February sees the release of a number of new gardening books from publishers Timber Press. With topics from Heirloom Vegetables, Small Space Container Gardening and Cactus, there is sure to be something to interest gardeners on both sides of the Atlantic.

'The Gardener’s Guide to Cactus' by Scott Calhoun introduces a tempting 'peek' into a sometimes overlooked species. It features a 100 of the most interesting and versatile North American cactus species, in a neat and easy to follow layout.

Cactus represent nearly a quarter of all succulent plant species, grow in diverse habitats and if you choose the right species, they will be tolerant of harsh conditions.

Read more: New Releases from Timber Press

This heavyweight volume by Michael A. Dirr, combines the best from his previous treasures (Dirr's Hardy Trees & Shrubs and Dirr's Trees & Shrubs for Warm Climates) and is surely one of the definitive illustrated reference books to woody plants.

Dirr is an icon in the US. He is one of the top American authorities on woody plants and the author of over 300 scientific and popular papers, articles and books. A Professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia, Dirr has received the highest honours from the American Horticultural Society.

Read more: Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs