Nature lovers and gardeners alike will be thrilled with "The Easy Tree Guide-Common Native and Cultivated Trees of The United States and Canada" by Keith Rushforth. Free of jargon, this is a Falcon Guide, an imprint of The Globe Pequot Press. Suitable as an outdoor guide and as a home reference, this features over 180 kinds.
There are two sections, one devoted to conifers and another for broadleaved trees. In the introduction, there is an easy to use glossary that explains all the terms used in the descriptions. For illustrations, there are both full color photos and paintings of the different tree parts. For each plant, there is a complete in-depth description, details on its distribution, habitat, historical highlights, and its use in gardens and economic role.
"Annuals and Biennials-the Definitive Reference with Over 1000 Photographs" by Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix was published by Firefly Books. This title is comprehensive enough to help you identify, select, and grow herbaceous species/varieties for your particular growing conditions. Very easy to use, this volume presents some of the very best known plants for temperate climates. The plant directory features complete descriptions of the species and varieties along with details on the plants' origins, and highlights on their economic use. In the introduction, the authors also provide garden design tips and a thorough discussion on how to use the plants in the landscape, including naturalistic plantings. In addition, the authors devote a chapter to growing plants from seeds and seed-saving.
There is also a reader-friendly glossary, a list of seed sources, and a bibliography. The authors emphasize the natural origins of the species for the rainfall and climate of their native regions determine whether a particular annual or biennial is right for your garden.
For native plant lovers and wildflower fans, there are many wonderful regional guides, such as "California's Wild Gardens-a Guide to Favorite Botanical Sites." This was edited by Phyllis M. Faber and written by leading ecologists and biologists in the state. It was published by the University of California Press. This beautiful book pays tribute to the state's botanical diversity, which boasts nearly 5000 species-the most of any state in America. Though this can serve as a travel and field guide to over a hundred unique sites, this does much more. It emphasizes the need for conservation and appropriate land use planning. For each site, there is an engrossing profile showcasing the ecology, natural history, and discussion of the plants.
Go To Page: 1 2
