About the Author

Peter Gregory, retired manager of the world-famous Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire, England, has researched maples and other trees for more than 40 years. He began a career in tree research with the Forestry Commission Research Division and conducted various projects for more than thirty years, including provenance studies, species trials, and experiments on various plant establishment techniques, especially on difficult areas such as exposed sand dunes, mountain slopes, peat bogs, and infertile soils. For five years he managed the Royal Forests of Yardley Chase and Salcey in Northamptonshire before being appointed as manager at the world-famous Westonbirt Arboretum, one of the largest collections of trees in the temperate world-especially famous for its wonderful variety of maples of all species, ages, shapes, and sizes. He has continued his studies of maples since his retirement, becoming Chairman of the international Maple Society, which he helped found in 1990, and Editor of the Society's quarterly journal. He is recognized internationally as one of the leading authorities in all aspects of maples. Peter lives in Cirencester, England, where - besides trees - he enjoys photography, climbing, tennis, and squash. J. D. Vertrees (1915a"1993) was an entomologist, nurseryman, and educator who collected rare and unusual maples. At one time, his 1A -acre arboretum at Maplewood Nursery in Roseburg, Oregon, had the largest collection of Japanese maples in the United States. He amassed an impressive list of awards during his lifetime, including a Citation for Horticulture Research from the American Horticultural Society, a Special Achievement Award from the Oregon Association of Nurserymen, and the 1980 Thomas Roland Gold Medal from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. In 1997, Japanese Maples was selected by the American Horticultural Society as one of the 75 Great American Garden Books.

Reviews

This book will be an invaluable asset to any landscape designer - or to any gardener who's a fan of Japanese maples. -- Jane Berger Garden Design Online 20070514 Along with lists organized by landscape purpose (spring color, winter bark); location (full sun, partial shade); and size (bonsai to towering), this essential reference guide also presents tantalizing information about 50 new cultivars. -- Carol Haggas Booklist 20070501 Peter Gregory's update of J.D. Vertrees' classic guide provides ample information about these trees so beloved for the color, texture and interest they can bring to small and partly shaded gardens. -- Beth Botts Philadelphia Inquirer 20071005 A handy size and format makes this book perfect to take along to the nursery or garden center for quick reference and guidance. -- Lynette Walther Camden Herald 20071108 So tempting that I had not gone halfway through the book before ... I was entertaining thoughts of ripping out the grass on the entire south hillside and putting in a maple-display garden instead. ... I do very much recommend this book. -- Jim Dronenburg Washington Gardener 20071101