The Complete Guide to Compact Trees and Shrubs

Featuring over 1,000 different trees and shrubs. A common problem that confronts today's gardener, garden designer or horticulturalist is a lack of growing space. But in recent years, plant breeders and nursery owners have recognised this and there is now an inspiring array of compact trees and shrubs to choose from for even the smallest of gardens. This book guides the reader through the considerable range of small trees and compact shrubs now available, with full details on their cultivation requirements and how to incorporate them into a wider garden design. Understand how trees and shrubs are produced and learn how to select with confidence at the plant nursery or garden centre. Consider how trees and shrubs may be best chosen and placed when designing a new garden, or replanting an established site. Browse the book's directories of over 100 separate genera and 1,000 individual plants, each with details of hardiness (using both RHS and USDA ratings); growing requirements; height, spread and habit; main features, including flowers, foliage and bark; and wider garden design considerations. AUTHOR: Duncan Coombs is a qualified botanist and horticulturist, keen plant hunter and RHS garden advisor. Following time spent in biological research and development, he has spent many years lecturing in decorative horticulture. Much of his professional development involves visiting and liaising with gardeners and their gardens, plus nursery owners and their nurseries, during which he has amassed extensive plant knowledge. 891 illustrations