Chicago Botanic Garden

Education — Lenhardt Library

Current Books & Book Reviews

PHOTO: bookcover

James Wickham.
101 Shade-Loving Plants: Ideas to Lighten Shadows.
London: BBC Books, 2008.
paper, 216 pp., ISBN 978–1–84607–450–9, $9.95.

Part of a series from the popular British Gardener’s World Magazine, this handy-sized publication contains a collection of plants that thrive in shady sites, valuable information for a gardener facing challenges for plant growth. Each plant profile contains information on the type of plant, such as shrub, perennial, bulb, groundcover, etc.; a short description of significant characteristics; and a colorful photograph of form, flower, or fruit. The accompanying directions on the best time for planting each specimen in Britain may differ considerably from suitable planting times in the United States. Although the text contains some useful tips on growing individual shade-loving plants, it does not include information on the hardiness zones of each selection.

— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden.