Englishman McIndoe studied horticulture at school, worked in the garden trade, and started three gardens from scratch; today he is managing director of Hillier Nursery and a regular award winner at the Chelsea Flower Show. He knows that shrubs in English gardens are not "big, boring beasts" but the most rewarding plants in the garden, far more than mere backbone, and demonstrates that intelligence in great detail. He defines shrubs as woody plants that don't die in winter in temperate zones and cheerleads for shrubs' hardiness, their year-round appeal, their wide variation of sizes, and lower care requirements. The book includes advice on choosing the right ones for the right places and combinations. Creating gobsmacking effects using shrubs means considering moods (cool and calming or indulgent? mellow and glowing or reflective?) and styles (coastal, cottage, and country, among them). His plant directory is rich and colorful; his instructions on caring for shrubs covers planting, pruning, mulching, and watering. McIndoe occasionally waxes personal, but his usual style is assuredly instructional. "(July)" Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.
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