Plants for Problem Places

It is a rare garden does not have at least one area that poses a problem, one that is too wet, too windy, or has poor soil. Many gardeners do not realize that these situations can actually present an ideal opportunity to grow plants that would not do well anywhere else in their garden. This practical book, now back in print in an affordable paperback edition, shows enthusiasts and weekend gardeners alike how to make even the most difficult part of the garden—whether a north-facing wall or the worst clay soil—attractive and successful. For each of 13 garden locations expert horticulturist Graham Rice explains the nature of the problem, prescribes a remedy, and provides detailed lists of the best trees, shrubs, climbers, annuals, and perennials to suit that site. Line drawings demonstrate many of the suggested techniques, and color photos show the results of good garden planning that anyone can achieve. Graham Rice trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where he spent nearly seven years. After six years on the staff of "Practical Gardening" magazine, he became a freelance consultant. He is heard regularly on radio programs, and has written several books, including The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hellebores, which Timber Press published in 1993.

Graham Rice has studied at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where he was awarded a Diploma in Horticulture with Honours. He was founder of Growing from Seed magazine and now writes for a number of gardening publications.