Why Grow That When You Can Grow This?: 255 Extraordinary Alternatives to Everyday Problem Plants
Tired of the same-old gardening same-old? Feel like screaming at the sight of one more boring bed of begonias? Frustrated by failures of seemingly fool-proof flowers? In the garden as in life, there is more than one way to pick a pepper. All it takes is a little confidence and a lot of knowledge about the numerous under-used and overlooked trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, and ground covers that stand ready and willing to transform a dull garden into a dramatic showcase. Following seasoned advice on cultural maintenance and design selection, Keys offers pithy profiles of creative alternatives to plants that have become all-too-common elements of landscape design. The yard next door may be dominated by an out-of-place birch; counter its predictability with a London plane tree. Replace that dull privet with showy mountain mahogany. Pull up that pachysandra, and put down some European ginger. Gardeners looking for vibrant inspiration will revel in Keys’ innovative recommendations. --Carol Haggas