Dry Exotic Garden: A Gardener's Guide to Xeriscaping with Succulents

The best gardening books are those by people with decades of experience and an enquiring mind. This author very clearly has both and has written a book that I have been reaching for whenever I have a moment. It has everything – a brief intro to garden design that will get you much of the way there, how to look after the plants (eg soil/winter issues), some examples of relevant gardens in the UK (private and public) and then chapters on what appropriate plants you can grow in these isles. The (many) pictures are taken largely in the UK which make them refreshingly relevant to UK/northern European growers. Add in some in-situ photos and you have a fantastic book that balances the needs of a plantaholic with those of a designer. I like that each genus has its own chapter, starting with the plants you need to get acquainted with, followed by an additional section of other species you might like to try. Very helpful. The diversity is surprising.A gem of a book. Due to limited space a lot of my books have a limited shelf life in this house, but this one’s a keeper. Superb.

I have heard Paul talk about his garden on at least two occasions and he certainly knows his stuff. This book is stuffed full of his knowledge about exotic plants, where they come from and how to grow them. A book like this is essential for anyone wishing to grow exotic plants outside or for anyone with an interest in such plants. Probably one of the few books of this type that could actually be read from cover to cover and will be one to dip back into again and again for useful tips about specific plants.