3 comments about Paradise by Design: Native Plants and the New American Landscape.

1. This book is for the intellectually curious gardener. Thought provoking. Should be on the reading list of native plant gardeners.



2. Or is it just a book that goes halfway?

   I liked Kathryn Phillips first book, Tracking the Vanishing Frogs: An Ecological Mystery. It had some great investigative storytelling and raised both interesting questions and thoughts.

   Unfortunately this new title is not as compelling a read. This book meanders and winds through three different landscape projects. The untitled chapters, sidetrack and discuss many issues, though few of the issues deal directly with native plants as the title and book flaps promise. It might have been better titled: `A day in the life of a Landscape Architect.' It is more about how we ended up making everything around us look the way it does, and the way the landscape industry forces its commerce on the land. While these issues have a relationship to the use of native plants in the landscape the author makes little attempt to connect the reasons.

   A large amount of the book spent on drawing plans, hardscapes, meeting logistics, and what car everyone drives. The loose structure made it difficult for me to understand why certain issues were being raised. It does address some interesting horticultural issues but really doesn't relate them to native plants. Lots of the issues it does raise for natives are the same for all plants. Most growers don't like slow growing plants, whether they are native or not. The few pages that do address native plants are interesting but don't add much depth. I feel this book doesn't really educate the value of native plants. Lack of scientific plant names adds to the feel of shallow content. The one time a plant is named by Genius species, it's incorrect (Page 210 - Stipa purpa should be Stipa pulchra.)

   Many other books have truly covered the issues of native plants in a more direct fashion. I would strongly recommend Sarah Stein's work (Noah's garden, Planting Noah's garden) if you're interested in native plants in your landscape. Also, Gardening With a Wild Heart : Restoring California's Native Landscapes at Home by Judith Larner Lowry. They both communicate more clearly the real value of a native landscape.




3. I loved this book because it really offered insight into the life of a landscape architect. It showed well the struggles the architect must overcome but it also illustrates what we (who are entering this field) can expect to face. For me, it was a wonderful narrative in the "day-in-the-life" category and one of the best books I have ever read. I'm only sorry there aren't more like it.

1 comments about The Gardener's Guide to Life: Timeless Lessons Based on the Principles of Gardening.

1. I was shopping for vegetables yesterday morning in a local grocery store. I was en route to my brother's nursery to give a children's workshop on plants with special emphasis on Fathers' Day. A dear friend was in the gift section and was reading this book. She said she just couldn't stop reading it. She showed me a few of the quotes. One that caught my attention was the one by Victor Hugo, "Nothing awakens a remininscence like an odor." I commented that this sure was true. A little while later, she sought me out in the store bearing a little brown bag marked "paid." She had purchased the book for me. I was delighted. Many of the book treasures I have in my life have come to me by way of a friend. I read it all on Fathers' Day morning and decided to give it to my father. Criswell's introduction story about radishes was my motivation to give it to my dad. He is a 75 year old retired farmer and now has a tiny garden on which among other things he sows radishes. I have always loved to garden, too. I especially like the way the author has divided the book in sections for gratitude, planning, diligence, attention, silence, optimism, patience, perserverance, lifetime learning, time, reverence, and enjoying the bounty. There is nothing that can nurture my soul more on bended knees than getting my hands in the dirt. Seeds truly are a miracle. I think so every time I put sunflower seeds in the ground and patiently and lovingly watch them become giant sunflowers. I also really enjoyed quotes which dealt with the "weeds" in our lives and how we perceive them. The book is a quick uplifting treasure for the silence of an early summer morning. I highly recommend it to gardeners and non gardeners.

4 comments about The Orchid in Lore and Legend.

1. This book delves into the history of orchids and their rise in popularity. Some of the topics covered include the culinary uses of orchids, orchids in literature and orchid lore involving religion.

   There are several chapters covering historical aspects of several of the most popular orchid families. The final chapter gives a brief rundown of orchid culture today.

   My favorites in this book are any of the marvelous line drawings of orchid plants and flowers. There are also several color plates included.

   I'd highly recommend this to anyone interested in orchid lore and legends.




2. Luigi Berliocchi Timber Press 1996 ISBN 0-88192-491-1 184 pages

   I read this booknot because I was interested in orchids but because I'm fascinated by the lore and legends of plants. It was so beautifully written and so informative that I became interested in orchids.

