The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques

(review for original edition; still applies -->) Fantastic! HUGE help in the flower garden. I don't usually like to mark up books, but I have heavily marked this one and refer to it constantly.

As for the 2017 edition specifically: The first half of the book is essentially unchanged; I was surprised to still see such frequent references to Sedum "Autumn Joy" specifically, as if no other sedums exist, and that seemed to date the book to me. But she may have felt that no changes were necessary to that content.

As for the "plant encyclopedia" section, it is now well-illustrated with photos, which is very nice. More importantly, additional perennials have been added; a few have dropped out (variegated bishop's weed didn't make the grade show more this time!) Within each entry, most often there have been few or no changes, but sometimes newer varieties are suggested.

If you have one of the two earlier editions of the book, I'd say this updated version is not a must-have, but neither did the author simply slap a new cover on the old book, change the photos, and call it brand new. My advice, if you think you might be interested, would be to look at this book locally so you can examine it for yourself and see if the differences merit the purchase or not. show less

This book lived in my car for the years I worked as a private gardener. It's a well written and easily navigable reference on what to do, when in the garden.

A wonderfully useful book telling gardeners exactly how and when to prune, pinch and deadhead perennials so as to keep them blooming. The techniques the author describes help to avoid pest and disease problems. The book is written from a north American perspective, but is very much applicable to British gardeners.

One of my favorite go-to books for gardening questions. Read it in the off-season the first time. Add sticky notes to those pages you'll want to look at again during the growing season. It's an attractive book with practial, detailed information.

A wonderful gardening book. This is highly readable and very informative. Folksy tone.

Invaluable guidance for clipping what, when and works in the Pacific Northwest although she is a mid-West gardener and loaded with pictures.

great for intermediate to advanced. Might overwhelm a beginner.