The complete book of ground covers 4000 plants that reduce maintenance, control erosion, and beautify the landscape

Who knew that there were 4,000 varieties of ground cover, that somewhat-lazy alternative to weeding and mulching? British Columbia--based expert Lewis paints an introductory picture of these versatile plants, which encompass muted greens and grays as well as many with floral and fragrant components. Ground covers can creep, spread, rail, and/or rise to manageable heights. Providing indicators for best use, Lewis groups them into landscape-design categories: trailing, green roofs and living walls, spring and fall bulb companions, dry shade, sunny slopes, "hell strips" (sidewalks and roads), etc. An A-to-Z encyclopedia comprises much of this reference, each entry featuring information about selection, planting, care and maintenance, propagation, moisture, light, and soil. Unfortunately, color photographs of each possibility are not included, though clusters of pictures enliven major categories. Gardening newbies might need more help distinguishing a zone 3 from a zone 10 plant when searching a nursery. Lewis will certainly grow readers' knowledge of spreading plants, from Acaena and Japanese forest grass to fleece flowers and mondo grass.

Lewis, the owner of a retail and mail-order nursery, offers this excellent and attractive resource for gardeners, no matter the size of their plot. Opening chapters cover the hows and whys of using ground covers, with most of the book an alphabetical encyclopedia of plants by name. Entries give the botanical and common names, appropriate planting zones, origins of the plant (who knew lily of the valley came from China?), descriptions, growing instructions, and the specific purposes of each plant. That's all accompanied by truly gorgeous color photos, most of which are credited to the author. While there is a sense of technical completeness to the book, the text has a friendly vibe that conveys a can-do attitude that encourages gardeners at all levels. Most useful are the lists of plants to use for specific conditions such as dry shade, full sun, and rain gardens. VERDICT While the alphabetical order uses botanical names, the index includes the common names and refers to the proper page number. A great purchase for public libraries with lots of gardening patrons, and also for libraries at universities that teach horticulture.--Danise Hoover