Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers, and Bamboos by Graham Stuart Thomas

Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers, and Bamboos by Graham Stuart Thomas 

This book came out in  2004 and 

Graham Stuart Thomas's Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers, and Bamboos is a must-have for any gardener serious about their craft. This comprehensive tome, adorned with charming quotations and practical advice, offers a deep dive into the world of
woody plants.

Graham Stuart Thomas introduces this essential, comprehensive reference of wood plants this way:

"All through my life I have been discovering plants; I do not mean going out into the wilds of other countries and bringing back new treasures for our gardens. I am no dauntless traveler. But, I remember the thrill of my first winter as a student at the Cambridge University botanic Garden of sniffing for the first time the delectable scent of winter sweet and the winter flowering honeysuckles, and learning how to distinguish them from each other...  I can claim to have grown, either directly or by proxy perhaps three quarters of the shrubs in this book; anymore have been observed to write about."

Thomas, a renowned plantsman, brings his decades of expertise to the table, providing detailed descriptions of thousands of species, hybrids, and cultivars. This book covers all the essentials from planting and pruning to propagation and pest control. But it's not just about the practicalities; Thomas also delves into the history of shrubs in Britain, their cultural significance, and their role in modern
gardens.

One of the book's standout features is the "Line of Facts" section. This ingenious system provides quick and easy access to key information about each plant, including size, evergreen or deciduous status, flower color, scent, flowering season, autumn color, and propagation methods. It's a lifesaver for gardeners who want to make informed decisions about what to grow and where.

In his book, Thomas differentiates from others he has read on the subject:

"My book is designed to help the reader consider the arrangements of his garden as a whole, And to furnish the different rooms with plants."

Thomas's writing style is engaging and informative, making even the most complex botanical details accessible to gardeners of all levels. His lively descriptions of the characters of each plant add a touch of personality and help readers visualize the
plants in their own gardens.

Thomas helps gardeners relate to shrubs through characteristics such as size, whether evergreen or deciduous, the color of the flower, scent, the season of flowering, autumn color, and methods of propagation. These are all given in an ingenious Line of Facts for easy reference. Lively, short descriptions of the characters of each plant help amateurs and professionals alike choose what to grow and what to avoid.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or starting out, Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers, and Bamboos are invaluable. It's a treasure trove of information, beautifully presented and packed with practical advice. If you want to add beauty and diversity to your garden, this book is a must-read.

You can get a copy of Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers, and Bamboos by Graham Stuart Thomas and support the show using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for under $5.