The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening (4 Volumes)

The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening is the sum knowledge of 250 of the world's leading horticultural and botanical authorities. These four volumes provide in-depth coverage and full details of botanical names, common names and name derivations, an accurate description of every plant listed, and a note on the cultivation of every genus, whether in the open or indoors. Entries cover all areas of plant science including anatomy, physiology, breeding, greenhouses, arboriculture, historical information, conservation, micropropagation, information needed for successful cultivation, propagation, nutrition, and USDA climatic zone numbers. The set also delves into questions that have become uniquely relevant in light of recent world developments, such as environmental issues, technological advances, scientific discoveries such as genetic engineering, and innovations in gardening techniques.

The RHS set has wonderful descriptions of, and cultural information for, virtually all the world's garden plants. It also includes biographies as well as excellent details on topics like plant nutrition and gardening within specific countries. Although sparsely illustrated, this is the ultimate reference for large and horticultural libraries. The one-volume Shorter Dictionary is more manageable in size and price for small and medium-sized public libraries; it gives lucid definitions of gardening terms and very good descriptions of a great variety of plants.
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