Library Journal Review

No one can weatherproof a garden against a devastating tornado, but prudent planning-including sound horticultural practices and wise plant selection-can help limit damage and sustain the garden through the harshest weather conditions. In his engaging new book, horticulturist and naturalist Smith (The Big Book of Gardening Secrets) does a thorough job explaining the fundamental gardening practices necessary to defend against what he refers to as really bad weather: cold, humidity, wind, lightning, ice and snow, floods, fire, drought, salt, hail, and heat. In addition to outlining preventative measures, Smith offers specific remedies to salvage plants and trees affected by severe weather conditions. He also includes a list of the top 100 weather-resilient perennials, vines and ground covers, shrubs, and trees. The text addresses all North American hardiness zones, is illustrated, and includes a useful resource list of plants, products, and supplies. There are not many current titles on this topic; Lauren Springer's comparable The Undaunted Garden is ten years old. Recommended as a solid resource for both public and academic libraries.-Deborah Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Dunwoody (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.