Lawyers in California

California Native Plants for the Garden

Description

California Native Plants for the Garden is a comprehensive resource that features more than 500 of the best California native plants for gardening in Mediterranean-climate areas of the world. Authored by three of the state's leading native-plant horticulturists and illustrated with 450 color photos, this reference book also includes chapters on landscape design, installation, and maintenance. Detailed lists of recommended native plants for a variety of situations and appendices with information on places to see native plants and where to buy them are also provided.

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-07-25
Summary: "Can't Live Without It"

I got my copy of California Native Plants for the Garden a few years ago on the recommendation of a friend, and it is a well-loved (and well-used) book now. Inspired, I tore out the lawn, and I used the information in the book to start my native plant garden three years ago and even today refer to it again and again. When we removed the lawn and switched to natives, our water bill was reduced by 80%, and now, we are building something much more beautiful.

This book is always my first stop. For the most part, the plant descriptions are sufficient enough to guide both experienced and inexperienced gardeners. That said, there were a few times when I was just starting out that I needed more detail and had to turn to other sources. For example, when (in rare cases) they list information for general families of plants, but not specific varieties even though each may have different needs. Also, if you are very picky with having an exact match to your geographical plant zone, you will need additional sources as well. When I started out, I just took what was in the book that would grow here and was pretty. Since then, I have changed to only plants which grow within 2 miles of my vicinity.

One thing that was right on the money: matilija poppies: wow -- when they take off, watch out. I started with a 6-inch twig that nearly died, and three years later, I had a huge bush 3 ft wide with blooms about 8 feet tall. No extra water needed. I've got neighbors coming by asking for seeds and root cuttings.

One of the features I love is the recommended plant selections at the back of the book. It is the breakdown into groups of plants, e.g., annuals, bank cover, vines, fast-growing, etc. based on your goal. For example, if you want a woodland garden, it lists all the possible recommended plants for creating it, broken down by category (shrubs, grasses, etc.).

I'll be using this book for years to come. One of the best purchases I've made.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-04-23
Summary: "go native"

Love this book. Perfect for the native CA garden. Great info and pictures.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-03-22
Summary: "California Native Plants for the Garden"

This book is TOP NOTCH. The alphabetical layout, the photos,and grouping by plant type; perennial, annual, bulb make it easy to use. The best part of this book is the grouping of plants into 30 categories gardeners want such as: under oak trees (my personal favorite), hummingbirds, fast growing, slow growing, narrow beds, attractive bark, fall color, etc. These categories make assembling a list of plants for your unique situation a breeze. This book eliminates just about every excuse for not planting natives in your California garden.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-02-14
Summary: "The Best Out There"

Excellent guidance for this novice switching to all California Native plants in my re-done front yard.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-12-03
Summary: "The definitve book on California native plants."

If you are interested in California native plants for your garden, this book is a must.