Product Description

With their abundance of flower, handsome foliage, robust constitution, and frequently stunning fruits, viburnums are among the most beautiful and versatile hardy shrubs available to gardeners. Yet despite these outstanding qualities, there has never been an entire volume devoted to themuntil now. In this definitive, comprehensive, generously illustarted guide, internationally renowned woody plant expert Michael Dirr provides a wealth of information about every species and cultivar worthy of horticultural consideration. Never one to pull punches, Dirr bestows praise on viburnums that deserve it and is frank in his evaluation of other plants' occasional shortcomings. These finely judged appraisals make it easy for the gardener or designer to choose the right plant for the right situation. Whether you're a home gardener in search of a four-season shrub; a nursery professional seeking woody plants with proven appeal; or a designer looking for specimens that are both functional and guaranteed to impress clients, Viburnums will acquaint you with a group of plants capable of meeting all these requirements. Michael Dirr has said that a garden without viburnums is like a life without the pleasures of music and art. After reading just a few pages of this unparalleled work, you're sure to agree.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #270774 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-29
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.20 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 264 pages

Review
"...Dirr is once again championing a plant that serves so many roles yet remains underused and undervalued." Adrian Higgins, Washington Post

"When you pick up Dirr's book you'll wonder why there aren't more books on these most garden-worthy shrubs. At least if there's just a single book devoted to viburnums, it's brand new and written by a renowned plantsman." Valerie Easton, Seattle Times

"Michael Dirr's...unbridled passion shines through the conversational narrative, personalizing his lifelong connection to this unerused, underappreciated garden stalwart. A definitive guidebook destined to become the bible for serious botanists and homegrown horticulturalists alike." Carol Haggas, Booklist

"A must-have for the viburnum geek, and I know there are plenty out there." Garden Rant

"This book was worth waiting for. The photos and illustrations are beautiful and the narrative thoughtful. It's like having one of the country's top horticulture professors right in the living room."

I'm thinking a lot about viburnums these days, not just because fall is one of the cherished seasons of the plant, nor because the half-dozen types in my garden are faring reasonably well in the drought. It comes to mind because Dirr is once more championing a plant that serves so many roles and yet remains underused and undervalued. (The Washington Post )

About the Author

Michael A. Dirr, a professor of horticulture

at the University of Georgia, is a legend in the horticultural world. Dirr has received the highest honors from the American Horticultural Society, Garden Clubs of America, and the American Society for Horticultural Science, among

many others. A professorship in his name has been established at the University of Georgia in recognition of his accomplishments. Dirr lives in Athens, GA .