Ornamental Grasses: The Amber Wave

Conversational and informational, this book is a helpful compendium of lore on an increasingly popular gardening genre. Ottesen, who first piqued gardeners' interest in grasses in her New American Garden , now discusses them in depth, from perennial grasses, sedges and reeds, to annual grasses, bamboo and grasslike plants, examining their myriad uses. Listed by category, almost any grass is easily found (including those that complement other colors in a garden, fit well into a rock garden, can guarantee a particular color in a particular season, grow happily in wet or dry areas, or can be used in flower arrangements). Ottesen sought out other grass authorities (e.g., South Carolina-based John Elsley and Long Island, N.Y. arboretum curator Carol Johnston), surveying their expertise in two chapters. An extensive plant and seed source list is included. Photos not seen by PW. Garden Book Club selection. (Oct.)