What's useful about this book is that it addresses many common siting problems for outdoor and indoor gardeners, alike: light (or lack of it) and moisture (or dryness), and various combinations of these; pollution issues; plants suitable for particular garden "jobs" such as screening, ground cover, or containers; perennials with a long flowering season or low allergens. There are also sections that address specific "shopping lists": shrubs with fragrant leaves or ornamental fruit; climbers with fragrant flowers; various kinds of bamboos -- and so much more. Although about three-fourths of the book addresses outdoor plants, a hundred pages or more are devoted to houseplants in categories such as: houseplants for beginners; plants tolerant of neglect; herbs for growing indoors; unusual foliage; orchids; and much, much more.

The photographs are numerous, colorful, and large enough to display useful detail. Annotations about each plant (and cross references for other suitable plants, which may be listed in other categories) provide enough information to get started: zone, size, light requirements.

Although one might quibble a little about whether information might have a bit more depth in places, this book is an indispensable guide simply because no other reference approaches its scope. In addition, as a DK book, it is put together in a way that can accept the inevitable flipping through (you will not be able to avoid simply browsing, believe me) as well as the harder work to which reference books are always put. It's a book to use and enjoy.

Perfect Plant Perfect Place by horticultural expert Roy Lancaster is a simply magnificent, detailed, and user friendly "how to" guide to gardening that positively overflows with more than 1800 vibrant color photographs. Packed from cover to cover with descriptions of and basic care instructions for recommended plants for indoor or outdoor gardening, Perfect Plant Perfect Place is the ideal book for beginning to intermediate gardeners seeking to select just the right species of beauty to best decorate a home, lawn, or greenhouse. A most thorough, practical and enjoyable presentation, Perfect Plant Perfect Place covers a diversity of subjects from acidic soil, raised beds, plants for paved areas, and herbs in the kitchen, to rock garden bulbs, aquatic plants, containers in the sun, and urban back yards. If you can have access to only one gardening guide, make it Roy Lancaster's Perfect Plant Perfect Place.

This book does what it aims to very well: it describes (and includes photos of) some very unusual plants. However, please be aware that many of these plants do not have mass appeal; that is why, after all, they are still rare and unusual, rather than having been picked up by your local garden centers.

I found myself using this book mostly as a specific adjunct to the Heronswood Nursery catalogue, looking up some photos and cultural information for a few of the plants listed in the catalogue. If this is YOUR intended use, please be aware that you may be able to get this information for a lot less money by just using Heronswood's website, now that it is expanded to include a good variety of plant photos.

This is an excellent book. Dan Hinkley is a funny and engaging writer and speaker. I highly recommend this for the gardener who appreciates subtle yet beautiful flowers and foliage. Many of the plants that he discusses are from Asia where he has travelled extensively. The book is a great companion to the thick Heronswood Nursery catalog and web site since it has a number of photos. Dan discusses care and propagation of the plants as well.

A well researched, well thought out guide to some wonderful plants that, to quote the author's witty prose, should be on a good many gardener's 'lust list'. Good photography, HONEST descriptions of the plant (without 'catalog-ese') and cultural information all add to a fine addition to the hort books out there.

A very complete coverage of the principles and construction offireworks, but there is very little detail on any particulartype of device. Has good references to other works, and is a good compliment to works that delve deeper into fewer subjects.

An updated version of a classic work. Builds from the foundation up, enlightening the reader with a well-rounded, solid presentation of the principles behind pyrotechnic compounds and devices, as well as delivering practical methodology for the professional. A must-have for the serious fire-artist.

An all-encompassing review of a multitude of pyrotechnic topics. This is an excellent reference manual and an exceptional formula bank, with hundreds of applications, both to the experimenter and the experienced pyrotechnist. Slightly overpriced, but not overvalued, this is a must-have text for anyone even considering beginning a collection of pyrotechnic literature.

