Xeriscape Plant Guide: 100 Water-Wise Plants for Gardens and Landscapes

by Rob Proctor

This guide takes the mystery out of Xeriscape gardening, referencing more than 100 water-wise trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vines, ground cover, grasses, and shade plants chosen to add color and diversity to any landscape. Each portrait is illustrated with color botanical illustrations and photographs, detailing the characteristics, landscaping use, and growing conditions of the plant. With the increasing national concern over water consumption, gardeners and landscapers will find Xeriscaping a practical approach to creating a landscape in tune with the environment.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Environment

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 8, 1996

Reviews

[Ti Su · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much like an encyclopedia, which is okay in a book form (rather than looking online) if you are serious about these 100 plants and will reference it frequently. The star part of this guide is the "Companion Plants" and "Disadvantages," which make you feel like you're talking to someone who has cultivated these specimens for years and is imparting the kind of wisdom you can't get any other way. Since it's a library book, I will stick to online sources rather than buying a copy.

[Lonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide for gardeners who are concerned about water usage and pesticides. Beautiful botanical illustrations, along with clear photos exhibiting the specimans in the four seasons.
Note: A few specimans such as Russian Sagebrush, have since been placed on the invasive list in the Rocky Mt. region.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure! I've recommended this book to everyone in my neighborhood who's looking to add trees, shrubs, ground covers, or perennials to their landscape. Especially appreciated are the photos of the plant in each season, and a section that describes the disadvantages of a particular plant. Inspiring!

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book worked real well for what I needed it for-- it showed the plants and then told about them and showed what they looked like in yards. So I could easily choose the ones I want to add to my landscaping plan.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed photos for plant identification and pics of spring/ summer/ winter views of each plant.

[David Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures, helpful advice for growing plants in the desert.