Question
we just purchased an older home (40 yrs) with huge flowering bushes - 20' high average...i need to know how to recognize the various bushes and pruning advice...i want them to stay tall as they give us wonderful privacy but they have been neglected for at least 8 years or more...can you recommend any books?  thanks mike and thanks for your time...wishing you great good fortune....thanks, marian hanson, gig harbor

Answer
Marian, the two books I use as for reference are Rodales Encyclopedia of Gardening and Burpee's Complete Gardener.  These books have sections dedicated to every type of plant.  The Burpee book sorts them by family, which makes it very easy to use.  This book has great illustrations that will assist you in identifying the bushes at your new home.

Keep in mind, most of the larger book stores have comprehensive gardening sections.  There are literally hundreds of reference books available.  Not only do they illustrate each type of plant, they also give expert advice on how to care for them.

Good luck with your new home.  If you ever need advice with particular plants, feel free to write again.

Regards,

Mike