Armitage's Garden Perennials

Just received this book in addition to several other reference texts on perennials. This one stands out immediately for several reasons. The first point is that it is up to date, with many current varieties discussed. Most of the other books only have discussions of varieties available through about 1990, and things have changed. The second plus is beautiful photographs, of the entire plant, often in mass plantings or fully grown. Many books succumb to the garden catalogue technique of photographing flowers only. I particularly enjoyed the model with two day lilies, both nearly identical in flower color and shape, but oh what a difference in size. Finally, the book is well written and readable. It uses botanical nomenclature as it must, but the discussions of the plant and its habits are clear, understandable to non Latin speakers. My new favorite garden book.

I first encountered this book at my local library and found it to be the most extensive resource for perennials I've ever seen.I had to have a copy for myself.I'm very please with the price, the condition and the company I purchased my copy from. It's especially nice to have the book arrive with a protective library cover.

Even for those who groan at the very thought of garden chores, Allan Armitage's classic work on the most common perennials will be a favorite in their library. Page after page of excellent photographs of the various plants and their cultivars (most taken by the author himself), are accompanied by informative text that is punctuated with the author's sly sense of humor. Mr. Armitage describes benefits and the drawbacks of each specimen, and the level of care and concern it will demand from the gardener before it will prosper. This is a must-have for everyone who has ever thought of putting a few plants in the earth.

This book has LOTS of pictures which makes it a pleasure simply to pick up and browse through anytime. The bonus is the author's extensive knowledge of the subject spiced with a lively narrative full of personal anecdotes. The book is not set up to any specific region of the U.S., (i.e. Pacific Northwest, Southwest, etc.) so the gardening enthusiast must still do their homework for what is appropriate to place in their area; but overall a lovely addition to your gardening library.

Some garden writers are like spinster schoolteachers are caricatured.....not Mr.Armitage. He seasons his vast knowledge with a bit of humor. What a pleasant experience, reading his books.

I borrowed this book along with some other perennial books from the library and liked it so much for perennial reference I decided I needed to own my own copy. Sure I use the internet, but it is sooo nice to have a beautiful helpful book to use for pleasure, ideas, and reference. This is the one I chose! Oh, by the way I live in Boise, Idaho.

This is one of the best plant guides available. Armitage gives very detailed descriptions in an entertaining, if opinionated, way. If you like this you will really like his guide to plants native to the US.

I am happy with this order; delivery was prompt. Excellent pictures and thoughts about plants; I wish the book went into greater depth, but otherwise an excellent book.

For perennials experts and novices alike - this book will send you over the moon with its most interesting text and fabulous photographs. Gardens by Hummingbird loves it....

I like this book for the pictures and the little stories that the author writes about each plant. Not so textbook like which I thought it might have been. More like a coffee table kind of read.