Michael Dirr's book is a very comprehensive, detailed compendium of most commonly (and some less commonly) used trees and shrubs. His knowledge is encyclopaedic. While there is a lot of information, it is not merely a dry list of plant facts, as he inserts personal, and often humourous, anecdotes regarding his experience with the plants. Highly recommended for plant geeks or those in the horticultural trade. He does have a companion illustrated book which would be wonderful to have too, as this book does not contain photographs. Note for those buying from Canada - add one to all his hardiness zones and about a month to flowering times, as he is from (I think) South Carolina, so we need… Read more
