Reviews for

Hydrangeas for American Gardens

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Media reviews of this book:

"Top honors for talent-spotting go to horticulturalist Michael A. Dirr, author of the invaluable Hydrangeas for American Gardens."

—Douglas Brenner, Martha Stewart Living, August 2007

"The book is filled with information and color images of hydrangeas taken by this accomplished plant photographer, augumented by beautiful botanical illustrations crafted by Dirr's wife, Bonnie. This book is a must for Dirr fans, and for those not yet exposed to his writing and photography, now is the time."

—Richard Churchill, People Places Plants, Summer 2005

"Dirr and his overstated opinions are always a pleasure to read, and this book does not deviate far from those expectations."

—Dan Hinkley, Pacific Horticulture, Spring 2005

"Hydrangeas for American Gardens totally seduced me. It is attractive enough to pick up, deep enough to take home, enthralling enough to take to bed, and by the morning light I wanted it to be mine forever."

—R. William Thomas, American Gardener, September/October 2004

"For Dirr fans, there is no question that this book is a must-read. For those not yet exposed to his writing and photography, now is the time."

—Richard Churchill, People Places Plants, Fall 2004

"[Dirr] speaks with authority and candor, making the entire book both educational and entertaining."

—Patt Kasa, National Gardener, September 2004

"For growers of hydrangeas Dirr's book is invaluable for choosing the best hydrangeas to grow in each area."

—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, September 2004

"This is the book to have if you want the whole story about these beautiful plants."

—Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, July 27, 2004

"The only up-to-date book on the subject."

—Carol Stocker, Boston Globe, July 22, 2004

"Dirr's heartfelt and knowledgeable opinions are immensely helpful in deciding which hydrangeas deserve space in your garden."

—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times, July 14, 2004

"Look for more hydrangeas than ever in nurseries around the country as this book catches on. And it will."

—Nellie Neal, National Gardener, June 2004

"Dirr's reigning expertise in the realm of trees and shrubs comes through once again."

—Alice Joyce, Booklist, June 1, 2004

"Gardeners will find useful advice about which varieties will perform best in their part of the United States."

—Beth Clewis Crim, Library Journal, June 1, 2004

"[A] definitive and irresistible tribute to one of America's favorite shrubs."

—Publishers Weekly, May 31, 2004

"University of Georgia professor Dirr casts a wide net to provide comprehensive information about these versatile plants."

—Publishers Weekly, May 31, 2004

"With practical 'hands-in-the-soil' advice and detailed observation based on years of scientific research, this is an indispensable reference for all gardeners and hydrangea enthusiasts."

—Rainy Side Gardeners, May 8, 2006

"This is a wonderful addition to a home garden library...and at $29.95, is not too expensive, and for the color photographs alone this is a bargain."

—Paul A. Mogren, American Reference Books Annual, 2005

"This book explores the challenges associated with growing these colorful plants in America. ... The care and cultivation of hydrangea variations like mopheads, oakleafs, lacecaps and climbers are authoritatively discussed."

—Jim Carlson, Country Decorating Ideas, Summer 2005

"This man is a scientist and everything that he says is backed up by experience. And, of course, the pictures are lovely."

—Dorothy Rodal, Hardy Plant Society of Oregon Bulletin, Spring 2005

"The descriptions of the plants are well written, and the culture, care, propagation, and pests and diseases chapters are set forth in a no-nonsense way."

—John E. Bryan, Gardening Newsletter, February 2005

"Perhaps I should compare Dr. Dirr to a Sequoiadendron; the longer he is around, the more overhwhelming he is."

—Barbara Emeneau, HortResources Newsletter, December 2004

"A reference book for every hydrangea fan."

—Jim Slezinski, Michigan Gardener, December 2004

"Whisk away your winter blues when you spend an afternoon thumbing through the beautiful images found in Hydrangeas for American Gardens. "

—Country Accents, Winter 2004

"If you love hydrangeas and want to learn more about them, this is the book to purchase."