Though I have heard much praise of Jane Austen, this is the first time I've actually sat down and read one of her books. I was impressed. Though the plot would seem shallow now (it centers around marriages); then that was central to most women's hopes and desires. Besides the plot, the characters are amusing and Elizabeth is finely drawn. She is very self-confidant and will not allow others to look down on her for her ill upbringing. I don't believe men would enjoy this book, because the male figure is not drawn very realistically. I seriously doubt that all men thought or talked about were marriage and love. Walter Raleigh phrased it correctly by saying that "Austen's men wouldn't be allowed in any club in England!". I didn't find it to be at all boring, rather, a page-turner to see how everything was going to turn out (though in the end it became predictable). The formal language is confusing at times, but provides a bit more color with it's detail. Though many parts of the book are obviously contrived, and I feel as if Austen is trying a little too hard to invoke emotion within me, in many ways the book is ahead of it's time, and for that, it is commendable to be certain.

I have always loved the style and social politics of the Regency period (the time of Jane Austen.) But when I read "Sense and Sensibility" in 7th grade I found the first few chapters lifeless, dull and hard to read. Two years later I was encouraged by a friend to give "Pride and Prejudice" a try. I did and have since become a complete Janeite. I am now able to peruse joyfully through "Sense and Sensibility" with a new understanding and appreciation of Jane Austen. The reason? "Pride and Prejudice" is fresh, witty and is a great introduction to Jane Austen's writing style without the formality of some of her other novels (unlike S&S and Persuasion Austen does not give us a 10 page history of each family and their fortune.) If you have never read Jane Austen or have read her other novels and found them boring, read Pride and Prejudice. The characters, and the situations Austen presents to them, are hysterical and reveal a lot about Regency society and morality. This book perfectly compliments a great writer like Jane Austen and is essential to every reader's library. The Penguin Edition of the book is stellar and I personally recommend it not only for the in-depth and indispensable footnotes, but also for the cover that is non-suggestive of any of the characters' appearances. In summary "Pride and Prejudice" is a great book for beginner Austen readers and seasoned fans, and Penguin Classics is a great edition for fully enjoying and understanding the book.

I always have trouble reviewing my very favorite books on Amazon. It always seems as if nothing I can write does the book justice. Pride and Prejudice is one of those novels. I don't remember a time when I've enjoyed a read so much (and I read a lot).

It's a well known story. Of course, it's that Jane Austen world (which Austen pokes endlessly at) with the social artifaces, the endless gossiping, and clever schemes on how to get married, particularly to someone rich. Here, it is the Bennet sisters trying to get themselves hitched, and the central character is the spirited Elizabeth who clashes with (sometimes) arrogant, stuffy Darcy.

Pride and Prejudice is so entertaining on different levels. It is so funny! The characters (especially Mr. and Mrs. Bennet) are so eccentrically funny, and some of the situations Elizabeth gets into are hilarious. Austen's little asides about the local society are subtly cutting, too. Then, there are all of the brilliant characterizations and their changing relationships. Also, I'm always drawn to Austen's little theme of love's ability to break through the mess of a shallow society. I truly love everything about this little novel. It'll certainly alway keep a special place on my bookshelf (or by my bed).

If you are a beginner gardener like me, keep reading this review. If you are an experience gardener, this book is probably not for you.

I've spent more money than I care to admit over the past three spring and fall planting seasons trying to establish the foundation of a garden using annuals, perennials and bushes without the benefit of much knowledge or guidance. I bought this book last year because I learned, painfully, that the plants I put in the shade should have been in the sun and the plants that were doing beautifully against the trees in the back of my house were the favorite appetizers for the local wild deer.

I found Lancaster's book to be quite helpful (even if he does not live in the US) in helping me to select plants for shade, plants for bog, plants for sun, plants that resist deer and rabbits, perennials for wall crevices and between paving,perennials for groundcover in shade, perennials for groundcover in sun, plants that work better in borders, plants that work better in small beds. You get the idea. And the book has outstanding photos of every plant. It's not a perfect book but I take it with me to the local store, see what they have available, see what Lancaster says about the plant, and decide whether to buy it. I am pretty confident that within a year or so, my house will look terrific. And that is what I was looking for when I bought the book.

Normally I shy away from British gardening books for a variety of reasons. All to frequently they feature plants that are difficult for American gardeners to find. Many of the plants that flourish in Britain struggle to survive in much of the US and vise-a-versa. In addition, frequently British design books discuss formal gardens, showing pictures of gardens around palaces or castles. As I have yet to have a client request a garden design for their castle, I find these books irrelevant to modern day America. Consequently, I was quite shocked when I learned the author of the wonderfully practical book, "What Plant Where", Roy Lancaster, lives and gardens in England.

