Plants for a Dry Climate: How to select, grow and enjoy. By Mary Rose Duffield and Warren D. Jones. (Los Angeles, CA: HP Books, 1979?) Price: approximately $13 (paperback) ISBN 0-89586-042-2

Southwestern Landscaping with Native Plants. By Judith Phillips. (Santa Fe, New Mexico: Museum of New Mexico Press, 1987) Price; approximately $18 (paperback) ISBN 0-89013-166-X

Together these two books offer plant descriptions that are more detailed than those found in the Sunset Western Garden Book, as well as color photographs and line drawings of specific plants. The two books are very similar in focus and design.

Phillips's book, Southwestern Landscaping with Native Plants contains only a handful of color photographs, using line drawings instead, but discusses landscape design and use of native plants in more detail than Duffield & Jones. Phillips also includes information on general as well as specific propagation techniques for native plants, recommended care, and notes on insect and disease susceptibility.

Duffield and Jones's book, Plants for a Dry Climate, contains full color photographs of mature plants, as well as information on landscape design, annual & perennial color charts, and general and specific discussions of plant problems. Many of the plants listed, however, will not survive in the high desert Thus, even though they highlight 300 plants to Phillips 60, some of these plants are better suited to Phoenix, Tucson and Southern California. The color photos are handy, however, as are the notes on the disadvantages of each plant.

If you are having trouble deciding which book to purchase, consider whether you are looking for native landscape plants (Phillips) and if you prefer color photographs over line drawings (Duffield & Jones). Both books are highly recommended.