Customer Reviews

Creating a Perennial Garden in the Midwest

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the first gardening book that I have read every word of. Joan Severa has a very easy to read, colorful style of writing which is both informative and humorous. Nearly every plant she writes about is photographed and displayed beautifully. She goes through her garden development step by step, so that if one were creating a garden, one could depend on the book to guide one through the entire process. Joan makes a point of stating in the books preface that she is expressing her own opinion and that it is not necessarily the only way to do things, however; in the books content she expresses her opinions so strongly that one feels one had better not stray from her advice. Luckily I happen to agree with her in most cases. I highly recommend this book to novice as well as experienced gardeners. It is so packed full of usefull information that everyone is sure to learn something new.

The writing of this book was a self-fulfillment project. A graduate of Wisconsin's Master Gardener Program, I am pledged to do what I can to further gardening. Speaking to groups of people is nice, but a BOOK can reach many more people! I write to help beginners and intermediate gardeners come to terms with making gardens. I favor the organic way, but not exclusively. I love native and common plants, but not exclusively. I specialize in shade gardening, but, you guessed it, not exclusively! My book is meant to be encouraging. I am a senior citizen and I do all my own work. It keeps me young.

Although I've got a shelf full of every conceivable type of gardening book, there aren't many out there written specifically from the Midwest gardner's point of view. And this is the first gardening book that I would call a real page-turner! Joan takes the reader on a gardening adventure, giving us invaluable tips and opinions along the way, and showing us wonderful photos of her garden. Based on her perennial choices for sun and shade, I've already put together my wish list for next year!

I recently moved to Madison, Wisconsin and am new to gardening. Although we are still in the process of "hardscaping" this year (our lot was in desperate need of retaining walls and a couple of updated patios/pathways), I am reading everything I can about plant selection. Unlike LOTS of other landscaping books, this book shows pictures of plants together AND names and discusses every plant in the pictures. So I already have several good ideas about plant combinations that look attractive together--all I have to do is prepare the soil and go to the nursery. So many other books are full of beautiful pictures, but fail to tell you the names of the plants in the pictures. If you are a beginner, this book is a perfect start!

Lots of pretty pictures, but no information on zones. Because of cold winters, the zones of each plant is important to me. I have to do additional research to find out if a given plant is suitable for the climate I live in.

This is a great book. Heart-felt narrative by author who give steps to establish a perennial shade garden in Wisconsin (zone 3-4). I think it would be a wonderful addition for a new gardener who want a step-by-step narrative* describing the work (and sometimes rework) required when establishing and maintaining a garden.

Since my style of gardening is using natives in sunny zone 5, the suggestions for plants really won't work for me. The suggestions about how to create harmonious and relaxing areas is applicable to any garden.

*11/16/10: This is not a how-to manual. New gardeners don't always understand the work, mistakes, rework, and lack of control (disease, severe winters, insect damage) they will probably experience as the year pass. This book discusses the authors ups and downs. A lot of the how-to manuals don't discuss these aspects of gardening. A good intro how-to book is New Complete Guide to Landscaping: Design, Plant, Build (Better Homes and Gardens(R)).

This book was an inspiration to me. Since reading it, I've added many of the plants discussed in this book to my garden. I've also found the author's ideas on shade gardening to be very helpful as I, too, have a shady garden.

Layout and design of this book brings inspiration for the expirienced gardener and easy reference for the needy. Great pictures too. Shipment arrived well wrapped within a week!

I picked this book based on the positive reviews on Amazon, but sadly was disappointed that I wasted money on it. The auther is, certainly, passionate about gardening in the mid-west, and her interest is clear. But, as a useful guide for creating a yard, it's not so good - it's a random stream of thoughts, and I did not find the photos to be the least bit helpful. There are so many better choices for books on mid-west gardening. Save your money.

I grew up talking about this book with my Grandma (the author). This has been keenest interest since I could remember. Walking through her gardens outside her home have allowed me to learn and grow with her words.