GARDENING BOOK REVIEWS

Fall in Washington seems to happen quickly and without notice. We are snapped from the grip of stifling summer heat to the cool evenings and perfect days of fall. This fall there are three titles that Washington gardeners must add to their bookshelves.

“Garden Stone”
Barbara Pleasant
Storey
$19.95
The use of stone in Washington gardens has become very popular in the past few years. Many homes are using stone instead of brick. The departure of formal brick walls and pathways has given way to the versatility of stone. This book, originally published in 2002, and now available in paperback, is one the most comprehensive stone idea books available. Packed with every idea you could have and the instructions to make them happen in your garden. “Garden Stone” is the definitive stone resource. With over 40 projects presented in a doable format, this book will take you through basic stone masonry, pathway creation, stonewalls, waterfalls and use of stone as an ornamental element. If you have ever considered stone in your garden, this book is the only resource you will ever need.

“Absolutely Beautiful Containers: The ABC’s of Creative Container Gardens”
Sue Amatangelo
Ball
$24.95
This book is perfect for anyone who has dreamed of having a simply flawless container garden yet has no clue on where to start. It is also a power-packed resource of great plant combinations for the seasoned container gardener. The book easily glides through the nuts and bolts of container gardening and gives the reader all the how-to information needed to make a container garden work. Then there are instructions on how to create a “Plan-o-gram worksheet,” which is a foolproof outline designed to help you start creating your perfect containers. And if that is not enough, there are 200 container combinations that put the “Plan-o-gram worksheet” to the test. So if you think you want a container garden but don’t know where to start, or if you have done container gardens in the past and would like some fresh ideas of what to fill this seasons containers with, this book is for you. 

“Great Flowering Landscape Trees”
Vincent Simeone
Ball
$24.95
This is the third title Ball publishing has from Vincent Simone. Simone has simply and tastefully compiled some of the most endearing flowering trees that are used in landscaping today. The book is well organized and gives the readers full planting and growing information on deciduous flowering trees. The photographs are well done, showing the trees at their best. Water, light and zone requirements are discussed, along with any insect or disease considerations. Appendices cover the author’s 15 favorite flowering trees, the best public gardens and some good mail-order nurseries.