Landscape Plants for Dry Regions

by Charles Sacamano and Warren D. Jones

Book Overview

The definitive guide to landscaping in the Southwest, featuring exotic plants of tremendous potential seldom used in Southwest landscapes.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555611907
• ISBN13: 9781555611903
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 3.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.9" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

Even Landscapers use this one as a reference guide

This book is great, especially if you happen to have at least a little background in landscape. There are probably too many plants in this book and it is arranged alphbetically by Latin names, but the pictures and descriptions make this book a must have for gardeners and landscapers. It is probably most useful to those planting in the deserts of Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California (most of these plants won't be available outside these areas). Having a little knowledge to begin with will help you know which plants in the book are rare or generally unavailable. That being said, all of the best performing desert trees and shrubs, etc. are in this book. The book also gives descriptions of plants and how and where to use them (or where not to use them). In summary, this book will help you set up a desert oasis or pure desert landscape in your yard.

Great reference for beginners

We're building a new home in Arizona and this book has served as a wonderful guide to my husband and myself in the planning of our landscaping. The photos are clear and great examples of what the plants will look like. Plants are listed alphabetically by scientific name, but there's a handy cross-reference in the back to make it easier. The most helpful tool is under each plant's description where it clearly lists possible problems and maintenance needed. One thing I wish it did include are citrus trees, but I suppose they were left out because they are not native plants (but then again, I didn't think palms were either, and they are listed).

Best book for choosing plants

All plants discussed have a color photo right next to the text, and the text provides all key information in specific format. This makes it easy to compare plants, or find specific information about a plant you're interested in. The book goes into detail on different varieties also, e.g. there are color pictures and text on each of several varieties of mesquite - very helpful when you're trying to choose the right one for your landscape. A very few of the photos are poor quality, but any picture here is worth a thousand words. This is the only book I have seen for this climate (I live in Phoenix) that attempts to provide this volume of information with full color photos. Definitely worth the money.

One of the Best Dry Region Plant Guides

I bought this book because I wanted a landscape that is in harmony with the region in which I live. I also wanted to be as efficient as possible in using water to irrigate my plants. This book has been enormously helpful in accomplishing these goals - I also like the fact that it has allowed me to access information about new plant releases on the internet. This is a useful textbook of options and information for anyone who lives in a dry region and enjoys plants.

WowEE, best one I've seen yet!

This landscaping book for dry regions is the best we've seen so far! What plant planet did Breck Breckenridge from Tucson, AZ USA come from? We combed through dozens of books (most black & white and low-grade hand drawings)and I was amazed by the glossy packed pages (all pages) and *quality* photos. We are basing our new home's desert landscaping from this great book! Each plant contains Specifications - "cold hardiness," "landscape value," "cultural requirements," "possible problems," and a short description of potential size, growth habits, etc. "Landscape Design Examples with Large photos" sporadically included throughout the book.Granted, this book can't possibly show *every* dry region plant but we were was amazed by the selection other than cactus, yuccas and agaves.