Reviewed by Brett Kerley

Speichert, Greg  and Sue Speichert. Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants. Timber Press, 2004 ISBN-13: 978-0881926255

Greg and Sue Speichert’s Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and authoritative reference works for anyone interested in aquatic and marginal plants. First published in 2004, this book has become an essential resource for home gardeners, horticulturists, landscapers, and aquatic plant enthusiasts alike.

What sets this book apart from other aquatic plant references is the depth of information and the authors’ authority on the subject. Greg and Sue Speichert were recognized experts, with decades of experience in horticulture and aquatic plant cultivation. Their writing reflects not only scientific rigor but also practical, hands-on knowledge. The tone is clear and informative without becoming overly academic, making the text accessible to beginners while still valuable to professionals.

The book spans more than 400 pages and covers an impressive array of plant categories, including hardy and tropical water lilies, lotuses, marginal plants, submerged plants, floating plants, and bog plants. It’s laid out in a traditional encyclopedia style, with plant names arranged alphabetically by botanical name, making it easy to navigate.

Each plant entry typically includes:

• The botanical name and common names
• A detailed description of foliage, flowers, and growth habits
• Notes on hardiness, growing conditions, and maintenance
• Historical or interesting notes on discovery, naming, or cultural use
• Propagation methods
• Pest and disease issues where relevant

The Speicherts also provide thoughtful guidance on water garden design, plant care basics, and balancing aesthetics with ecology. The introductory sections explain the fundamentals of water garden types, pond construction basics, soil and fertilizer use, and maintenance strategies for different climates.

One of the highlights of this encyclopedia is its exceptional visual presentation. It is richly illustrated with over 700 high-quality, full-color photographs showing each plant in various stages of growth and bloom. I didn’t count them, that’s what the book told me! These images are not only beautiful but also incredibly practical for accurate plant identification. The photos of submerged and marginal plants, in particular, are helpful as these are often difficult to distinguish otherwise.

• Exhaustive plant coverage: From well-known species to more obscure and rare varieties, this book leaves few gaps.
• Clear, well-organized plant entries: Gardeners can quickly glean essential information or delve deeper into detailed botanical history.
• High-quality photography that aids in identification and inspires garden design.
• Practical advice on care and propagation, not just plant descriptions.
• An excellent resource for both temperate and tropical water gardeners.

• Due to its publication date (2004), some taxonomy and nomenclature have shifted since release, so readers may occasionally need to cross-reference current scientific names.
• While comprehensive, some extremely specialized collectors may wish for even more in-depth information on extremely rare species or cultivars not widely available.

• Water gardeners, from hobbyists to professionals
• Botanical garden staff and aquatic plant curators
• Landscape architects working with aquatic features
• Horticulture students and educators
• Plant collectors and enthusiasts

Greg and Sue Speichert were highly respected experts in the field of aquatic and water garden plants. Together, they owned and operated Crystal Palace Perennials, one of the largest water plant nurseries in the United States. Their combined experience as horticulturists, educators, writers, and passionate gardeners made them leading authorities on aquatic plant cultivation and care.

Greg was also the editor of Water Gardening Magazine and a frequent speaker at garden shows and botanical conferences across North America. Sue brought decades of hands-on experience in plant propagation and nursery management. Their shared mission was to make aquatic gardening accessible, enjoyable, and successful for gardeners of all levels.

Their collaborative work in Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants reflects a lifetime of expertise and dedication to helping others create vibrant, healthy water gardens.