Perennials for Every Purpose

by Hodgson, Larry

• ISBN13: 9780875968933
• ISBN10: 0875968937
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2003-03-05
• Publisher: Rodale Books

Summary

The title says it all- there really are perennials for all of your gardening sites and needs. Whether you have a shady spot or want a plant that attracts birds, Perennials for Every Purpose features plants that are perfectly suited to your needs. Author Larry Hodgson expresses his passion for perennials with hands-on advice and tell-it-like-it-is descriptions. Larry never gives up on a plant until he has learned its strengths and weaknesses, and he delivers his hard-won secrets in this book.

Table of Contents

A Letter from Larry	viii
Part 1: Perennial Gardening Made Easy	x
Getting Your Garden Started	2	(12)
Step by Step to the Perfect Garden	3	(3)
How to Pick the Right Spot	6	(3)
Preparing the Site	9	(3)
Planting Perennials	12	(2)
Picking the Perfect Perennials	14	(10)
10 Things to Look for in a Perennial	15	(2)
``Think Twice'' Perennials	17	(1)
Regional Differences	17	(2)
Figuring Out Plant Names	19	(2)
Buying Perennials	21	(2)
Beyond Flowers	23	(1)
Designing Your Dream Garden	24	(24)
Basics and Beyond	25	(1)
Color and Texture	25	(4)
Featuring Plant Form	29	(1)
The Role of Repetition	30	(1)
Flowers of a Feather Bloom Together	30	(1)
Beyond Perennials: Branching Out	31	(2)
The 10 Commandments of Perennial Design	33	(1)
Garden Designs with a Purpose	33	(15)
Keeping Plants Alive & Kicking	48	(18)
Keeping Them in Shape	49	(3)
Watering	52	(1)
Conquering Pests and Diseases	53	(7)
Keeping Weeds under Control	60	(2)
Off-Season Care	62	(2)
After the First Year	64	(2)
Part 2: Choosing the Best Perennials	66	(406)
Everblooming Perennials	68	(40)
Spring-Blooming Perennials	108	(26)
Summer-Blooming Perennials	134	(30)
Fall-Blooming Perennials	164	(24)
No-Care Perennials	188	(22)
Low-Care Perennials	210	(32)
Drought-Resistant Perennials	242	(28)
Water-Loving Perennials	270	(26)
Perennials for Cool-Summer Climates	296	(20)
Perennials That Bloom in the Shade	316	(30)
Perennials for Fabulous Foliage	346	(26)
Groundcover Perennials	372	(44)
Perennials & Grasses for Dramatic Impact	416	(32)
Perennials for Birds & Butterflies	448	(24)
The Secret Meanings of Botanical Names	472	(4)
Acknowledgments	476	(1)
Photo Credits	476	(1)
Sources	477	(2)
Recommended Reading	479	(1)
Index	480	(21)
Usda Plant Hardiness Zone Map	501	(1)
American Horticultural Society Heat Zone Map	502