You will have no doubt of Nancy Ondra’s enthusiasm after reading the first page of her book: “True gardeners know that the real fun of gardening is in the process–the planning, the planting, the nurturing, and the learning.” I could tell as I read through the book that Nancy carefully observes her plants throughout the year, taking notes on what she’s learned. That’s the kind of gardener I want to learn from!
Nancy Ondra is Honest
Even more important, she’s honest. She addresses such topics as perennials that self-sow too freely, ground covers that cover more ground than you expected, and invasive plants. She offers general suggestions for dealing with these problems, and also highlights them when profiling specific plants. For example, she tells you that Tradescantia (spiderwort) had pretty flowers, but they only last a day. Furthermore, the plant tends to sprawl and can self-sow prolifically. I have one spiderwort myself, ‘Concord Grape,’ and while I agree the flowers are short-lived, I haven’t had the flopping or self-sowing problems. But I know to look for the seedlings now. More importantly, a novice gardener trying to decide between two plants can make a more informed decision.
Throughout this book, both in the first section of general principles and the second section on specific plants, Ondra guides you to best practices and common sense solutions, saving you time, money, and aggravation. If you don’t have a gardening neighbor or relative who will share their favorite plants, encourage you as you split your first daylily, and in general show you how to do things, this book will be the next best thing.
Review copy supplied by Storey Publishing. Link to Amazon is an affiliate link.
About Kathy Purdy
Kathy Purdy discovered the joys of writing in fourth grade, when she started corresponding with a former classmate. She's been writing letters ever since, first on looseleaf, then electronically, and now as weblog entries. That makes you, the blog reader, her pen pal. Her first independent (though frustrating) attempts at gardening were made in high school, though the gardening bug didn't bite hard until her mid-thirties, when she found herself mistress of a rural home on 15 acres. • USDA Hardiness Zone:4 • AHS Heat Zone: 3 • Location: rural; Southern Tier of NY • Geographic type: foothills of Appalachian Mountains • Soil Type: acid clay • Experience level: intermediate • Particular interests: colchicums, narcissus, cottage gardening, NY native plants, gardening with/for children
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Twitter: @mycornerofkaty
Kathy, I was pleasantly surprised by how much of the information in the book was applicable to my growing conditions down here in south central Texas. It’s rare that authors from other parts of the country even acknowledge our existence, so Nan has my respect!
There really can’t be a single gardening book to adequately cover all of North America. The climate is way too varied. I meant to mention that the further west you lived, the less plants would be appropriate to your climate. I’m glad it’s still helpful for you Texans!
I enjoyed Nan’s book too, Kathy. Her photos are also wonderfully illustrative.
.-= Pam/Digging´s last blog ..Focal points & a fabulous garden visit…coming soon! =-.