Lavishly illustrated with over 400 color photos taken by the author, the book's format is unique. Each chapter is a new month in the typical blooming "window" of perennials - March through September - beginning with an extensive list of plants divided by blossom color. Using this feature of the book alone, the gardener can plan ahead, orchestrating sequences of color in favorite harmonies throughout the growing season. Alphabetized entries on each of the blooming candidates make up the bulk of each chapter, with detailed information on the current scientific and common names (plus recent synonyms), hardiness zones and distribution (or origin for introduced hybrids), blossom color and flowering span, and a specific list of commercially available cultivars. Cultural preferences regarding soil, moisture, and light - along with information on insect pests and diseases - are all supplied in one convenient place for superior growing results.