Simon Toomer

Good Reference Book for Homeowners

With 177 pages, "Trees for the Small Garden" tries to narrow the choice of garden trees to a reasonable number from which a homeowner may choose without becoming either overwhelmed or a horticultural expert. [For a more comprehensive list check out "Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs" by Michael Dirr.]

Featured cultivars are said to be easily attainable at local nurseries and other plant suppliers.

Text descriptions include size (most of the specimens grow to a height of less than 33 feet, with many considerably smaller), hardiness, climate and soil specifications, pests and diseases, invasiveness and toxicity (of concern for those of us who like children and pets.) In addition there is something described as `aspect' by which I understand the author to mean environmental preference such as whether the plant likes to be sheltered.

There is a section on "Finding and Selecting Trees" and, of course, one on how to plant trees. All of these introductory discourses are then followed by the "Directory of Trees" itself. Each plant has 2 pages of photos. These lovely pictures show, when appropriate, features of the tree, such as what it looks like in bloom, or in winter. If the bark is of interest this also will be depicted so that there is no doubt what your tree will look like.

Each tree also has a "factfinder" block of data which states maximum height, hardiness, aspect, soil type, soil pH, and country of origin.

At the end of the book is a "Tree Selector" chart which lists each tree again with the following data:

Tolerance of ...
-- heavy clay soils
-- alkaline soils
-- poorly draining soils
-- dry soil
-- salt spray
-- exposure
-- extreme cold

Also whether the tree is evergreen, compact, flowered (in season), has foliage of interest, interesting fall color, attractive bark and winter interest.

Nicely done, this manageably sized book is a good guide for the homeuser. The only drawback I found (for me at least) in this and in nearly every other every tree and shrub tomb, is that the authors ONLY refer to plants by their Latin names. Unlike some books, however, this one at least allows you to look up the common names in the index so that one does not need to know that a Black Locust is scientifically known as `Robinia pseudoacacia'.… (más)