[.uk] Manual of Woody Landscape Plants : Their Identification, ... (ISBN 0875638007)

An Industry Standard; not for casual weekend gardner's:
Too bad that so many of these reviews are written by Weekend Warriors who wanted a "pretty book with pictures." ~sigh~ I'm a landscape architect who trained under Dr. Dirr when he was teaching at U of Illinois. Of course, because he was teaching the subject, this tome was part of the required course. For the professional plantsman or very serious gardner, there is nothing like it! This is my third edition of this book, the first one being thin and light and probably a two-pounder. This one weighs in at 6 pounds. I don't know of a serious nursery that does NOT have this as part of their library; it's excellent when you need to know just how Acer saccharum and Acer saccharinum differ; what diseases do Betula nigra contract; and which Ilex species to plant in your zone. The reason why he does NOT bother with roses, clematis and other pretty plants extensively is that there are far better sources than his book to refer to for information and he just can't be bothered to rewrite what better experts have already written. This book is NOT a key to identify plants. This book is NOT a coffee table book to impress anyone. This book is to be used at a store or in the field, covered with mud and spotted pages as you earn your living from working, planting and selling woody ornamentals. There are 100's of pretty books that Barnes & Noble cranks out each year for the casual gardener. If in doubt about a book, hike to a store or library and check the book out THERE, rather than ordering an unknown book and criticizing the author for what he's NOT vs. what he is. If you pay your mortgage and truck payment by working with trees and shrubs, you already have this book and know how good it is!

long time plant person:
Dirr is the bible for plant information. I find that most plant people have a copy on their bookshelves with significant signs of use. (worn pages, dog earing, stains, soil etc)

The ultimate guide for horticulturists:
Hands down this is the best reference guide for anyone involved in the green industry. Don't expect flashy pictures and illustrations, only hand drawn samples here. Dr. Dirr is a master and this book contains insight and witty remarks on thousands of species.

Hand and Glove:
I bought this book "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants" together with "Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs" some years ago. One of the best purchases I ever made. They really go together like hand and glove. If you see something in "Dirr's Hardy Trees ans Shrubs" and you want more specifications just keep the "Manual of Woody Landscape Plants" at hand and you'll find what you are looking for. Recently I ordered them once again to give away as a present.

Best Reference:
This is the textbook for my landscape design class. Not only is it thorough, but Dirr has some humorous insights into plant culture. Plants are listed in the back with botanical as well as common names for easy reference. I wish there were photos of the plants, but some black and white illustrations of leaves and buds are included. Overall, this is my primary reference for identifying and learning about woody shrubs and trees.