Product Description

This classic and indispensable reference for shade gardening is now back in print. Long considered required reading for those with difficult low-light areas, it covers the basics literally from the ground up, leading the gardener through the creation of his or her own shady retreat. Part One concerns the art and science of a shade garden, from preparing the soil, to pruning, to considering different "shades of shade" (does your favorite bed lie in dappled shade or high shade?). Part Two, which details information on growing the plant, is neatly arranged in sections according to the type of plant. These descriptions are casual, to the point, and often humorous. The sago palm, for example, "will put you in touch with paleobotany." Selected photographs and line drawings both illustrate and inspire.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #77371 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 327 pages

Review
I wish that I had had (this book) to advise me forty years ago when we bought our property ... (Schenk's) plant lists are valuable for gardeners everywhere even in the desert. John R. Dunmire, Pacific Horticulture, Fall 2003 (Pacific Horticulture )

Long considered required reading for shade gardeners, this classic reference has been recognized by the American Horticulture Society as one of the '75 Great American Garden Books.'American Gardener, July/August 2002 (American Gardener )

My first introduction to gardening for interest other than flowers. I'll always remember his comment about arranging a garden as though it were a party with plants and to make it look like all the plants are having fun.Victoria Shallow, Spring Affair News, Spring 2005 (Spring Affair News )

Ingram
Six years after it was first published, The Complete Shade Gardener remains the single best book on this popular gardening subject--it's a classic that belongs in the library of anyone who loves gardens and great garden writing. 8-page full-color photograph insert; 82 black-and-white photographs; 12 line drawings. 10,000 print.

About the Author
A former nurseryman and landscaper, George Schenk retired from business to pursue his related passions of designing and planting gardens and writing about them. He splits his time between gardens and residences in Seattle, North Vancouver, Auckland, and Manila. He is a specialist in the sculpture of the tribes of the Philippine Cordillera and is active in the effort to preserve their cultural heritage. Schenk is the author of several magazine articles and books. His book Moss Gardening won the Book Award of the American Horticultural Society; his The Complete Shade Gardener has been recognized by the society as one of America's seventy-five "Great American Garden Books."

Customer Reviews

The best shade book available (I garden professionally)
George Schenk writes with humor, knowledge, and a refreshing restraint about the rich world of the shady garden...his interest in species and unusual plants shines but does not eclipse his regard for shade staples like vinca. Schenk provides vital information on soil, pruning, and planning, as well as the several varieties of shade. Discussion of plants is divided into chapters (trees, shrubs, groundcovers) and organized alphabetically by botanical name (the index provides common names). A must for any serious gardener--the book I inevitably turn to when confronting shade troubles.

An excellent gardening resource
The Complete Shade Gardener by landscape and garden designer George Schenk is an exceptional, well-written and organized guide to shade-gardening for atmosphere, beauty, and personal satisfaction. Black-and-white photographs with an inset selection of color plates illustrate the advice and commentary provided. Also included is a horticultural wealth of background information on a long list of recommended plants to cultivate, how-to instructions for their incorporation into a garden, and a great deal more. The Complete Shade Gardener is an excellent gardening resource and a welcome, practical, highly recommended addition to personal and professional gardening reference collections.

Great for a tree covered yard
I purchased this book because most of my property is covered with mature trees, and I had a very hard time getting anything to grow. While building a patio/garden, this book proved invaluable many times. I bought it several years ago and still use it every Spring!