Creating a Perennial Garden in the Midwest (Paperback)

~ Stan Stoga (Editor), (Photographer) "WHATEVER YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, they can't be much worse than what I faced when I began my garden..." (more)
Key Phrases: front berm, wood phlox, scree garden, Beth Chatto, Memorial Day (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Create beautiful gardens and grow healthy perennials ideally suited for zones 3, 4, and 5. Emphasizing basic good gardening techniques, the author answers such questions as How do I start a garden? Where do I plant? What is a good fertilizer? When should I mulch? A home gardener, Joan demystifies and simplifies gardening with a commonsense approach that makes growing perennials accessible to most everyone.

About the Author

Joan grew up in Spring Green, Wisconsin, making flower beds at an early age for her grandmother. Her dream from childhood has been to create her own beautiful garden. Since becoming a Master Gardener, she has helped others create and manage their own garden sanctuaries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Trails Books; 1 edition (August 26, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 091502473X
• ISBN-13: 978-0915024735
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #713,623 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I read and loved every word., October 19, 1999

By	Rita Thomas (Madison, WI USA) - See all my reviews

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.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The first gardening book I read cover to cover!, July 10, 2001

By	Connie (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

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!

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am the author! This is to say "Hello"!, December 13, 1999

By	Joan Severa (Madison, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

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.