Customer Reviews

Growing Trees from Seed: A Practical Guide to Growing Native Trees, Vines and Shrubs

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This is a sweet book. First off, I should say that the author died before the book was 100 percent completed. His partner and several friends stepped in to finish the work. These acts of kindness are reflected in the book. It's plain and simple: sweet, informative, and definitely worth owning this book.

Someone said this book is kind of regional, kind of written for the Great Lakes area. That someone must use "kind of" and "absolutely, 100 percent" interchangeably. This book is 100 percent written for the Great Lakes region, and while others outside the region will find it partially helpful, those in the Great Lakes area will find it extremely helpful. The book is written in a folksy/yet informational way--it does not use a lot of researcher-ese.

The author(s) was obviously very passionate about the subject. I'm new to growing seedling trees from seeds. This book is a exactly what I was looking for. Yes, it could be better. More color photos of seeds and cones. Other than that I'm glad I bought it. If you're new to wanting to gather and plant seeds of trees native to the Great Lakes, this is an excellent book.

One other thing: Kock's partner pauses whether she and the co-writers should have completed the book despite the then-dying authors wishes that it not be done ("too many cooks spoil the broth"). The partner made absolutely the right decision in ignoring Kock's wishes and finishing the book. When a piece of artwork is undertaken, the dying author does NOT get to take it to the grave and deprive the rest of humanity the benefit of what humanity has created. Mr. Kock did NOT undertake his book research in a vacuum--he was the beneficiary of humanity's resources. And thus should give back what he borrowed--without question. At the time, however, Mr. Kock was dying and can be forgiven his decision. All of us, however, continue to benefit from the work of humanity through Mr. Kock.

This book is probably not a big seller, but it should be in this age of climate warming. Instead of hiking in the woods and taking back only memories, people should hike, pick up seeds, and get them to grow into trees. It would connect people to the land. And let me tell you, growing oak trees from acorns is an exciting venture, much better the surfing the Internet endlessly.

Mr. Kock, Ms. Hansen, and co-authors: WELL DONE. Great book. Everyone (at least who loves the Great Lakes region) should read this book and plant some tree seeds. For the sake of Gaia and humanity.

Great book for Native North American tree's. A little one sided in the view point no non-native Tree's should be grown. Very good information. More than half the book is a tree by tree of how to collect and grow each type of tree and their problems (Latin name first....he is a teacher)