The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest

I guess I was expecting something else. I was looking for something more encompassing of garden planning using mostly native plants as well as some landscaping ideas. That's not what this book is about. This covers the plants themselves in high detail, where/how they can be grown, zones, soil types, etc... There are lots and lots of photos, and most are of the plants themselves which is quite helpful. Most seem to be just of the plant, the plant in clusters, the plant growing out of a rock, the plant in a rustic pot...not very helpful visualizing in a garden. There are quite a few photos of well-lit woodland scenes that seem to be just thrown in for ambiance rather than any educational reason. I found very few examples of an actual "woodland garden".That said, the book is very thorough in covering the plant characteristics. If you've already got a decent handle on garden planning and construction, this book can really be helpful on filling in gaps in knowledge about what plants are suitable in the various locations in a garden.

I enjoyed this book very much. It has a lot of information on woodlands both natural and created and the changes through the seasons. The later part of the book gives you an encyclopediac look at different plants that may be found in a natural woodland or that can be used in creating your own woodland.

I've been gardening for many, many years; and for the last 10 years, have been transitioning to planting only native flowers, shrubs and trees. This book is full of so much information and beautiful photographs, it took me a couple months to get through the whole thing. Highly recommended for anyone interested in native gardening (which is beneficial to insects, birds and wildlife) and would like to mimic woodlands in their part shady to shady backyard. The author's use of native plantings to create woodlands in his own backyard is unique and interesting.

A re-read for me. Horticulturalist and photographer Rick Darke's award winning classic is an enduring tribute to American woodlands.Written when the American native plant movement was still in its infancy, Darke's advice is as sound today as it was then.A must read for anyone who wants to create a woodland garden, or, for anyone who loves woods.

A friend of mine asked me one time where my favorite garden was, where am I most comfortable and calm? After some thought, I realized my favorite garden wasn't a specific garden but the deep woods - the forest. The shade, the light filtering through the canopy, the moss, leaves, birds singing,the forest really is the most perfect garden! I think that is what the author is trying to say. We have the perfect opportunity to live in a forest again, not on a golf course lawn, or a treeless yard, but to be back in a forest. Just think of the low to no maintenance too. Well written book that is well worth reading and contemplating.

The author has clearly spent a long time thinking about the idea and aesthetics of a "woodland garden." Photographs are beautiful, in a subtle rather than dazzling way. I especially appreciate the well-illustrated essays on commended plants (alphabetically by genus) that constitutes the second half of the book. This volume will be most useful if you live sufficiently close to the author's mid-Atlantic home base that the same kinds of plants are relevant for your area.

As a Landscape Architect student, this book has been a great resource to gain insight into color changes using plants year round. The author provides several series of photos from the exact same perspective, so you really see the subtle differences the selected plants can provide a landscape, not only through a year, but even during a single season. Plus, I really haven't found a Ricke Darke book, yet, that hasn't been well worth the money. He really provides a lot of solid notes and recommendations in his books.

Beautiful, beautiful book about gardening to replicate nature. This is the second time I've bought this as I lost my first copy, which tells you something. Lots of great pictures and ideas for native plantings. I have yet to attempt to replicate his beautiful border with river birch and fothergilla, a beautiful native shrub, but I am planning to do so this spring at my new house.

Very beautiful book

Beautifully written, organised and illustrated. This book is in keeping with the newspirit of designing with nature in mind.