These past few rainy days, I’ve been reading “Perennials Short and Tall: A Seasonal Progression of Flowers for Your Garden” written by Moya L. Andrews and illustrated by Gillian Harris (Quarry Books).
I knew right away when I read the preface that I was reading a book written by a true gardener.
“…Flowers are not a luxury for us, they are a necessity, and they provide a kind of anticipatory structure in our lives. We look forward to the appearance of the varied types of flowers in our gardens, and treasure their arrival in the same way we treasure the reappearance of dear friends. Each winter we await the early spring flowers excitement that is palpable. Knowing the impermanence of each individual flower does not daunt us. It just makes us savor their special time with us, as we gaze at them hoping to imprint them in our memory.”
The first four chapters of the book cover gardening basics ranging from plant nomenclature to preparing planting beds, caring for perennials, and even how to display flowers in your home. I enjoyed reading these chapters, even as an experienced gardener, because they aren’t strictly “how to”, even though that’s the focus. It’s more like listening to an experience gardener provide her own insights and tips gleaned from years of actually gardening.
The last three chapters include information on 25 perennials that bloom in spring, summer, or fall, with a focus on those that do well in Zones 4 – 7. The perennials included are good, reliable performers, that any gardener in a temperate climate should have success with, given basically good growing conditions.
The book ends with 22 appendices for further reference and includes list such as “Plants that Prefer Constant Moisture”, “Drought and Heat-Tolerant Plants, Short Perennials for Summer Bloom, etc.
My favorite appendix is “Lessons Learned in a Garden in the Lower Midwest” and my favorite lessons listed include these two:
“If a plant does not thrive, move it and amend the soil before replanting. Give it three chances (that is, three moves) before giving up, by then you will be exhausted and so will the plant.”
“Keep a garden journal so that you remember what you don’t want to forget.”
This book would make an excellent gift for the beginning gardener, who has discovered the joy of having a garden full of perennials, and wants to learn more about how to have flowers blooming in succession through spring, summer, and fall.
But as an experienced gardener I enjoyed it because it is well-written, with garden sayings and verses sprinkled throughout, and beautiful color illustrations of each flower.
(If you are interested, the author, Moya Andrews also presents Focus on Flowers programs on WIFU radio, which are archived online and available as podcasts.)
I would love to find a book like that only for zone 8-9. I am trying to plant more perennial in my garden and less annuals. I think I will still look this book up at my local library. I could still gleen some great tips from it otherwise.
I think she might be speaking at this year’s INPAWS fall conference, but I’m not sure. They had her book at the plant sale, and now I’m regretting not picking it up then. Thanks for the great review.
Julie O
Souonds like a good book Carol. Most books about perennials for the midwest are written for the Upper midwest rather than the lower mid west.
Hi Carol,
Just a note to say thank you for your blog; I really enjoy it! You’re another big part of my inspiration to start gardening again–containers, outside, since I share my apartment with four cats.
May your gardens continue to bring your delight and amazement! Thank you again for sharing them!
Cath
Great recommendation, Carol. Thx! I have a friend who is just beginning to garden. Think it will make a good gift for her.
Remember a few months ago when I asked for advice on a fence? Well we have been building a custom fence for our front garden, Stop by and see. It should all come together in the next 2 weeks as the local Garden Tour is coming through then!
Carol
terranovadesign.blogspot.com
Carol, I agree that this book sounds interesting. Especially since it is illistarted. It helps me a lot to see what plants look like and how they look in the garden.
I have posted for bloom day. Thanks for all your hard work!
Thanks, Carol! It’s well suited for me – pretty much a beginner. I’m saving this post so I’ll remember to order it. You always give such good advice but I think I’d like to own a reference book and it sounds artsy, too. I love photos.
“Keep a garden journal so that you remember what you don’t want to forget.” (That’s another thing I don’t do…)
I hope you are drying out OK.
Mary
Sounds like a great reference book–I’ll have to check it out.
I was reading yesterday’s post–funny, it never occurred to me all day that it was Friday the 13th!
My green beans did not turn out well at all, and I was planning a try at a second planting this week. Now I know the reason–I planted them north and south! I’ll let you know if the east-west idea does the trick this time.