Native Plants Geoff Bryant

Australia's unique native flora includes numerous outstanding garden plants - from specimen trees to groundcovers and annuals. THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS brings together more than 1600 species, hybrids and cultivars in a highly illustrated, user-friendly volume. Over 600 colour photographs combine with detailed descriptions, cultivation notes and other information to make a comprehensive reference that will be welcomed by gardeners.

The selection of more than 1600 plants from the readily available to the rare, including many hardy, versatile and attractive trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, ferns, vines and groundcovers. Selection has been made on the basis of the species and/or its cultivars and hybrids being widely cultivated or very well known, with the addition of some varieties that have a point of novelty or that are popular with native plant enthusiasts. A climatic zone map helps gardeners to develop an understanding of where their gardens fit in the widely varying Australian climatic zones and which plants are likely to grow best for them.

In addition to a short general introduction, the book includes a number of essays that offer information and ideas on topics of particular interest. These include:

* Planting to encourage and/or preserve native wildlife:
How to manage a native plant garden so that it best fits the needs of the human inhabitants and the wildlife.

* Coping with eucalypts:
Although they are such a distinctive feature of the Australian flora, gums are not always the easiest plants to have in gardens. This essay looks at coping with their litter, ground-robbing tendencies and the possibility of soil salinity.

* Gardening with drought:
Planting to minimise water use and strategies to help your garden survive long dry periods.

* Propagating native plants:
The basic propagation techniques and also the special methods that apply to Australian bushland plants.

* Natives for shade:
While gardening in Australia often seems to be mainly about coping with heat, sun and drought, the native flora also includes plenty of ferns, cycads and lush foliage plants for shady areas.

* More than 600 colour photographs

* Comprehensive guide to choosing, cultivating and designing using Australian Natives.

* Includes a number of essays that deal with topical issues such as: gardening with drought, propagating natives and encouraging wildlife with their use.