MoonglotexasWhen I hear the word “shrub”, connotations come to mind. As Andy McIndoe explains in Shrubs, most of us have the wrong idea of them and many more plants are shrubs than I realised. With a half page profile on each shrub, I came to understand the variety and value of shrubs to the garden. They are so versatile, long-standing and interesting!
Being in marketing, I found this a particularly interesting point: “In today’s sophisticated retail world, marketing is an important influence on the popularity of a shrub, especially when it is first introduced.”
In addition, there are wonderful planting partner suggestions, guidance on soil and all manner of interesting information. Despite being predominantly a reference book, I found it thoroughly enjoyable, a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale!
From the back cover:
Andy McIndoe is one of the world’s foremost woody plant experts. In Shrubs, he gives home gardeners the information and advice they need to pick the right shrub for every and condition. Shrubs are the perfect plant—they are low-maintenance, there is a variety for nearly every need, and they are widely available at garden centers and nurseries. And with this handy guide, McIndoe makes it easier than ever for gardeners to decide which shrubs to add to their space. The book includes shrubs challenging growing conditions, shrubs for restricted planting spaces, and shrubs chosen for their desirable characteristics, including hardiness in shade, difficult soil, and harsh conditions. Plant profiles include complete growing information, color photographs, and recommended companion plants.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Timber Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
