The Perennial Garden

by Frederick McGourty

Book Overview

Frederick McGourty, one of our best known nurserymen and writers, tackles every gardener's favorite subject in this delightfully opinionated book. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395572290
• ISBN13: 9780395572290
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Mariner Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A National Treasure

On April 27, 2006, Fred McGourty passed on a few months short of reaching his 70th birthday (October 26). I initially met him in September 1954 and was his roommate at the University of Pennsylvania. We remained lifetime friends. After college, Fred spent almost 20 years at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens as editor of what became the highly respected Handbooks series. In 1978 he won the American Horticultural Society's coveted G. B. Gunlogson Award. Shortly thereafter, Fred inherited a 5-acre plot of land in Norfolk, Connecticut, which, with the help of his wife Mary Ann, started Hillside Gardens specializing in perennials. At one time the gardens had over 2,000 varieties and achieved a national reputation. It became a tourist-sight visited by thousands of horticultural enthusiasts. Fred was known as the "guru" of perennials, designed many gardens at various prestigious estates in the Northeast, had many speaking engagements and appeared on television being featured in "Great Gardening" and "Victory Garden". In 1989, the hardcover edition of "The Perennial Gardener" was published which was so successful; a paperback edition soon followed in 1991 and remained in print for over a decade. (It is hoped that another reprint will soon be made). The book displays the enormous amount of knowledge Fred acquired during his decades of study and practical experience. His personality and dry wit shine through. He also tries very hard to explain concepts in a clear and understandable fashion. I love the perceptive and enthusiastic review by reader Susan McLaughlin (see below). Fred touched many hearts and minds of people and was one of those rare individuals who combined talent, wit, intelligence, kindness and a caring for others. Yesterday, I attended a Memorial Service at a rain-drenched Hillside Gardens. I was not at all surprised that hundreds of his neighbors and friends braved the weather to attend. All of us are privileged to have known him. Fred was indeed "a national treasure".

The first and best gardening book

I ever read. I am stunned that it has gone out of print. This book got me hooked on perennial gardening as a recent college grad with a postage stamp yard. Frederick McGourty is a devoted and experienced gardener with a wit. He is funny and very informative and the photos of his Connecticut borders are wonderful. He talks about plants as one would discuss neighbors, family, acquaintances and close friends. I have been recommending this book to friends and family for 10 years and own two copies, neither of which I allow out of my sight for more than a few months. If you are a new gardener, track this book down and it will save you years of frustration. If you love to garden, buy this book, don't lend it out, and treat yourself to a great winter read which will recommit you to a rewarding pasttime. If Mr. McGourty ever writes another gardening book I will snap up two copies in a second. He is a national treasure.