Whether you are an experienced gardener or a neophyte, you will enjoy this book. The book divides plants into five categories: perennials, climbers, shrubs, conifers and, trees. Within each of these categories it addresses what plants will grow in specific conditions, such as: against warm sunny walls; cool moist soils in shade; alkaline soils: etc... It also delineates plants with specific characteristics, such as shrubs with berries. The photographs of the plants are also excellent.

One of the best features about this book is it specifies plants that are resistant to rabbits! While there are numerous books that address plants that are resistant to deer, few address the problem of rabbits.

The book has two minor deficiencies. First, the list of plants the author recommends for a given growing condition or attribute is typically far from complete. Nevertheless, it provides a solid starting point for the beginner gardener and a memory jogger for the more experienced gardener. Second, as is all too common in the horticulture industry, the author fails to adequately discuss which plants will perform well in partial shade. While many plants perform best in full sun, many will tolerate partial shade. Hence, the gardener with a partially shady garden is given the impression that they are restricted to a very few plants, which is not the case.

Over the years I have purchased several books that list landscaping plants by specific characteristics. This is by far the nicest pictorial listing.

Lancaster begins with 5 catagories: perennials, climbers, shrubs, conifers, and deciduous trees. In each catagory he pays attention to such details as size & shape; soil, sunlight & position; seasonal interests & color; and special features such as attraction for birds & animals, fragrance, thorns, fruits, etc.

As usual with DK books, I find this a quality book with excellent photos reproduced on good paper. This is a good beginner to intermediate landscaping book.

I give this book a 4 and not a 5-star rating because I feel the addition of charts would be helpful -- for instance, to find something in my zone, I have to refer to the details under each picture. A chart would save so much time and organize in yet another way, the info presented. Also Lancaster very nicely included a text list of additional plants in each catagory -- but the downside is, since these are just lists of names I have to refer to other books for pictures and details.

I still consider this "list" book a must-have for my library. If he comes out with a fatter version I will eagerly buy that too.

This book has an interesting twist that you won't find in most plant books - it has a whole section on what plants go well in what rooms. It includes the standard "How this book work" and plant basics. I like how they have plant care broken down into "Everyday care" and "Longer-term Maintenance." Every day care includes picking your plants, transporting plants, light, temperature, feeding, watering and cleaning. Longer-term maintenance includes repotting, pruning and training. These sections are short, but cover the necessary basics. There is a section on propagating and a section on problems (over/under watering, pests and diseases). There is a section on choosing your plants for their flower (Floral Effect) or for their beautiful or interesting leaves (Foliage Effect). If you are looking for a plant with yellow leaves or a plant with sword shaped leaves the Foliage Effect section a good place to look. There is a section call "Special Uses" which includes "Houseplants for Beginners," Houseplants Tolerant of Neglect," "Beneficial Houseplants," and many more.

Some plants are listed more than once because they fit into more than one category. Each time the plant is listed it includes a very short description and water, light and feeding information. I use this book mostly for the pictures and the placement ideas. It has great pictures and great ideas for placement.

The room to room guide is something I haven't found in any other book. It gives you an idea of what plant to put in what room. Do you have a room with a sunny windowsill? The Locations will give you some suggestions for your windowsill. If you have a dry room, this book has suggestions. It has suggestions for almost every room in the house. This book is good for beginners and intermediate plant grower. The advanced plant grower might not find it as helpful, but the advance grower might still find the Locations section interesting.

All I know about caring for houseplants is that you have to water them now and then. No wonder that I have killed most plants that I have owned! This book was really helpful for me. It is great in that it's broken down into categories such as locations (windowsill, low light, full light, humid rooms, offices etc). There are also sections for different types of flowers (fragrant, winter blooming) and foliage. And for me there are the sections on houseplants tolerant of neglect and houseplants for beginners. Every plant listed in the book is accompanied by a nice picture. Next to each plant there are directions on the type of light it needs, fertilization and watering guidelines and the temperature and humidity it needs. The beginning has great tips for everyday care, trouble shooting problems.

This book is definately for someone with little gardening experience. I found it to be extremely helpful.

