What people are saying about Plantology
“The definitive guide to plant selection for Australian gardens, this informative and very detailed book makes selecting plants easy for both designers and novices alike.”
Paul Bangay OAM
Paul Bangay Design
www.paulbangay.com
“Finally- a groundbreaking “plant bible” for Australian gardens”
The Australian Weekend magazine
8th March 2025
“Plantology offers the design based horticultural advice I wish I was given, and has taken me decades to acquire”
Myles Baldwin
Myles Baldwin Design
Vogue Living 50 Landscape Designer of the Year 2025
www.mylesbaldwin.com
Plantology is “lavishly illustrated; and among the best and most expansive of its type released here in recent years”.
The Weekly Times
November, 2024
“This wonderful book lives up to its grand title and reflects Teena and Lisa’s passion and knowledge of plants and their use.
The clarity of presentation helps guide the reader through detailed descriptions, tolerances and cultivation notes. Images of form, scale and relationships with other plants are not often seen in plant encyclopedias and are very informative.
Notes on garden styles and settings, complementary and associated plants and substitutions are sure to make this a go-to for anyone interested in plant selection or planting design.
Plant tolerances are a highlight for me – taking light requirements beyond simplistic definitions of full sun or shade and considering plant age for water requirements and other stresses in an Australian context.
There is an incredible generosity here, and I can see that this book will be one that falls apart with daily use – highly recommended!”
Associate Professor Claire Farrell
Director of the Burnley Campus
The University of Melbourne
“Just received my copy of this wonderful publication. In my humble opinion on review this is one of the best if not the best planting resource material specifically crafted for us in Australia…great work. “
Darren Shearer
Registered Landscape Architect + Graduate of Architecture AILA IFLA LDI
www.darrenshearer.com.au
“If you’ve been following me for a while you’d know that I rarely do testimonials or try and sell anything on my page. BUT my good friends @teenacrawford_ and @lisaellisgardens have just released the best plant book I’ve ever got my hands on. It has quickly become my plant bible. It is so incredibly comprehensive with plant information, species summaries, advice on settings, styles, complementary plant pairings and all the information you’ll need to make the right decision when it comes to planting out your garden.
Whether you’re an avid gardener, a professional or just a novice learning the ropes, this is a must have.”
Will Gibson
Instagram @willgibsongardens
“This is one of the best plant reference books in years!
Former Melbourne nursery manager Teena Crawford and award-winning garden designer Lisa Ellis know plants- and they share that knowledge in Plantology: The Essential Guide to Better Gardens.”
Better Homes & Gardens magazine
February 2025
www.bhg.com.au
“If you love gardens in any capacity I’d like to recommend this extraordinary book- all 664 pages; it’s the most comprehensive plant book I’ve read. a little confession- I’ve nowhere read it all yet- it’s SO jam packed with invaluable references to plant families, behaviour, use and care.
In a previous life I designed magazines and books for Australian Consolidated Press so I am in awe of Plantology’s layout and design.
The two super talented women who’ve written it are Melbourne-based landscape designer Lisa Ellis and horticultural consultant Teena Crawford. What a power-packed duo of cleverness. I know just how much work goes into a book like this and the results are brilliant. A 2025 must-buy if you aren’t already using it as a reference or simply for inspiration.
Kim Woods-Rabbidge
Garden Writer, Author and Garden Stylist
www.ouraustraliangardens.com.au
“If you are a gardener
or you want to be a gardener
or you know a gardener
or you love garden books
then this is the book for you.
It is exceptional.”
Readers Companion Bookstore
Armidale NSW
Instagram @readerscompanion
“Congratulations! What a spectacular publication. One of the most beautiful, informative and relevant plant books…ever.”
The Curatorum
National Arboretum, Canberra
“Congratulations Teena and Lisa on the amazing work with the book Plantology. One of the best plant based resource books that we have seen in a long time and it is already coming in handy for our in house planting design workshops. Excellent information and imagery, perfect for amateurs and professionals to hone their plant combining skills in the garden. We can’t wait for the next installment, keep up the great work!”
Scott Leung & Myles Broad
Directors, Eckersley Garden Architecture
www.e-ga.com.au
“Plantology is a celebration of plants and their transformative role in creating beautiful, functional gardens. Teena Crawford and Lisa Ellis have crafted an inspiring resource that blends knowledge and creativity, making it invaluable for both professionals and enthusiasts. We are honoured to have our work included, reflecting our shared passion for thoughtful and impactful garden design.”
Nathan Burkett
Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture
www.nathanburkett.com.au
“Plantology is an indispensable resource for garden design. This comprehensive guide details the foundational plants that form the backbone of verdant spaces. It is an exceptional book that pairs an intricate exploration of species characteristics with practical design applications. For practitioners seeking both depth of botanical knowledge and real-world design guidance, Plantology is a rich and worthy reference.”
Jac Semmler
Plant Practitioner
Author of “Super Bloom”
www.thesuperbloom.com.au
“Your book arrived at Secret Gardens, and I just wanted to take a moment to say, “Wow, it is absolutely stunning!” The cover is gorgeous and truly captures the essence of the incredible content inside.
It’s a brilliant reference for everyone—from weekend gardeners to seasoned professionals.”
Rochelle Abood, CEO
Secret Gardens Sydney
www.secretgardens.com.au
“A huge congratulations to Teena Crawford and Lisa Ellis on the publication of their considered and inspiring reference book, Plantology: The Essential Guide to Better Gardens.
It is an honour to have images from JJL gardens illustrated alongside those of other Australian landscape designers, which collectively profile highly rewarding plant species.”
Jane Jones
Jane Jones Landscapes
www.jjl.com.au
“There is so much to ponder. It is so detailed in the intricate knowledge of each plant from both a cultural perspective but also how to use in the landscape and in a way I have never seen in any book I have ever read before.
I cannot thank you enough for the book, it just what the industry needs and will almost certainly become “The Plant Bible” for a generation of plantaholics.”
Chris Hose
Chartwell Nurseries
Bannockburn, Victoria
“Congratulations- Plantology is incredible! I can only imagine how many hours went into producing it. The level of information, design and layout, and the plant thesaurus are all fantastic.
I have no doubt this will become the bible for landscape designers and gardeners!”
Erik Holt
Garden Photographer & Landscape Designer
www.erikholt.com.au
“Plantology is a wonderful addition to any plant lover’s collection…this beautifully presented book is a visual feast, featuring stunning images of established gardens that truly showcase plants in their natural context. It’s not just a book of plant profiles; it brings gardens to life, giving readers a glimpse into the thoughtful design and the harmonious way plants coexist in these spaces.
For those of us in Queensland, it’s an inspiring resource, as many of the plants featured can thrive in our local climate. However, the book also offers a window into gardens further south, with some species that we can only dream of growing in our own backyards. This blend of achievable and aspirational gardening makes Plantology a captivating read, regardless of where you are located.
As a piece of decor, Plantology also stands out. The quality of the images and the book’s presentation make it a stunning addition to any shelf. In my own office, it’s already become a treasured part of my workspace, a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of the beauty that plants bring to our lives.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your plant journey, this book is a must-have. It’s more than just a reference; it’s an experience, offering a glimpse into gardens that not only inspire but also make you feel connected to the natural world.”
Ben French MAIH RH
Yards Pty Ltd
Horticulturist of the Year 2024 (Australian Institute of Horticulture)