Graham Stuart Thomas (1909–2003)

This is a small book, a collection of essays almost, but absolutely packed full of practical information for the gardener. GST's easy style makes it as usual, a compelling read. His writing on design and plants is. classic, and doesn't date by being faddish or 'fashionable'. He concentrates on how you can enjoy your garden (hence the theme of garden seats) through design and planting using examples from his experience and well-known gardens, Actually this is the only area I feel it falls show more down slightly. Whether by accident or design, his association with the National Trust, means that their gardens are the ones used as examples. Generally this is sufficient, but there are some gaps e.g in the chapter of rhododendrons. show less

Written by someone who really knows his plants, this book contains a wealth of information, all the more so because often the plant descriptions include the personal comments from the author as to the plants' garden worthiness.

It is well presented and the basics about each plant such as size, flower colour, flowering period and more are clearly set out, along with occasionally any special merits indicated by the relevant symbol. Also sometimes included are quotes from other notable show more gardeners. The introductory chapters on cultivation, plant hardiness and more make interesting reading, and the book includes grasses and ferns listed separately. Also included are various lists such as suggestions for other garden books, nurserymen and more.

This may not be the best illustrated book, but the book is not about pictures, it is about informed comment, at at that it succeeds 100%. It is always one of the first books I turn to for information on and assessments of perennial plants. show less

Written by someone who really knows his plants, this book contains a wealth of information, all the more so because often the plant descriptions include the personal comments from the author as to the plants' garden worthiness.

It is well presented and the basics about each plant such as size, flower colour, flowering period and more are clearly set out, along with occasionally any special merits indicated by the relevant symbol. Also sometimes included are quotes from other notable show more gardeners. The introductory chapters on cultivation, plant hardiness and more make interesting reading, and the book includes grasses and ferns listed separately. Also included are various lists such as suggestions for other garden books, nurserymen and more.

This may not be the best illustrated book, but the book is not about pictures, it is about informed comment, at at that it succeeds 100%. It is always one of the first books I turn to for information on and assessments of perennial plants. show less

Written by an acknowledged expert, this book contains a wealth of information, but what makes it outstanding is the so often the plant descriptions include the personal comments from the author as to the plants' garden worthiness.

It is well presented and the basics about each plant such as size, flower colour, flowering period and more are clearly set out, along with occasionally any special merits indicated by the relevant symbol. Also sometimes included are quotes from other notable show more gardeners. The introductory chapters on cultivation are helpful and make interesting reading. The main listings of plants are divided into section: firstly Shrubs followed by Climbers and then Bamboos. Also included are various lists under the section Shrubs and Climbers for Special Purposes, over twenty different lists covering amongst other things plants for particular aspects, soil types, or plants with particular attributes such as specific colour foliage, fragrance, or being attractive to bees or resistant to various animal pests. The book also includes a useful bibliography, a list of nurserymen and a hardiness zone map.

The book is illustrated book with a 32 section of colour photographs and another 32 page section of back and white photographs; each page contains about three or four pictures. But this is not a book to buy for its pictures, it is about informed comment, at at that it succeeds 100%. It is always one of the first books I turn in my collection of over 250 gardening books for information on and assessments of shrubs and climbers. show less