By Linda McDonnell, CSU Extension – Denver Master Gardener since 2013
It’s too late for fall planting, too soon to start next year’s seeds. For the next few months, especially after the holidays, gardeners are likely to get restless. With gardening tasks mostly on hiatus, it’s an ideal time to dive into a great garden book to learn something new, hone your skills, or dream up your next project.
Here are some titles to check out, recommended by members of the CSU Extension and Master Gardener community. All are chock full of information, presented in interesting, useful ways.
Hope you find something for yourself or to give a fellow plant enthusiast this holiday season.
Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs, By Dr. Michael Dirr
Recommended by Alison O’Connor, PhD, CSU Extension Professor of Horticulture, Larimer County Extension.
“This book is incredibly comprehensive and lists all of the common trees and shrubs in our landscapes – and those not-so-common, plus cultivars. And it’s actually funny! Dr. Dirr has a great sense of humor about his experiences with these plants and tells some great stories. Maple the Beagle also enjoys this book – especially the Acer selections.”
(Dr. Dirr is the author of the respected Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, another excellent resource.)
High and Dry, By Robert Nold
Recommended by John Murgel, CSU Extension Specialist – Horticulture and Natural Resources, Douglas County.
“Dry humor permeates the most thorough reference on truly dry gardening in temperate climates that I have ever encountered. Gardening ‘theory,’ experience, and an extensive plant list keep this book from gathering dust on my bookshelf.”
Meet the Natives: A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers, Trees, and Shrubs, By M. Walter Pesman, revised and updated by Dan Johnson
Recommended by Merrill Kingsbury, CSU Extension, Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Denver County.
“The book’s subtitle is ‘Bridging the Gap Between Trail and Garden’ and it definitely delivers! I’ve used this book successfully when looking for native plants to add to my own garden. It details over 400 plants organized by flower/foliage color. The photos are excellent, too.”
RHS Latin for Gardeners, By Lorraine Harrison
Recommended by Cassey Anderson, CSU Extension Specialist, Adams County.
“This book features gorgeous illustrations and definitions of the reasons behind Latin binomial nomenclature, revealing origin, growing conditions, color, shape, form, etc. hidden behind the Latin terminology. So much information is locked behind the Latin language and this book helps to unlock it.”
Wood and Garden, By Gertrude Jekyll
Recommended by John Murgel, CSU Extension Specialist – Horticulture and Natural Resources, Douglas County.
“The full title of Wood and Garden: Notes and Thoughts, Practical and Critical, of a Working Amateur says it all. While many sniff at the old-fashioned design advice provided by Gertrude Jekyll or balk at her sheer Englishness, I find this and her other titles to be the perfect escape to another world, particularly on winter nights. Jekyll’s vivid language is transportive and inspiring. Published in 1901, you can find the whole thing online at no cost here if you can’t procure a printed copy.”
Dig Deeper: A Five-Year Garden Question-a-Day Guided Garden Journal, By Felicia Brower
Just published by this blog’s contributor and Denver County Master Gardener Felicia Brower, this guided journal helps gardeners connect with changes in the garden – day-to-day and throughout the seasons. Every day, you’ll get one question that encourages you to briefly pause and reflect on your efforts and the experience of creating a garden – regardless of size. It’s perfect for experienced and newbie gardeners alike.
Have a favorite garden book? Please tell us about it in the comments!
And finally, happy holidays from all of us who make this blog happen. We’re taking a few weeks off and will be back in the new year.
Denver Gardeners 