less common trees ... lovely book.
βKitchener-Waterloo Record
Library Journal
These first three volumes in a new series focus on a single aspect of woody plants: flowers, foliage, and fragrance, respectively. Within each, Church, a horticulturist who operates a specialist nursery and display garden in New Zealand, describes a little more than 100 genera, plus hundreds of additional species and cultivars. Greenfield, who collaborated with Church on Hydrangeas, supplies more than 250 beautiful photographs that reinforce the text. A common format includes genus description followed by discussion of selected species and cultivars within that genus. Size, color, and other physical features, common names, and other interesting characteristics are noted, as are U.S. and Canadian hardiness zones. A handy table at the back of each book alphabetically lists mentioned species and cultivars and their qualities, making it easy to identify and compare plants by specific traits such as color, size, and hardiness. The author provides cultivation tips based on years of experience with woody plants. Why publish three books instead of one? Those specifically looking for shrubs or trees with flowers, foliage, or fragrance in mind will appreciate the narrow focus and the modest price of the individual volumes. At the same time, these books work well together as a set because those who want the big picture will not have to suffer much repetition. Michael Dirr's Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, which covers woody plant species and varieties suitable for North American hardiness zones 3-6, and his Dirr's Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, which covers zones 7-11, make good alternatives (or complements) to the special qualities approach. The three Church volumes are recommended singly or as a set for public and academic libraries, depending on individual library needs.-William H. Wiese, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames
Booklist - Donna Seaman
Unparalleled in-depth coverage of each desirable trait.
Christian Science Monitor - Judy Lowe
Accurate, and the writer's enthusiasm for shrubs and trees ... is contagious.
Library News for Zoos and Aquariums - Johnson Thane
These books are very well done.
E-Streams Vol. 6, No. 2 - Ron Gilmour
This is a fine and affordable set of books, any or all of which would make a good addition to either a public or horticultural library.
BellaOnline - Connie Krochmal
Magnificent.
American Reference Books Annual, Volume 35 - Diane Schmidt
This colorful handbook provides detailed information on over 400 species and cultivars chosen for their scent... Most of the species are illustrated with very attractive color photographs.
Chicago Tribune - Beth Botts
Lavishly illustrated ... detailed ... presents a different angle on plants that too often are casually chosen.
Harrisburg Patriot-News - George Weigel
Superb plant-selection aids with pictures and growing tips.
Kitchener-Waterloo Record - David Hobson
Many less common trees ... lovely book.
Chicago Sun-Times - Mary Cameron Frey
Especially appealing to me ... beautiful trees and shrubs specifically chosen for perfumes and heavenly scents.