"Adams's book is a work of primary research, culled from old books and journals, photo albums - even postcards. For each of the more than 1000 plants described, from trees to heirloom roses, she includes their earliest known literature citation as well as quotes from period garden writers that reveal changing opinions and fashions."

Stunning images from catalog art, early photographs, and period illustrations provide a visual record of these plants in gardens. Providing context for this wealth of information, the author includes invaluable chapters on how to read the historic landscape as well as background information on design styles and American buildings types."

"Extensive tables provide the reference information to back up the plant descriptions. Appendices list ornamental plants by region and date, so that researchers can quickly determine which plants are typical of any given garden at any given time in American history."

Historic plant sources are documented, as well as current-day sources for heirloom plants. Finally, a record of invasive plants provides a cautionary not about those fashionable friends that later proved to be bad neighbors - and that should be avoided in the gardens of the future."--Jacket.