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The book

Plantology is a reference book and invaluable resource for lovers of gardens and plants

Plantology sample

The moral right of the authors to be identified as the authors of this work as been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted by any person or entity (including Google, Amazon or similar organisations) in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, scanning or by any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

Plantology is a compilation of plants prepared by two professional plantswomen who share more than sixty years experience between them. Key to the publication is advice on how to achieve better ‘designed’ outcomes in ornamental gardens. It is packed with information and cross-referencing tools to elevate both aesthetics and performance of ornamental plant species.

The book is perfect for those planning a new garden from the beginning, as much as it supports better decisions in the renovation or rejuvenation of an existing landscape or garden bed.

Plantology showcases a refreshing repertoire of more than 180 proven plant species illustrating why and how they can be used to deliver exceptional results.

It is also a book featuring a plant thesaurus presenting lists of synonymous plant aesthetics and tolerances. This indispensable reference book will invigorate the way that gardens are planted.

Plantology: The Essential Guide to Better Gardens.

Plantology features

A detailed examination of 180+ garden-worthy plant species from groundcovers to trees that should be considered for Australian gardens- some of these species are well known and others much less so.

Practical tips and multiple lists to aid in improved plant selection as well as nurturing and maintenance practices.

Nuanced observations around plant tolerances to ensure more informed an distilled decisions to avoid wasting time and money.

Professional insider planting design ‘tips’ to having success with individual plant species.

Ideas on where to plant including different garden themes and settings that are appropriate to different profiled plant species.

Interesting facts including historical anecdotes are peppered throughout, enriching the storytelling behind the gardens in which they feature.

A helpful ’plant thesaurus’ which serves as a springboard to broader thinking around different plant use.

Advice from decades of experience, including how to achieve better outcomes around the siting right down to the spacing of plants.

Why was Plantology written?

The authors Teena and Lisa have worked professionally in the horticultural and landscape industries sharing well over sixty years of experience between them.

Over the years, each of them has struggled at times to find specific and in-depth information pertaining to individual plant species- including both tolerances and uses in the landscape. A great deal of information on plants in the public sphere is vague and written for other parts of the world. In fact on a good number of occasions, the information available differed markedly from Teena’s and Lisa’s own experiences and observations.

The authors have each seen countless gardens where plant selection has been underwhelming, or where great plants have been used poorly. Similarly they have observed and learned from many gardens illustrating outstanding outcomes.

Plantology was written to promote broader thinking about plants in multiple ways. The aim of the book is to inspire many great new gardens and plantings (and where no two gardens look the same!)

Teena and Lisa wrote the book that they would have loved to have at the beginning of their careers working with plants.

This book is the legacy of two experienced plantswomen.

Plantology: The Essential Guide to Better Gardens.

Who benefits from Plantology?

  • Home gardeners
  • People who appreciate gardens and armchair gardeners
  • Landscape designers
  • Landscape architects
  • Horticulturists
  • Horticultural students
  • Landscape gardeners
  • Landscape builders
  • Retail nurseries
  • Wholesale production nurseries
  • City Councils- Parks and Gardens nationwide

Geographic Relevance of Plantology

  • Australia except tropical climates of northern Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Relevance (albeit more limited) to other areas around the world including Europe, the United States, and Canada

Contributors to Plantology

Plantology features photographs of gardens by talented landscape designers and landscape architects as well as professional photographers.

The inclusion of these images has been key to showing how to use plant species to best effect in garden settings. We are so grateful to each of them for their generous contributions.

As well as this, the authors would like to thank many of their industry colleagues and friends for their contribution.

The authors are indebted to the following contributors to Plantology:

Photo credits

Design
Bethany Williamson Landscape
Architecture

Photography
Martina Gemmola Photography

Design
Paul Bangay

Photography
Simon Griffiths Photography

Design
Paul Bangay

Photography
Simon Griffiths Photography

Design
Robyn Barlow Design

Photography
Claire Martin Photography

Photography
Mallee Design

Design
Fiona Brockhoff

Photography
Claire Martin Photography

Design
Jane Stark Design

Photography
Brigid Arnott Photography

Design
Lisa Ellis Gardens

Design
Eckersley Garden Architecture

Design
Bethany Williamson Landscape
Architecture

Design
Acre Landscape Architecture