Review by Library Journal Review
Gardeners in Midwestern states (defined here as Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri) know that their tasks can be challenging. Heat, humidity, and drought are common in summer; winter brings subzero temperatures and snow (as much as 55 inches annually in some areas); and summer thunderstorms can produce damaging hail. Midwest native Kahtz identifies perennials here that are noted for their ornamental beauty and ease of growth and maintenance and that can withstand the region's wicked weather. The book's main section is an "Encyclopedia of Perennials," arranged alphabetically by botanical name, which may be a hindrance to gardeners who are unfamiliar with the nomenclature, but each plant's profile features a color photo for ease in identification. Each entry includes a shaded text box with plant hardiness, origin, mature height and spread, landscape use, season of bloom, and ornamental characteristics, as well as botanical and common names for the plant and its family. In addition, Kahtz provides a list of state-by-state resources (including web site addresses), a glossary, selected references for further reading, and an index. This book is recommended for all public libraries with avid Midwest gardeners and for special or academic libraries with strong horticultural interests.--Eboni A. Francis, Ohio State Univ. Libs., Columbus (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
