This post, “A Favorite Garden Book” was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
Since there was so much shade on our property when I first started gardening, I would buy books about gardening in shady areas. I would try the different plants that I was assured would be successful in my garden. Imagine my surprise when nearly everything died. I thought it was me. But then I started reading and finding out that the plants recommended by those books just weren’t meant for where I lived. I do live in zone 8, but is the Gulf South zone 8 not the Northwest’s zone 8.
So after longing after lily of the valley, lilacs, and peonies, I finally decided that I would stick to regional garden books. I do have a many of them which I will recommend in future entries.
So now, the only books that I buy that do not have a regional point of view are landscaping books. My absolute favorite is one I bought many years ago, and it is the Reader’s Digest Ideas for your Garden.
Don’t let the “Reader’s Digest” turn you off to this book. I had the book about two weeks and had read the whole thing before I noticed the “Reader’s Digest” part. This book is filled with fresh ideas. There are a myriad of designs and plantings with not only photographs but with drawings. The editor often shows multiple ideas for one garden or how to start a garden and add to it for years to come. The pictures are inspiring and very informative – no shots too close that you can’t see the design, etc. They show plants that just about everyone can grow or there are often suggestions for very hot or cold climates.
The book covers topics, such as, entry gardens, decorative boundaries, features that catch the eye, planting to please the senses, and many more that help to create a unified design. The book also helps no matter the size of your garden. The advice is practical and there are tips on how to make challenging tasks easier, save money, etc.
I have recommended and given this book as a gift to experienced gardeners, and they all have told me that it has turned out to be their favorite gardening book too.
I would love to hear of other books that would be good for any section of the country as I am always looking to add to my garden library.
Always Growing 
Patricia Louque said,
January 24, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Upon your reccomendaton I looked up this book on Amazon and found one for just $3 and bought it. It came today and I was quite pleased. Thanks for reccomending it. I will spend today cold, cold, cold up here in VA dreaming of and planning for spring. Tricia
I’m so glad you like the book. I can spend hours looking at it and planning new things to do in the garden.
Ratna said,
February 21, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Hello!
Just came across your lovely blog. Great pictures. Since this post is on book & gardening I wanted to share a story with you, which I think you will enjoy reading. The short story comes from my book. Here is the link to it:
http://creativejoys.wordpress.com/2007/12/06/reflections-of-life/
When ever you have time, feel free to read it and leave a comment. Also feel free to share it with your friends. Thanks.
Ratna
I have read your story, and it is lovely. Truly expresses how gardening affects the gardener. Thanks for stopping by my blog.