Fine Gardening's Great Plants - Summer 2013

Reliable plants are the backbone of a great garden: You’ll never gamble when choosing plants for your landscape when you have Fine Gardening Great Plants, a special issue from Fine Gardening. You’ll know, before you buy, which varieties perform best without excessive maintenance.

Plan smart...buy wisely: With this expert information in hand, you’ll know the exact varietal name of the annual, perennial, grass, ground cover, fern, or hosta you want for your garden. You’ll know what to ask for when you shop -- and be less likely to make an impulsive purchase. So many plants look good in bloom, but they may not have the staying power or the desirable characteristics of these 100 tried-and-true performers.

The best plants for every season: Gardeners and homeowners will find Fine Gardening Great Plants valuable when planning for the upcoming season and far into the future. A timeless resource, it features flowering and landscaping plants for every situation:

• Dainty gems for brightening shady spots
• Sturdy grasses in various sizes to soften and screen
• Old-fashioned favorites for the garden border
• Grandma’s annuals for colorful blooms and a touch of nostalgia
• The best choices for flower power, foliage, and fragrance

Four seasons of beauty: A well-planned landscape looks good all year round, even in winter. With that in mind, our editors included plants that are worthy of a place in your garden for all four seasons, including:

• Spring Sensations
• Summer Stunners
• Fall Splendor
• Winter Wonders

Don't write your shopping list until you read Fine Gardening Great Plants: Stretch your gardening budget by buying the best plants possible and enjoy a landscape that’s interesting year round, attracts birds and butterflies, and thrives without a lot of extra fuss.