The Jade Garden

New and Notable Plants from Asia

The Jade Garden is an authoritative guide to 130 of the most fascinating yet little-known ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials from "the green mantle" of Asia. Based on detailed research and observation at one of the largest and oldest collections of Asian plants in North America, the subjects of this book were chosen for their superior garden qualities, their rarity in everyday horticulture, and their commercial availability. From an extraordinary, nearly black geranium with reflexed petals, to a ground-creeping honeysuckle with bicolored flowers and blue berries, gardeners are sure to find something new and exciting in these pages. Although plants included are from the "cutting edge" of plant exploration and discovery, the authors have included only those selections that have undergone thorough evaluation at the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden for hardiness and garden appeal. In addition, the authors have taken special care to exclude potentially invasive plants, allowing readers to be confident that any selection from the book will be an environmentally responsible one. With many of its plants appearing in a garden book for the first time, The Jade Garden is certain to be a groundbreaking horticultural event.

Media reviews of this book:

"A clever and highly recommended book for garden enthusiasts wishing to increase their knowledge of Asian vegetation."

—John Bagnasco, Garden Compass, March/April 2006

"An authoritative, groundbreaking work that will delight horticulture connoisseurs and those interested in Asian flora and natural history."

—Brian Lym, Library Journal, June 15, 2005

"Calling upon their vast knowledge of Asian perennials, shrubs and trees, the authors have compiled an encyclopedic guide to a bevy of garden-worthy specimens. This valuable resource on cutting-edge Asian species includes photographs of plants in the wild as well as detailed shots of alluring characteristics."

—Alice Joyce, Booklist, June 1, 2005

"The Jade Garden will appeal not only to gardeners with dirt under their fingernails and a hankering for the exotic in the backyard, but also to the armchair gardener and traveler."

—Josephine Bridges, Asian Reporter, June 13, 2006

"An authoritative guide to 150 of the most fascinating yet little-known ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials from 'the green mantle' of Asia."

—The Professional Gardener, January 2006

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Customer reviews of this book:

"Great! Interesting plant research."

—Salvador R. from Bountiful, Utah, June 19, 2007

"Fascinating and informative."

—Quincie C. from Jacksonville, Florida, June 14, 2006

An excerpt from this book:

The main scope of this book covers China, and to a lesser degree bordering countries such as Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The volcanic geological province of the Japanese archipelago is a significant part of the Pacific "Ring of Fire" that continues south through the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan to the Philippines. These islands frame the eastern edge of our region of focus. All have generally mountainous spines and restricted coastal plains. The altitudinal range, varied geology, geographical isolation, and maritime climate have led to great biotic diversity, but the islands share many common elements with their larger mainland neighbour to the west ...

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