Understanding Perennials―A New Look at an Old Favorite

A visually beautiful guide to working with perrenials and helping them flourish, by one of today's best gardening writers.

Perennials are the basis of virtually every garden. The shelves are loaded with books that give readers the same list of plants. That "encyclopedia" is missing from this book -- who needs another one? Instead Bill Cullina has offered what he describes as the psychology of perennials -- their needs, wants, and potentials. Starting at the roots, moving up through the stems, the leaves, and finally the flowers, Cullina has written a groundbreaking book that will stand as the definitive word on the horticulture of the most important plants in everyone's garden. "A book that provides both new and seasoned gardeners the strong foundation for a lasting relationship with these plants."

As Michael Pollan said of another Cullina book, "This is one of those exceedingly rare reference books that you'll consult simply for the pleasure of its prose."

WILLIAM CULLINA, for many years the propagator at the New England Wild Flower Society, is the author of four major Houghton Mifflin gardening books. He is currently plant and arden curator at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, where he is developing a world-class botanical garden.