The Well Tended Perennial Garden Planting and Pruning Techniques

The Well Tended Perennial Garden Planting and Pruning Techniques

“A practical book filled with the details of how to care for perennials, from cutting back to fertilizing, staking and dividing. … Aust thoroughly explains the how and when for all these techniques. … Perhaps the most useful section is that of lengthy lists in the back that help you determine which perennials you do and don’t want to grow, depending on your tolerance for maintenance and where you live, and which perennials are deer-resistant, have seedheads that attract song birds, are short-lived, need deadheading or lots of other categories thought up by this walking encyclopedia of a perennial expert.” Valerie Easton, Seattle Times, August 5, 2006 (Seattle Times )

“A practical book filled with the details of how to care for perennials…” — Valerie Easton “Seattle Times”

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The most helpful gardening book I’ve ever seen
The way this book is layed out is great and makes it easy to find the info you are specifically looking for quickly. It uses both common and scientific (Latin?) names, which is a good feature in my book (no pun intended!) It has a very concise section on when & what to deadhead, and what to cut down at the end of the season and what not to (and why). Also covers the usual - bed prep, plant division, diseases & pests, etc. but in a very common sense way that makes you feel like you can’t go wrong as long as you have this book to reference. I have seen this book recommended by many people on The Garden Web site, so I was confident in buying it but it is even better than I anticipated.

5 Stars Boils It All Down and Makes It Easy
It’s been a long time since I’ve picked up a garden book and read it cover to cover. This one did the job. We design gardens for a living and frequently need a comprehensive guide to let clients tailor their garden maintenance. From installation through customizing maintenance techniques for individual species this book does it all….and well.

5 Stars Complete instructions for most perennials
This book tells you what and when to do things to most perennials. It has made me a much better gardener and made my garden look better. I loved it so much that I bought a copy for my Sister-in-law.

I recommend it for gardeners on all levels.

5 Stars Great Resource
I am in agreement with all of the other very positive reviews on the “Well Tended Perennial Garden”, this has quickly became my new bible on perennials. The writer is very knowledgeable and opinionated; though at times her personal tastes on plants come through loud and clear. Though there were some instances when I strongly disagree with her, for instance her view on irises not being worth the effort, but that did not take away from the usability of this book.

The Encyclopedia of Perennials is a great resource, one place that you can go for information on a plant including not only the usual details regarding size, exposures, zones etc but also details on how to prune, the level of maintenance you should expect and related plants.

5 Stars Fabu!
Great overview of perennial care. Easy to read. Great pruning, growing, staking, fertilizing, and overall care tips. Great for novice to expert gardeners.

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