Book reviews

Cold Climate Gardening Books: New Titles

– Posted in: Book reviews

Here are four gardening books where you don't have to worry if the plants will survive the winter, you don't have to mentally adjust the planting or maintenance schedule, and you'll usually get a few tips on overcoming some of our climates challenges. In other words, books for cold climate gardeners! Plus a link to the big book roundup I did a few years ago.

Lilactree Farm Garden Notes, No. 2, 2017: Lily Beetles, Weatherland, and A Very Early Spring

– Posted in: Book reviews, Lilactree Farm, Pests, Plagues, and Varmints

"Most discussions of lily beetles are a little helpful and considerably depressing. Many gardeners have abandoned growing lilies because the battle against the beetles is time- consuming and messy. But may I suggest that if (a) you have lots of free time (as I do) and (b) are willing to get some blood on your hands (as I am) that all is not lost. Many hundreds of lilies grow here so you will understand that we have a major interest in this problem. Here are some suggestions." Tips and a book review from guest contributor Brian Bixley.

Garden Gifts to Hint For

– Posted in: Book reviews, Things I Love

I'm not going to pretend that you have a dozen gardeners in your life that you need to get gifts for. We all know these "gift guides" are to help your non-gardening loved ones know what to get you, and since they're not gardeners they're not reading this blog, are they? So you need to [...]

Digging Deep: Book Review and Giveaway

– Posted in: Book reviews

I planted my first garden by the book. Actually, I consulted several books, obsessing over plant heights, color palettes, bloom times and more over the winter as I designed and redesigned my garden on paper. I wanted to do it "right": prepare the soil right, choose the plants right, arrange them right, plant them right, [...]

Good Berry, Bad Berry: Book Review

– Posted in: Book reviews

My family picks wild strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and elderberries. We pick what we know and leave everything else alone. I've always suspected there were more edible berries out there than we know about, so when I was asked to review Good Berry Bad Berry: Who's Edible, Who's Toxic, and How to Tell the Difference [...]