Designed to be a complete do-it-yourself guide, don't let the small format of this book fool you--it's absolutely jam-packed with ideas for all styles of gardens, and as always, publisher Dorling Kindersley manages to take fairly complicated projects and reduce them to a manageable size that even the gardening novice can handle. Practical considerations are dealt with firmly--no skipping such detail work as rigorous summer training or spreading that spring layer of mulch. The listings by size, bloom shape, and optimal conditions are very specific, and new gardeners will find all kinds of useful tips.

Inspirational ideas are plentiful--the garden photographs are lush and detailed and provide all kinds of unusual notions for creating a truly unique gardening space. Whether you're looking to design a bloom-filled trellis for the garage or a simple vine-covered topiary globe for your patio, you'll find options for all your projects involving these lovely and versatile plants. --Jill Lightner
Publisher: DK ADULT (1999-03-15)
Price: $8.95

It is divided into two sections: the first is devoted to the care and cultivation of clematis (including a chapter devoted to growing clematis in North America), while the second provides an A--Z directory of more than 550 plants, from the acclaimed large-flowered forms to the less-familiar shrubby, subshrubby, and herbaceous forms that are beginning to be available. The plant descriptions include information on synonyms, origin, plant habit and height, flowers, pruning group, flowering period, cultural requirements, recommended uses in the garden, and USDA hardiness zones, with more than 650 magnificent color photos.
Publisher: Timber Press, Incorporated (2001-09-01)
Price: $59.95