Plantiful: Start Small, Grow Big with 150 Plants That Spread, Self-Sow, and Overwinter
*Starred Review* Ah, the agony of the impatient gardener.  The old adage, first year they sleep, second year they creep, frustrates those who can’t wait for the third year before seeing their plants leaping in botanical euphoria.  For those who want success and want it now, Green embraces those plants known as self-sowers, perennials and annuals that quite happily bloom where they’re planted and then move on to areas where they weren’t.  Filling in garden gaps with volunteer plants is not only a cost-effective way of maximizing one’s garden budget. It also allows for surprising serendipity as new plant combinations brighten and enliven existing designs.  But lest one think this willy-nilly approach is a “love ’em and leave ’em” proposition, Green cautions that there is a fine line between exuberance and invasiveness and encourages a judicious application of editorial control in weeding out any interlopers.  Gorgeous photographs illustrate cunning design suggestions, while concise plant profiles give snapshots of VIP volunteers.  Basic cultural techniques, handy references, and helpful resources augment this guide to enthusiastic gardening. --Carol Haggas