Roger Phillips (1) (1932–2021)

This is by far the best layman's guide to identifying trees that I have ever found. The leaf index, with leaves arranged by shape, is very easy to use and helps the reader narrow down candidates to one or two - and the more detailed entries in the main part of the book help sort them out.

It has been a real boon to me as I learn more about the English landscape.

The arrangement of this book makes it difficult to navigate and identify for an amateur scavenger, but the photographs are excellent and the information is detailed, if sometimes lacking in any personal joy of writing.

Surprisingly useful although I am in Canada. Amazing how many English plants have been set free in our fair land. With this book I can easily identify these sweet intruders.

Encyclopedia of 2500 early flowering perennials (concentrates on plants hardy to -5C). Text give brief description of habit (height, flower colour and flowering time, shape of leaves etc), size, hardiness and soil requirements. Each description accompanied with medium to large photos. Very useful handbook if you get visual inspiration rather than from the written word. Plants are arranged in order of flowering time rather than as standard A-Z which can be both helpful and confusing!