AROUND HOME : Perfect Plant, Perfect Garden BY ANNE SCOTT-JAMES (Summit Books; 1988)

BRITISH GARDENING expert Scott-James describes all kinds of gardening conditions--moist, sunny, dry shady, moist shady, even containers--and lists those plants that do best in each. Every plant, 200 in all, is described in wonderful detail, with an illustration, at least one photograph, cultural requirements and aesthetic benefits and even, sometimes, a brief history. The only drawback: Several of the species and varieties popular in England are not available here. A Southern Californian is not likely to find aconitum at the local nursery (just as well--it’s poisonous); $24.95.