Unlike another reviewer, I found this book very useful. I am pretty much a beginner with houseplants. I don't understand why some plants fail and others don't. This book was very helpful to me because it gives details about which plants like low light, full sun, lots of water, a dry environment, etc.

Based on the info in this book I purchased a large hibiscus plant for a sunny sliding glass door window. It's gorgeous, it's blooming -- it's all I could want in a plant.

The book IS organized -- and it's true, the same plant appears in several places, but that's because a low-light plant might also be a good trailing plant! The organization is by type of foliage, light requirements, showiness of the plant, and other categories. Probably not the kind of classification that a horticulturist would like, but it was very useful to me. There are lots of pictures so you see exactly what the plant will look like, and they're labeled with both Latin and common names.

If you're looking for a plant for a specific place in your house, this book is an excellent resource.

Lancaster has put together a lovely book on garden trouble-spot solutions, divided into easily referenced segments on each particular problem addressed. The symbols for dimensions and requirements are easy to read, the descriptions richly appealing, and each description is accompanied by an attractive color plate. Insofar as that goes, I found this to be a very enjoyable book for browsing.

Possibly I have gotten a bit overly picky by looking at too many garden books, but there were several areas that could be improved. First, the text and pictures tend to neglect the overall plant in favor of flowers. He does treat with texture extensively elsewhere, but it is not the most user-friendly arrangement, and the plant selection does not overlap at all points. Plants will not be flowering all year, so as a gardener I will generally want some sense of what the plant looks like overall. Any lapses in that area tend to irk me. Second, although he covers a large number of plants, that figure is greatly inflated by the fact that he is reviewing _varieties_ of the same plant as distinct solutions. There are definitely sections where variety _does_ matter, but surely not all! By not specifying, he forces us to guess. If any variety of a species will do, I want to know this. Finding, for instance, the "rosa" variety of lily-of-the-valley is a much more difficult proposition than going out and buying a lily-of-the-valley, any kind. He's also very patchy about mentioning important attributes of plants, like 'poisonous' and 'invasive.' Because he specifies it in some cases, there is a tendency to assume that he'll treat with it in every important instance. There are quite a few truly egregious omissions, however.

There are compensations in other areas, though. Many of the perennials lovingly described by Lancaster are less well known. He shines light into those dubious corners of the perennial world where suspiciously unfamiliar perennials languish, forgotten and underutilized despite having wonderful attributes and beautiful flowers. Many of them are more 'natural' types than the overbred beauties we love to stick in our pedigree beds, but not so uncommon that they're impossible to find. Many of these are plants that I've seen here and there, but haven't known enough about in the past to want to try. I also very much liked the section on flowers which die back attractively for dried winter interest. And, for those people living in very cold and very warm climates, he does a respectable job of suggesting plants for a range of zones. (Zones 3 three through 11 showed up in most sections.)

Probably the most positive thing I have to say about this book, however, is that it got me thinking about my garden in a new light. His descriptions excited me. They gave me new ideas for old problems. It made me think about areas that I have neglected out of frustration & a longstanding sense of defeat. In total, I would have to recommend this book. It's attractive enough to make a good coffee-table or gift book, but also good for inspiration. It's not as thorough as I would like about the overall plant, & it doesn't touch on care & maintenance at all, but I would recommend it as a user-friendly starting point for people who want to investigate natural solutions for problematic garden conditions. A second, more generalized perennial book would be handy as a cross reference to this one.

This book is wonderful for finding the perfect plants for the exact environmental conditions for your garden. I needed perennials for a shady and dry garden. You can go right to a chapter on the perfect perennials for these conditions. Great reference book!

This book is typical Penrose, so well written that it is effortless reading. You are left with the feeling that you have just come from a meeting with Chadwick.

Penrose knew everyone in British aviation in this period and it shows. Well worth reading.

The photos in this book are wonderful. While the authors developed their own fairly useful scheme for identifying appropriate growing areas (less useful than USDA or Sunset magazine zones, however), they give no information about the size of the plant, its rate of growth or amount of water needed. The information about types of soil required is sometimes questionable (e.g. both daphne and hydrangeas are listed as successful in "any type of soil"). The book is poorly bound and pages became loose even on my first reading.

There are many other books I would recommend before this one.