The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes

In this new book noted grass expert and advocate Rick Darke addresses both the aesthetic qualities of grasses in private gardens and the opportunities and challenges of using them in wild and constructed public landscapes. All the true grasses, sedges, rushes, restios, and cattails that possess ornamental merit or that can contribute to ecological plantings are described, and practical matters of propagation, growth, and maintenance are also covered. More than 1000 stunning photographs show details of individual plants and hundreds of gardens and landscapes in which grasses play a prominent part. This new book completely eclipses Darke's previous Color Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses in scope and content, with twice as many photos and words. It is a new type of design reference that sets a standard for inspired, sustainable use of grasses.

Media reviews of this book:

"A scholarly encyclopedia of ornamental grasses, the most comprehensive and well-researched book on the subject, and one that will remain the most important reference on ornamental grasses for decades."

—John Hoyland, BBC Gardens, September 2008

"When touting their latest garden releases, publishers often include the word "definitive," but it is a descriptive I rarely use. However, in my opinion, this book fits the bill. ... An advocate of preservation and sustainability, [Darke] also addresses the issue of native versus exotic with sensitivity and intelligence. Darke is truly a gifted photographer, and this book is lavishly illustrated with more than 1,000 of his stunning photographs. ... Whether you garden on an acre or are restricted to pots on a patio, you can be sure Darke has a selection of grasses that are perfect for your spot."

—Nancy Szerlag, Detroit News, February 23, 2008

"Just what the plant doctor ordered. It's a tonic for the eyes with more than 1,000 color photographs."

—Irene Virag, Newsday, December 16, 2007

"This book is a must for any grass-loving gardener on your gift list. ... This book is not only a knockout, it inspires as well as educates."

—Nancy Szerlag, Detroit News, December 8, 2007

"Any plant book with the word 'encyclopedia' in it obviously has at its heart detailed plant descriptions. This is no exception, but it's so much more. Almost half of its 487 pages deal with the usefulness of grasses in the landscape and how to place them effectively. ... The result, [Darke's] fourth book on the subject, elevates these plants to the level they deserve."

—Kym Pokorny, Homes + Gardens Northwest, December 2007

Customer reviews of this book:

"Very well put together and informative."

—Brent F. from Bowling Green, Kentucky, August 2, 2007

"Terrific book to refer to time and time again!"

—Catherine F. from Downers Grove, Illinois, June 25, 2007

"I found two grasses that had been mysterious to me in the book within a few moments. Very helpful!"

—Elise H. from Concrete, Washington, June 21, 2007

"Gorgeous and informative!"

—Karin E. from West Kill, New York, May 11, 2007

"Absolutely fantastic! Superb!"

—Ani G. from Conway, Washington, May 6, 2007

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An excerpt from this book:

Shigeto Tsukie first took Melinda and me to Miyama-cho in 2001, and we returned two years later in better weather to catch the early winter light. I'd been curious to know what had become of this remote area in the mountains north of Kyoto since seeing Norman Carver's black-and-white photographs from the 1950s. Taken when Carver was a Fulbright scholar studying form and space in traditional Japanese architecture, his images of Kitamura (Kita village) record thatch-roofed houses and farm buildings clustered against the mountainside in a scene little changed over centuries. On previous trips to Japan I'd become familiar with miscanthus thatching from shrines, temples, and museum preservations of traditional structures, but I hoped to learn more about how miscanthus, as a local material, fit into active community life ...

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