—Richard Poffenbaugh, Mansfield News Journal, December 10, 2004

"Illustrated in full color with beautiful photos and line art, my first thought after perusing Hydrangeas for American Gardens was that this book is going to cost a lot of money, but surprisingly, it doesn't."

—Nancy Szerlag, Detroit News, December 4, 2004

"A thorough and enjoyable reference for the professional and avid home gardener."

—Colette Leeser-Freeman, E-Streams, December 2004

"People who want good advice on hydrangeas should have Dirr's book on their shelves."

—Barbara Emeneau, HortResources Newsletter, November 2004

"For those who wish to extend their collection of hydrangeas and which plants to grow, this book is undeniably essential."

—John E. Bryan, Gardening Newsletter, October 2004

"This book will become the classic reference for gardeners."

—Garden Hotline Newsletter, September/October 2004

"This book is both entertaining and authoritative."

—HortIdeas, August 2004

"Quite obviously a labor of love."

—HortIdeas, August 2004

"It is quite simply a great book! The hydrangeas of the world will thank the author, as you will as well."

—John E. Bryan, Gardening Newsletter, August 2004

"The most comprehensive book available on hydrangeas. Exceptional ... It is a definitive guide."

—Katelyn Thomas, Bella Online, August 1, 2004

"A definitive text for hydrangeas."

—AZCentral.com, July 2004

"A must-read that covers every aspect of the plant from its botany to its propagation and hybridization (and even how to preserve those blossoms)."

—Maureen Fitzpatrick, Stamford Advocate, July 22, 2004

"Helps to sort out the sense of confusion many gardeners experience when confronted by hundreds of hydrangea species, hybrids and cultivars."

—Suzanne Hively, Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 22, 2004

"Dirr is a hydrangea aficionado whose dream is that hydrangeas will flower reliably from Maine to Florida, regardless of the vagaries of climate."

—Carol T. Bradford, Syracuse Post-Standard, July 17, 2004

"Finally, we have a book which will enable us to wisely select those species and cultivars best suited to our specific locale and design situation."

—Bobbie Schwartz, Buckeye, Summer 2004

"Thanks to Michael Dirr for sorting, separating and explaining the dynamic genus of Hydrangea in his new book."

—Mary Ann Fink, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 3, 2004

"Hydrangeas for American Gardeners is the ultimate reference. It's a beautiful book, packed with gorgeous color photos, cultivar charts, propagation descriptions and, as always with books by Dirr, his esteemed opinions."

—Jean Starr, Munster (IN) Times, June 17, 2004

"A great inspirational read before heading to the nursery to pick out hydrangea shrubs in bloom."

—Marianne Binetti, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, June 16, 2004

"Professor Dirr explains in understandable terminology the basic botanical categories of hydrangeas and how they've yielded the colorful hybrids that are treasured today."

—Victor van Buchem, HCS News, June 16, 2004

"Respected plantsman Michael A. Dirr comes to the rescue in this refreshingly forthright and practical guide to these distinctive shrubs and climbers."

—Michael Haworth-Booth, American Hydrangea Society Newsletter, Summer 2004

Customer reviews of this book:

"Very nice book, helps me to understand hydrangeas. I work in a garden center, and people are always asking about hydrangeas. Now I have the answers!"

—Gregory B. from Minshawaka, Indiana, October 24, 2007

"Great book! I have been in the industry for years, and didn't realize how many varieties are available!"

—Kaaren B. from Jonesboro, Arkansas, March 22, 2007

"Very informative — excellent selection of illustrations."

—Beverly T. from Roswell, California, May 15, 2006

"Love it!"

—Rhonda P. from Forest Park, Georgia, February 19, 2006

"The best book on hydrangeas I've seen."

—Victoria R. from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, December 8, 2005

"You can't go wrong with Michael Dirr. Entertaining as well as educational!"

—Theresa C. from Russellville, Arkansas, October 18, 2005

"Superb! Both practical and beautiful, concise and complete."

—Jessee D. from Galveston, Texas, September 22, 2005

"Wonderful! I recently relocated from Virginia. This book has been so helpful in my new state."

—Glenda M. from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, June 22, 2005