Customer Reviews

The Progress of a Gardener

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This second volume of Barbara Hyde's Gardening in the Mountain West series does for vegetable gardening what the first book did for landscaping in the mountain and intermountain areas of the west. A retired Boulder County, Colo., Cooperative Extension Agent, the author draws on degrees in horticulture and a lifetime love of gardening to guide the reader through what works--and what doesn't--in mountain gardens.

Vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs that do well in the mountain west are described in detail, along with specific variety recommendations. Insects and diseases common in this area also are discussed, along with chapters on weeds and co-existing with wildlife.

Hyde also adds some chapters on ornamentals, including bulbs, vines, roses, ornamental grasses, wildflowers, container gardening, indoor plants and attracting birds and butterflies to the garden.

This book is not the stuff of what dreams are made of--it's about the realities of gardening in high altitude areas where it's hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and dry most of the year. If you are new to the area, this book and the previous volume are essential if you want to garden in town or in the country.

The book is not a pretty picture book, but one full of valuable information about mountain gardening, which is much different from my California coast gardening. The technical descriptions of how, why and when to do certain chores and very detailed line drawings make this book the most useful one in my gardening library. The book contains sections on tools, plants, suggested layouts and much more. A novice can create a long lasting balanced beautiful garden after reading this book. At the same time I've learned much about all the plants for the harsher climates. A lesson in botany at the same time. Very nice job.