[.uk] Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia (ISBN 0881924040)

Book Description:
This bestselling encyclopedia, illustrated with brilliant photographs, describes the best woody plants adapted to cooler climates, showing both habit and details of more than 500 species, and including some 700 additional cultivars and varieties. Brief cultural information is supplied for each plant, as well as Dirr's perceptive comments and opinions.

a quick visual reference for northern gardeners:
This book is jam packed with helpful and beautiful photographs. it's the perfect book if you want to show a client or perhaps your wife what the plant you just bought (or more like a twig in a burlap coat) will look like when it grows up a bit. It has just basic info about each plant like ultimate size and ornamental qualities. If you are looking for something more in depth for each plant, get his manual of woody landscape plants. That said, I don't think you'll be disappointed to have the handy visual reference in your library of plant books!

Very Detailed:
I have already used this reference to choose and buy a hedge. Lots of information and mentions common hybrids. Only CON makes it tough to use. All the trees are listed by their Latin names and so hard to find for the everyday person.

Thank you for this book!:
I bought this book to gain more knowledge about trees and shrubs so I make informed decisions on what to grow in my yard. This book helped me tremendously. I wouldn't have been able to select the trees and shrubs that surround and beautify my entire yard without the help of this book. I used to take it with me to nurseries and when seeing a tree I like, I opened the page that discusses it and got the ins and outs about it. I also have asked specialty nurseries for a specific tree I found in this book that they don't display, but can get as a special order. It was worth it. It is true that no book can contain all the information you need to know about trees and shrubs in your area, however, this book comes quite close!

Review of Michael Dirr's book on trees:
This is probably the best gardening book that I have ever seen. I use it frequently. I am on a committee in my neighborhood that encourages tree-planting by our city's residents. This book is a life saver to take with me when dealing with perspective tree purchasers. It has great pictures of the trees and gives advice as to where they should be planted, problems, et.al. I like it so much that I have purchased it for gifts.

A Beautiful Book:
This is a valuable book to see what trees and shrubs are like when they are mature. It will sort of help in identification, but it is not a book for identification. I enjoyed viewing it over again and again.