The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes

Ornamental Garsses have at least achieved the recognition they deserve for their beauty, longevity, ease of maintenance, and the key role they play in many ecosystems. Today--more than ever--gardeners, landscape designers and architects, and those charged with the stewardship of public spaces are using grasses boldly and freely. With this wider use has come the need for a reference that addresses both the aesthetic qualities of grasses in private gardens and the opportunities and challenges of using them in shared, public landscapes. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes amply fills this need. Widely recognized for his advocacy and expert knowledge of grasses, Rick Darke has produced a work of unequalled depth and scope. Following introductory chapters that emphasize the unique physical beauty of grasses and their role in garden design, and provide pracical information on planting, cultivation, and maintenance of grasses, the bulk of the book is a comprehensive A-Z encyclopedia of grasses and grass look-alikes. General descriptions of each genus are followed by succinct but thorough descriptions including appearance, height, spread, behavior, and hardiness. Not least among the book's outstanding features are the author's stunning photographs. Showing not only details of individual plants but also hundreds of gardens and landscapes in which grasses play a prominent part, they provide an education every bit as essential as that provided by the text. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes is sure to be the definitive resource for these popular and versatile plants for years to come.