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Japanese plants have had an unmistakable influence on the gardens of the world. Who can imagine gardens without flowering cherries, hostas, Japanese maples or magnolias? For all the popularity of these plants in international gardens, however, few gardeners know the full story of Japanese plants — their history and uses in gardens in Japan, their horticultural merits for gardens of all kinds, even the meaning and symbolism of their native names. Now for the first time, a colour encyclopedia provides an authoritative overview of the Japanese garden flora. Garden Plants of Japan serves as a manual for horticultural advice, a source of inspiration for armchair gardeners, even a guidebook for travellers to Japan. Sumptuously illustrated, it explores the entire palette of plants cultivated in Japan, carefully noting which plants are authentically Japanese and which are transplants. The selection of plants and the amount of detail and insight are unprecedented.
Media Reviews
One of those admirable (and sadly all too rare) additions to the literary horticopia that includes solidly useful information without being boring, and beautiful photographs without being banal. All power to its authors, then.
Christopher Stocks Independent (London) 14/11/2004
[This book] serves as a manual for horticultural advice, a source of inspiration for armchair gardeners, and even a guidebook for travellers to Japan.
Professional Gardener 25/01/2005
This is a handsome book, generously illustrated with excellent color photographs of gardens, garden features and individual plants, both native and exotic.
Roy Lancaster Garden (Peterborough) 04/04/2005
They [the authors] have greatly advanced the subject of Japanese horticulture.
Journal of Japanese Gardening 01/01/2005
Nothing like it has existed.
Clear Englebert FungShway.com 10/12/2004
The authors develop an extensive plant encyclopedia, a kind of guided tour of the plants Japanese gardeners enjoy and, in many cases, revere.
Marty Ross Horticulture 25/05/2005
Expertly designed to serve both as a practical manual for gardeners and as an inviting book for browsers.
Julienne L. Wood American Reference Books Annual 11/05/2005
There's something here for everyone intrigued by Japan or by plants.
Josephine Bridges Asian Reporter 12/07/2005