The book is very thorough and well written. The photos are great, and the suggestions and descriptions are extremely helpful. I would recommend it to any gardener!
I have never had a shade garden and my new home is, you guessed it, mosting shade. The little areas of sun I'll have will be for a garden. I was very pleased to see great suggestions on planting, flowers and how to get texture and color in a shady area.
Nothing Special
This book is so highly rated I can't help but think either the author or the publisher is "stacking the deck" with favorable reviews. Honestly, this book is nothing special. There are a few pages at the start on various, obvious topics then a long list of plants you can easily find in dozens (if not hundreds) of other "garden" books that are nothing more than glorified plant lists. Looking for design? There are a few tips you've probably already heard, some pictures of hostas (mostly closeups) and five "designs" that are colored pencil sketches. Sure, the book is cheap but you're probably better off looking for a different book. If someone finds a very good book on designing a shade garden, please let me know!
