Encyclopedia of Hardy Plants: Annuals, Bulbs, Herbs, Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Vegetables, Fruits & Nuts.

Gardeners who live in cold climates and wish to keep plants more than a few months each year face the challenge of selecting and caring for plants that can survive well into or through the winter. Fell, a writer and gardener, provides an illustrated reference to more than 700 hardy plants. The guide's introduction includes information on conditions that determine whether certain plants will survive--mainly the temperature extremes of geographical zones. Included are world and U.S. maps of these hardiness zones. Fell briefly describes his own garden, Cedaridge Farm in Pennsylvania, the backdrop for many of the book's colorful photos of individual plants and groupings. Next, Fell lists and describes the hardy plants, arranged in the categories of annuals, bulbs, herbs, perennials, shrubs, trees, and edibles. For each plant, the author cites appropriate hardiness zones, gives a physical description, and notes garden-design factors. Plant placement, pairings, and propagation tips are included in most entries. Firefly, 2007, 224 p., color photos, hardcover, $29.95.