Frequently gardens with deer are, at least in part, shady. Yet, most shade gardening books conspicuously overlook the topic of deer browsing, almost as if it was an embarrassing social disease. Judy Glattstein's straightforward discussion of deer in her book Made for the Shade should be commended.

Indeed, Made for the Shade is a very practical book. Not only does it describe many types of plants that are suitable for shade, but it also addresses common gardening questions about mulch, compost, fertilizers and attracting birds.

However, perhaps the thing I like best about this book is it doesn't emphasize the use of azalea and rhododendron in the shade garden. Not only can azalea and rhododendron be rather fussy plants, they are a favorite food of deer. Yet, so many gardening books promote these finicky deer treats as shade gardening essentials, leaving the neophyte gardener feeling like a hopeless failure with no alternatives when the deer devour his or her azaleas. Rather, Judy Glattstein introduces the gardener to the attributes of such wonderful plants as holly grape (Mahonia species), spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and, Viburnum.

Whether you are a beginning gardener, or more experienced, Made for the Shade has something to offer.


This book will collect dust on my book shelf   July 28, 1999
 7 out of 11 found this review helpful

It is comprehensive in it's text but there were not enough pictures to suit my taste. The text was not arranged in a fashion that makes it an easier reference. It would be helpful if there where cross references on subjects such as soil. It is a pretty book and I'll keep it but I'll keep looking for a book with photos of all the plants discussed and stat tables on each plant for easy reference on zones, soil,etc..