Arizona Gardener's Guide

This is a great reference book for a beginning gardener and landscaper like me who wants to diversify his patch of desert land but doesn't know where to start. Buy the book, read it through, pick out some plants and trees that you like, and then visit your local nursery. Their advice combined with Mary Irish's commentary should give you a good footing for some sound landscaping decisions. I carry the book with me in the car so that I can look up the gorgeous flowering bushes and trees that I see in surrounding Phoenix neighborhoods. Not every plant in the southwest desert is listed here, but most of the common ones you will likely come across are mentioned along with pictures, planting and growing suggestions, and hardiness ratings. The first book I reach for when I ask, "what is that plant?"

This used book was in perfect condition as was stated. Colored pictures with all the required information needed to purchase, plant and care for your plants and cacti in Arizona. Complete with pictures, descriptions of blooms, timing, and growth, even companion planting. It is divided nicely so you do not have to hunt for what you want. It is small enough to carry around for reference, but large enough to read easily. I give it a 5 star.

The guide is nice if you are new to the region or you are just starting a garden. Would have like to see something about recommendations for urban or country settings, including resistance ( if such really exists) against deer, javelina, rabbits, ground squirrels,… Too often we spend the time and money on nice plants, just to see them gone within days. The critters have to eat, so they can nibble not devour!

This is a must-have reference for gardeners new to the plants and climate of the lower deserts. It gives concise, 1-page overviews of the plants used most often in our landscapes here, with descriptions, how/when to plant, ongoing care, sun/heat/frost tolerance and any problems to look out for. It also provides advice on companion plantings, and a few fun facts to know and share. I have used this for several years and also given it to friends new to our Phoenix area.

Being new to Arizona, I find this book so helpful. It is well presented and easy to read. And it celebrates a wonderful new type of plant life, instead of lamenting how difficult it might be for some.

Comprehensive guide to large assortment of shrubs, trees, succulents, cacti, vines palms and more.lots of helpful photos, care descriptions and tips. Having lived my life on the East a Coast, this is an invaluable guide to the huge array of suitable desert garden plants.

Bought this one to give away to a newcomer gardener in Phoenix. Mary Irish is the consummate go-to author for everything about gardening in the desert. If I only had one desert gardening book, this would be the one. I also have her month-by-month guide and like it too.

Not well edited. Too many pages don't reflect what is in the index, and many that are in the index are not written up. Also, many shrubs which have flowers do not have a close up enough photo to correctly tell what the plant is. Some of the plants are very poisonous and should have that fact highlighted or in italics so that the unknowing reader will be alerted.