   I had always felt that orchids were somehow a bit "over the top". I had no idea just how "over the top" they were. By the tie I read the chapter on myths and legends I was hooked, and when I finished "Patrons and Hunters" I couldn't put the book down. Just as well because I would have missed the story about vanilla being part of the Aztecs chocolate drink, and, of course, thought to be an aphrodisiac. Montezuma was said to drink it fifty times a day, especially before visiting one of his many wives.

   The book also covers the literature and art of the orchid and the magic, medicine and religion related to it. There are also chapters on the plant, the genera and on growing orchids and a list of information and illustration sources. There are some colour photographs and, throughout the text, delicate engravings from a wide range of historical sources.

   This is a very literate book. Not a long book - the writer does not belabour any of his points, but an interesting and thought-provoking read. If you are interested in orchids or fascinated by the history and legends of plants, this is a must read.




3. I read this book not because I was interested in orchids but because I'm fascinated by the lore and legends of plants. It was so beautifully written and so informative that I became interested in orchids.

   I had always felt that orchids were somehow a bit "over the top". I had no idea just how "over the top" they were. By the tie I read the chapter on myths and legends I was hooked, and when I finished "Patrons and Hunters" I couldn't put the book down. Just as well because I would have missed the story about vanilla being part of the Aztecs chocolate drink, and, of course, thought to be an aphrodisiac. Montezuma was said to drink it fifty times a day, especially before visiting one of his many wives.

   The book also covers the literature and art of the orchid and the magic, medicine and religion related to it. There are also chapters on the plant, the genera and on growing orchids and a list of information and illustration sources. There are some colour photographs and, throughout the text, delicate engravings from a wide range of historical sources.

   This is a very literate book. Not a long book - the writer does not belabour any of his points, but an interesting and thought-provoking read. If you are interested in orchids or fascinated by the history and legends of plants, this is a must read.




4. This book is filled with historical content, I could not stop reading because the book is so interesting. I was intrigued to find out that Charles Darwin was obssesed with orchids, they don`t tell you that in history class, or that he came up with his theory of evolution when he was traveling the world on a ship called the H.M.S, looking for new species of orchids and other exotic plants.

1 comments about God in the Garden: A Week-by-Week Journey through the Christian Year.

1. I enjoyed her collection of thoughts, quotes, and information and how it was compiled for each week. Very easy to follow for prayer and meditation. When I sit out in the gardens, this book is usually at my side...and is beginning to look a wee bit ragged.

3 comments about Washington's Gardens at Mount Vernon.

1. This lovely book, full beatiful photographs is a must for any one interested in American history and garden history in general. In fact it gives us Americans a garden history (slavery excluded) to be as proud of as the British are of theirs.
   Lots of well researched interesting facts, useful advice, historical insight and pretty pictures make this book thoroughly enjoyable and I recomend it highly.



2. This lovely book, full beatiful photographs is a must for any one interested in American history and garden history in general. In fact it gives us Americans a garden history (slavery excluded) to be as proud of as the British are of theirs.
   Lots of well researched interesting facts, useful advice, historical insight and pretty pictures make this book thoroughly enjoyable and I recomend it highly.



3. This is an interesting and informative book about the gardens that George Washington spent 45 years planning and tending for his home, Mount Vernon. The stylish new photographs are supplemented by historic drawings, some from the archives of the museum. Various out-buildings are shown along with the landscape garden, kitchen garden, pleasure garden and a botanical garden where Washington experimented. In addition, there is a listing of Washington's trees and shrubs, eighteenth century flowers, bulbs and roses currently grown at Mount Vernon, and a list of what George Washington grew from seed. This a good reference for all interested in the history of gardens in America.

1 comments about The Pacific Coast Rhododendron Story: The Hybridizers, Collectors and Gardens.

1. In collaboration with the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, horticulturalist and gardener Sonja Nelson presents the reader with a profusely illustrated history of the Rhododendron (first discovered in 1792 by Menzies on the shore of Puget Sound), and the people who have a passion for growing, collecting, and hybridizing rhododendrons. The informative text is enhanced with beautifully executed color photography. The Pacific Coast Rhododendron Story is enhanced further with a list of West Coast Hybridizers, a list of the West Coast hybrids; a selected species form; a photo index, and an extensive bibliography for further study. Also available in a hardcover format (0832305375...), The Pacific Coast Rhododendron Story is a unique and very highly recommended reference for personal, professional, academic, garden club, and community library gardening and horticultural studies collections.

No comments about The Japanese Tea Garden.

