Customer Reviews

Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest: Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged

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

 

 

If you want to identify native plants, get an Audubon guide. If you want to grow them, get this book. It discusses cultivation methods; soils and other environmental factors; where in the region specific plants will live; where to find (and where NOT to get) plants, seeds, and cuttings; what sorts of insects and diseases harm our native plants; etc. Good reference for any Northwest gardener from Oregon through BC, whether you're east or west of the Cascades. Some historical uses for specific plants (culinary, medicinal, etc.) are also briefly given. The book's real drawbacks are its lack of color pictures (there are very few), and its sometimes slightly erroneous descriptions. I suggest coupling this book on growing native plants with a good Audubon guide if you're trying to identify what plants are growing wild on your land.

Of the books I own on NW native plant gardening, this book is my most often referenced. It is full of detailed information about a vast array of NW native plants. Dr. Kruckeberg's enthusiasm for the propogation and stewardship of NW natives shines throughout the book. However, this is not a book about landscaping or effective planting combinations; it is a scholarly work that may be useful to a homeowner interested in native plants and their care, or to the professional landscaper in need of detailed reference information. I am impressed by the breadth of the author's knowledge.

This is a "must-have" for anyone interested in PNW native plants. (As is Pojar & McKinnon's book, which is more like an encyclopedia with colored photos). The author knows his stuff -- the only frustration is that he sometimes sings the praises of plants that are extremely difficult to find in the nursery trade (except maybe at his wife's own nursery.)

A nice introduction (and more) to native plants of the Pacific Northwest. My only criticism about it is that it doesn't have great photos. I bought this book to give me an intro to plants in that area, as I'm designing a garden for a friend. This book doesn't give much sense of what the plants look like in a garden. I'll have to go there. It's comparable to Judith Phillip's book Southwestern Landscaping with Native Plants (for, obviously, a different part of the country).

This book definitely falls in the category of an oldie, but a goodie. First published in 1982, it describes a wide selection of native plants appropriate for gardens ranging from Northern California to Southern British Columbia. The plants are divided into categories (trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials), and photos are provided. Additional information is provided on naming, sourcing, and propagating native plants. Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest should be on the bookshelf of gardeners, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists.

I was very disappointed to see the lack of color photos in the book. There are color photos on the cover and back and also a section in the middle but most of the book contained black and white photos and black and white drawings.
Other than that, the book seems very informative.

While not the most logically arranged book, the contents of this amazing book are worth the hunt. It is far and away the single most comprehensive resource I've found for anyone wishing to introduce NW native plants into their garden.