While this book is not one really designed to be read cover to cover, it is a worthwhile investment if you have an interest in landscaping or gardening.. I see it as more of an idea book than a reference book, as its list is not exhaustive, but it is still very representative and a well curated collection.

The photography is beautiful, plentiful and helpful throughout, but I found myself wanting more. Nearly all of the photos of the individual shrubs are close-ups of the foliage and blooms. I would like to see more pictures that show the plant as a whole, and how it fits into its surroundings.

The author is clearly a master of the shrub domain. It shows in his in-depth, yet succinct, descriptions of the cultivars found in the book. The pictures are pretty to look at, but the real value is in McIndoe's vignettes. .