"A must for every Floridian who wants to work with shrubs, from the experienced gardener to anyone who wants to get their hands dirty in the yard."--Edward Golden, horticultural consultant, Sarasota

No other book offers such colorful, complete, and reliable information about all aspects of the shrubs and small trees that thrive in the Florida landscape.
Writing for everyone from the homeowner with limited gardening skills to the landscape professional or property manager, this book guides the reader through the practical steps involved in selecting and maintaining appropriate and healthy shrubs for all landscape uses. The authors cover
· climatic and light requirements,
· environmental considerations,
· bed design and preparation,
· when to plant,
· plant size,
· when and how to water,
· mulching and pruning,
· maintaining shrubs without wasting natural resources.
 
In addition to discussing exotic shrubs, this book describes how to use the abundant Florida native plants that have been all but ignored by other landscape and gardening books. It also includes a zone hardiness map and an illustrated shrub selection guide.
The authors note that almost anyone can do a mediocre landscaping job with shrubs. By using this book, you make the decision to do a great job the right way! 

Edward F. Gilman and Robert J. Black, teachers in the field of environmental horticulture at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Gainesville, have both written other gardening books. Edward F. Gilman develops educational materials and conducts programs for the nursery and landscape industries. Robert J. Black is the consumer horticultural specialist for the University of Florida.