Book Review: Perennial Reference Guide

I don't do book reviews. I guess the main reason is I've been around awhile and I no longer get too excited about the "next new thing," and I don't refer to books as much as I used to. I know enough plants to do what I do. I'll add a few to my palette every year or two, but I tend to stick with what works for me.

Having said all that, Karleen Shafer asked me to review her book which is aptly called "Perennial Reference Guide." It is definitely not a bedside table book, nor does it belong on your coffee table, and I must say that on first inspection I was underwhelmed. There are no pictures and there is no index to look up a specific plant. But then I started really looking at it. I also ran it past a couple of colleagues, one with similar experience to my own, and the other a younger designer. They had very different impressions and I was convinced to look a little further.

I think this book definitely has value, especially for some of its uncommon lists. Examples include lists of plants for Aromatherapy, Biblical Gardens, Crevices and Evening Gardens. Of course there are the more common lists based on color, size and growing environment.

If I were to offer any criticism it would be the following: The color coded sections are fine, but tabs to help find them would help. An index would help a ton as there is no way to cross reference a plant. For example, you may be browsing the Environmental Low Pollen/Allergen list and find, say Brunnera macrophylla. The listing shows sun/shade requirements and the hardiness zone, but an additional column that lists other pages where you can cross reference it would be a huge help (Thanks, Tara).

So, in general, it is interesting to browse the various lists. It is a good way to learn. Although it is difficult to look up a specific plant, there are a lot of books where you can do that. Same with pictures. This is an unusual format, but there is valuable information inside. All things considered, if you are a plant person and you typically spend a lot of time choosing just the right plant for a given condition, this book may be a valuable addition to your library.

Please remember, I don't do book reviews.