Ever wonder why some gardens and landscapes look dazzling year after year, while others decline? Or why does a planting look great at one location while the same plant looks skimpy and unattractive nearby? This book describes how to evaluate site characteristics that are important to plants and how to use this information to create thriving, easy-to-care-for gardens and landscapes. Thirty activities map power lines, pipes, and irrigation systems, evaluate climate, analyze soil and slopes, and identify nuisance wildlife. It also contains 50 color photos, and a glossary. With this information, you can choose plants that will thrive on the site and plan site modifications to achieve your goals. The book is intended for gardeners, landscape professionals, and educators. Site assessment saves time and money, and helps avoid future problems.