The Gossler Guide to the Best Hardy Shrubs

October 15, 2009
The Gossler family has been growing and selling flowering shrubs in Oregon's Willamette Valley for over 40 years. Here, they use their wide knowledge of and experience with growing and propagating such shrubs to recommend more than 350 of them, many hardy through at least zone 5. There is some general cultural information, but the book's heart is the plant directory. Arranged alphabetically by genus, each entry describes the plant, including its best features, and offers specific advice for successfully growing it. Entries also list place of origin, appropriate U.S.D.A. hardiness zones, and favored exposure. The authors' conversational style is readable, and 140-plus beautiful color photographs enhance the text. While the Gosslers suggest many different varieties of plants they have grown themselves, gardeners may find some of them are not readily available in the trade or must be ordered by mail. VERDICT Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest will get the most out of this useful work because of similar growing conditions to the Gosslers, but gardeners in zones 59 will also find worthy choices.Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL

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