"The Plant Growth Planner will help any gardener plan his or her garden, from first planting to maturity." "More than 200 full-color charts depict stages in the growth - height or spread, as appropriate - of more than 500 of the most popular and reliable garden plants, including ornamental trees, specimen shrubs, groundcovers, climbers, perennials and hedges. These color growth charts are invaluable aids to selecting the right plants for a particular site. The plants are grouped according to how they are actually used in the garden (shrubs, climbers, perennials and bulbs, for example, are all presented separately), and thus the charts allow instant comparisons between slow, fast and medium growers." "Every plant is shown at one, three, six and twelve years, and as a further aid, at every season. Gardeners can see not only how big a given plant will grow within a given period after planting but also what the plant will look like - its foliage, flowering or berrying characteristics and its distinctive habit - throughout the year. The heights and spreads given take into account pruning, where and when necessary. They also indicate the average growth that can be expected when the plant is comfortably situated and maintained." "Each plant chart is accompanied by a descriptive entry that provides practical advice on habitat, planting, care and maintenance. The author also recommends alternative varieties and species and explains how actual growth profiles may differ." "In addition to the charts, approximately 50 full-color photographs feature individual plants in close-up "portraits" or in planting schemes that illustrate where growth rates have been carefully planned and coordinated with success." "With this book in hand, gardeners will find no new purchase from nursery or catalog is likely to surprise them or upset their garden plans!"--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved