Armitage's Vines and Climbers

June 15, 2010

Home gardeners finally have an up-to-date, go-to plant directory for vertical gardening, which, despite the abundance of gardening books, hasn't been well covered recently, particularly in America. But now, Armitage (Armitage's Garden Annuals), noted for his horticultural research at the University of Georgia, Athens, and for his quality books, describes 115 climbing plants. Using his expertise, curiosity, and unapologetic practicality, Armitage includes a range of woody and herbaceous vines--perennial and annual--appropriate for a variety of sites and zones. Entries are thorough (even including pronunciation) and lively owing to the author's humor and the interesting etymologies of the scientific and common plant names. A few aggressive and invasive plants are included, accompanied by cautionary notes using words like vigorous, smothering, or banned. VERDICT Though this guide is certainly appropriate for beginning vertical gardeners, even plant collectors will be interested because of the several unusual and rare plants featured. The book does not provide information on building trellises or arbors, but that's readily found in DIY books on garden structures. Highly recommended.--Bonnie Poquette, Milwaukee, WI

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2010
As readers and devotees of his books might expect, in his latest offering, Armitage entertains, challenges, and advocates for vining and climbing plants. The self-proclaimed plant nut doesnt skip a beat in naming invasive, difficult-to-control species no matter how popular, or in encouraging gardeners to incorporate annual specimens along with prized perennials. At the heart of Armitages crackerjack AZ of vines, gardeners are introduced to exciting and unusual choices, from a monkshood with a scrambling habit, to show-stopping cultivars of climbing hydrangeas, to warm-climate stunners such as Petrea volubilis or purple wreath. Rather than write for beginners, Armitage aims to connect with avid green thumbs who will appreciate the detail in each richly described entry. Based upon his own adroit, hard-won, well-traveled personal experiences, Armitages engaging plant portraits include practical information on propagation and etymology, backed by lists of specific characteristics and botanical names.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)