For some people, there is nothing better than an escape to a garden with flowers, serene design, horticulture, and more. While some people just simply relax, while others find pleasure in weeding, planning, or reading about improving their garden. No matter how you decide to spend your time in the garden, I hope you find peace and enjoyment. These are six favorite gardening books for the Southern California area.
California Native Plants for the Garden
(shown below) by Carol Bornstein is a comprehensive resource that features more than 500 of the best California native plants for gardening in Mediterranean-climate areas of the world.
Designing California Native Gardens: The Plant Community Approach to Artful, Ecological Gardens (shown below) by Glenn Keator This practical, easy-to-read, and easy-to-use book conveys the diversity and beauty of California's native plants. The book discusses different climates and drought-tolerant planning and gives more than 600 selected native species recommended for the garden. It also includes 300 photographs of native plants, natural plant communities, and residential native gardens, as well as recommended places to visit for viewing each native plant breed.
The Gardens of California: Four Centuries of Design from Mission to Modern
by Nancy Goslee Power provides inspiration for landscapers while including a brief synopsis of California's historical and modern gardens. This is a great instructional resource for both the practical garden builder and the armchair dreamer. Also included is a selection of her stunning garden designs and handy plant lists.
The California Wildlife Habitat Garden: How to Attract Bees, Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals
(shown below) by Nancy Bauer discusses recycling plant waste on site, using permeable pathways, growing regionally appropriate plants, and avoiding chemical fertilizers and insecticides. This practical guide explains how to transform backyard gardens into living ecosystems that are enjoyable retreats for humans and thriving sanctuaries for wildlife.
Photo: The California Wildlife Habitat Garden:
How to Attract Bees, Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals
Mac's Field Guide Good Garden Bugs of California (Mac's Guide Chart) by Craig McGowan is a handy and practical IPM (Integrated Pest Management)guide on California critters that helps you determine which bugs are beneficial and which are undesirable for your garden environment. Some of the copies are laminated. The pictures are self-explanatory and include accurate information.
Whatever your garden calling may be, the helpful books listed below may help you pass the time and learn more about how to plan and maintain your Southern California garden space. They are just a few of my favorite gardening books that help me through my annual garden design, which includes annuals, organics, flowers, edibles, natural pest control, and more.
(shown below) by Carol Bornstein is a comprehensive resource that features more than 500 of the best California native plants for gardening in Mediterranean-climate areas of the world.California Fruit & Vegetable Gardening: Plant, Grow, and Eat the Best Edibles for California Gardens (Fruit & Vegetable Gardening Guides)
Designing California Native Gardens: The Plant Community Approach to Artful, Ecological Gardens (shown below) by Glenn Keator This practical, easy-to-read, and easy-to-use book conveys the diversity and beauty of California's native plants. The book discusses different climates and drought-tolerant planning and gives more than 600 selected native species recommended for the garden. It also includes 300 photographs of native plants, natural plant communities, and residential native gardens, as well as recommended places to visit for viewing each native plant breed.
The Gardens of California: Four Centuries of Design from Mission to Modern
by Nancy Goslee Power provides inspiration for landscapers while including a brief synopsis of California's historical and modern gardens. This is a great instructional resource for both the practical garden builder and the armchair dreamer. Also included is a selection of her stunning garden designs and handy plant lists.
The California Wildlife Habitat Garden: How to Attract Bees, Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals
(shown below) by Nancy Bauer discusses recycling plant waste on site, using permeable pathways, growing regionally appropriate plants, and avoiding chemical fertilizers and insecticides. This practical guide explains how to transform backyard gardens into living ecosystems that are enjoyable retreats for humans and thriving sanctuaries for wildlife.Photo: The California Wildlife Habitat Garden:
How to Attract Bees, Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals
Mac's Field Guide Good Garden Bugs of California (Mac's Guide Chart) by Craig McGowan is a handy and practical IPM (Integrated Pest Management)guide on California critters that helps you determine which bugs are beneficial and which are undesirable for your garden environment. Some of the copies are laminated. The pictures are self-explanatory and include accurate information.
