The Gardeners Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

The RHS New Encyclopaedia of Plants & Flowers (3rd Edition). Editor:Christopher Brickell Publishers:Dorling Kindersley. ISBN: 0751308005. RRP: £30, however you might be able to get it much cheaper if you look around (I got it for £8.99 from a Christian book shop of all places!). I've got the hardcover version, which is a hefty thing but it is 744 pages of what gardener's dreams are made of! This encyclopaedia is the dog's ********! If you only invest in one gardening book then this SHOULD be it. It is so well presented, and clearly written that it is suitable for absolute beginners as well as the more ...  Read the complete review

I know this book seems to be expensive at first, but if you can find it on special offer anywhere, then BUY IT. The pages are colourful and well written, and plants and flowers are listed by type, colour and basic size: For example - 'Shrubs/Purple - Red/ Large This is exactly the way I shop for plants - I know what I would like it to look like, but don't necessarily know the names. A refreshing change from the usual list of plants in horticultural name order. Chances are, if you know the name, you'll generally have some idea of what it looks like. There is still a very useful index of common names, plus an index of ...  Read the complete review

The Royal Horticultural Society Gardeners' Encyclopedia of plants and flowers is an excellent book for both new and experienced gardeners. It is crammed with photographs, and an easy to follow way of displaying different groups of plants. Each plant has a description, and a simple guide tells you how hardy a plant is, how muich light it requires, how big it will grow etc. Needless to say, it is a must for all the plantaholics out there. A great book to take in the car (much too heavy to slip into a handbag), when visiting a garden centre. Saves you spending on plants that will not overwinter etc. I would give this book 10 out of 10. ...  Read the complete review