Palms are a landscape staple in warm, temperate climates worldwide. But these stunning and statement-making plants are large, expensive, difficult to install, and create unique design challenges. In Designing with Palms, palm expert Jason Dewees shares every major aspect of designing and caring for palms. This definitive guide shares essential information on planting, irrigation, nutrition, pruning, and transplanting. A gallery of the most important species showcases the range of options available, and stunning photographs by Caitlin Atkinson show examples of home and public landscapes that make good use of palms.
Jason Dewees is a staff horticulturist at Flora Grubb Gardens and East West Trees in San Francisco. He is a contributing editor to Garden Design magazine, and he blogs at The Palm Broker. Responsible for the Tree Canopy Succession Plan for the San Francisco Botanical Garden, he serves on the Horticultural Advisory Committee for the San Francisco Botanical Garden and on The San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers Advisory Council.
"This is a fascinating read about the magic of palms and also makes a beautiful addition to the coffee table."
– Better Homes and Gardens
"Contains virtually everything you need to know about palms and their use in gardens. Based on the San Francisco author's knowledge and hands on expertise [...] ?it is encyclopedic, instructive, and an inspiring coffee-table delight."
– Marin Magazine
"Stunning photos. [...] advice on spicing up landscapes with palms."
– American Gardener
"Whether you love palms or not, Jason challenges us to see beyond the iconography – sometimes balmy and bold, sometimes tacky and misused – to really see this diverse and ancient plant family."
– Cultivating Place
"Together author Dewees and photographer Caitlin Atkinson break through the typical tropical stereotypes to broaden the restricted reputation of palms. [...] If you want to successfully add more bold fronds and a tropical style to your landscape, Designing With Palms is the comprehensive book for you."
– Gardenista
"A magnificent work worthy of these princes of the plant kingdom."
– Ledger
"After reading it's nearly impossible not to have newfound appreciation for palms."
– Garden Design