2 comments about Bay Area Gardening: 64 Practical Essays by Master Gardeners.

1. Local master gardeners lend their insights on the peculiarities and special needs of California Bay Area gardens in BAY AREA GARDENING: 64 PRACTICAL ESSAYS BY MASTER GARDENERS. The San Francisco Bay Area's unique attributes, from mild climate and microclimates to changing soils, lends to a diverse gardening environment in turn: these essays are critical to understanding the Bay Area's special needs and should be on the reading lists and in the libraries of any local gardener.



2. This book would be good for beginning gardeners. These are short articles with very basic information much of it not just specific for Bay Area gardening.

2 comments about Every Garden Is a Story: Stories, Crafts, and Comforts.

1. As an avid gardener, I love books on gardening, even though I have never reviewed earlier reads among the dozens of reviews I have written.
   
   As the host of a weekly talk show where guests regale my listeners with stories of peak performers, I also love the power of storytelling.
   
   Prolific author, Susannah Seton, has created a delightful combo weaving short moving stories into a beautifully illustrated, educational book on gardening.
   
   This book radiates peace and serenity, all the while communicating simple wisdom in a unique package.
   
   I am in awe. Sure there are more comprehensive "how to" garden books, and there certainly are a plethora of great story books. It is the combination woven by the author that has left me feeling wonderful. Superb holiday gift for any gardener friend.



2. Do you have a green thumb or do plants tend to whither in your presence? Maybe, like me, one of your New Year's resolutions is to get your garden under control. Read Every Garden Is A Story and be inspired!
   
   This book is a wonderful combination of reflections, recipes and helpful gardening hints. I loved the photographs. The juicy strawberries made me hungry, and I could almost smell the lavender. The photos and the quotes were perfect during a rainy day.
   
   Some stories reflect on how gardens are a way to remain connected with family members. The author plants Crimson Glory, the same roses that her dad planted. I understand how the author feels, as every time I see gladiolas I'm reminded of my grandmother's garden.
   
   Other stories offer advice. The Bridal Wreath shows us the power of pruning and how everyone benefits by letting go of the deadweight. My Cutting Garden reminds us of the importance of bringing part of the natural world inside and to pursue hobbies that you enjoy without worrying about being perfect.
   
   The recipes sounded delicious, especially if you've pick the vegetables fresh from your garden. If you're tired of steamed asparagus, try the recipe for Stir-fried Asparagus. Asparagus, garlic, fresh ginger and fresh basil sounds like a perfect way to welcome Spring. Want your children to eat more vegetables? Have them help you plant different greens and then make the Fresh Herb Salad. Have a bumper crop of zucchini, tomatoes and peppers? Invite your friends over for a dish of Stuffed Garden. Or enjoy Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup.
   
   There are plenty of gifts that you can make. Surprise your family with Mother's Day Sachets. Select a meaningful bouquet using the language of flowers. Grow your own loofah sponges. Celebrate graduations or other milestones with homemade leis. If you live in an apartment, you can make a hanging vegetable basket. Or you could order a card that comes with seeds inside. You plant what seeds came in the card and then enjoy the flowers, herbs or vegetables that sprout. The resource list at the back will help you find supplies or botanical societies that you'd like to join.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: This book is a wonderful way to celebrate each season and each stage of gardening.

3 comments about My Favorite Plant: Writers and Gardeners on the Plants They Love.

1. Overall, the gardeners who wrote about their favorite plants were more interesting to read than most of the other authors. The selection that dealt with ringworm was especially out of place (what on earth did THAT have to do with plants?). The essay on plant collecting was great, though, and Tony Avent's short essay on hostas almost makes me like them. Almost. And you have to like a book that has an essay on Meconopsis. I liked exactly 50% of this book.



2. Every gardener has a favorite plant and is anxious to share plants and stories with others. Some of these essays are filled with technical information, others are lyrical musings on the esthetic of plants. Either way, this is a book to cuddle up with and to cherish. It's also a perfect special occasion gift for other gardeners.



3. I was very pleased with this book, which is why I went out and bought the other Jamaica Kincaid gardening related book.

   This would be a lovely gift for a keen gardener, particularly in winter, when one can only dream about the garden. The essays were mainly interesting and informative - some were funny and poignant. The ones that wrote about their actual favourite plant were the best - the ones that went off on 'frolics of their own' just didnt cut it, but these were few, and probably added for unecessary 'colour' and 'arty-fartyness'! The paeony and meconopsis ones are my favourites.