Koncocoo

Best South Region Gardening

The New Southern Living Garden Book: The Ultimate Guide to Gardening (Southern Living (Paperback Oxmoor))
An all-new revised and updated edition, The New Southern Living Garden Book is THE definitive source on gardening from the brand Southern gardeners have turned to for nearly 50 years. For nearly 50 years, Southern Living magazine has delivered definitive Southern food, decorating, and gardening ideas to over 15 million readers monthly, making it one of the most trusted lifestyle brands in the country.
Reviews
"This book is very extensive and a great resource for whatever you plan to do in your yard."
"Trying to make my garden a head turner and this book is a wealth of knowledge."
"This is my third Southern Living Garden Book, and I'm SO excited to find they have release a new edition."
"Any gardener, young, old, inexperienced and/or experienced, would appreciate and enjoy this book."
"Still, it wasn't clear to me whether living in Los Angeles, this book was right for my friend as a gift or if was applying to the southern states."
"What I realized in comparing editions is that the page numbering and sections in the Plant Finder section in the older edition were simply cut and pasted into the new book. Not only that but there were sections in the last edition that are not in this edition, though the cut and pasted table of contents for the plant finder section lists these sections anyway! I thought at first that this was the only page numbering problem but there is also a major error in the primary table of contents as the section "A Practical Guide to Gardening," listed as page 662 does not begin on page 662 at all!"
"I am terribly disappointed at the shoddy editing - no doubt it will cost Southern Living plenty to do a reprint."
"I have loved the last 2 editions, and I love that this version has more photos, but I hate the paper and fear it won't be durable enough for a reference book."
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Native Trees of the Southeast
The diversity of woody plants in the Southeast is unparalleled in North America. Describes 229 trees native to the southeastern United States 591 photographs fully integrated into the text Range maps show tree distributions in the Southeast and adjoining areas Covers the Carolinas, eastern Tennessee, Georgia, northern Florida, Alabama, Mississipi, Louisiana, and eastern Arkansas and Texas Includes keys to trees in both summer and winter conditions Compact, field-friendly refernece for students, professionals, tree lovers and native plant enthusiasts.
Reviews
"It was really difficult to find a good guide for trees in the South."
"This was for a friend ... and he loves it."
"My husband enjoys this book a lot."
"This is the best field guide to southeastern trees I have found yet."
"Great book."
"as stated, would buy again."
"Pictures of branches, leaves, seeds, tree trunk, flower, etc."
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Native Plants of the Southeast: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 460 Species for the Garden
They attract beneficial wildlife and insects, they allow a gardener to create a garden that reflects the native beauty of the region, and they make a garden more sustainable. His impressive work covers 460 native plant species and helps us not only identify wild plants, but also details how each can be used in a cultivated garden.” — Carolina Country. “With concise but comprehensive profiles of plants and how they might best be used in conventional garden settings, lavishly enhanced by photography by veteran wildflower photographer Will Stuart, this book should become the go-to resource for southern gardeners eager to break out of the ‘local garden center mode’ and truly express their botanical individuality.” — Salt Magazine.
Reviews
"This is a must have book for the gardener in the SE US who is interested in native plants."
"Borrowed this from the library, and it's such a great book, I bought my own."
"We just moved from our completely remodeled California home to a "fixer-upper" in Georgia and are starting all over again inside and out so I needed to know what will grow in this area."
"Everything you need to know about native plants, with beautiful clear color photographs."
"It is well organized by groups of plants, ferns, grasses, aquatic plants, bog plants, wildflowers, vines, shrubs, conifers and trees."
"I’m a master gardener."
"It is a "coffee table" sized book, but has very useful information for anyone who wants to grow native plants."
"This is a gorgeous book, one of my favorite books period."
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Best Tropical Climate Gardening

The Savage Garden, Revised: Cultivating Carnivorous Plants
This new edition is fully revised to include the latest developments and discoveries in the carnivorous plant world, making it the most accurate and up to date book of its kind. Fully revised with the latest developments in the carnivorous plant world, this new edition includes: • All the basics—from watering and feeding to modern advances in artificial lighting, soil, and fertilizers. "If you're a carnivorous plant aficionado, you will love the book. If you're new to these plants, you too will become hooked."
Reviews
"I asked them for a good book as I had had fair to poor luck over years (including setting up peat bog terrariums that were watered with distilled water....) and managed to keep something alive for about 8 months."
"I call this Book a Manual because there are so much important stuff about how to grow, raise, reproduce, maintain, fertilize and feed Carnivorous Plants that is like a consulting book that stays available to know more and how to solve problems when they arrive with dealing with those amazing unusual plants. But don't get me wrong, No one reads manuals like reading a novel but you will read this book from its first page to the last one.Very well written and very interesting practical information with hundreds of pictures that will clarify your concept of Carnivorous Plants."
"Our pitcher plant is still thriving, and we have added a N. ventricosa to our collection of household pitcher plants in East Bay, CA."
"The first book I bought on carnivorous plants was not the revised edition, but I read it and was enthralled."
"I've tried to grow carnivorous plants before and even living in a state where they are found naturally, I couldn't keep them alive with advice I found on the internet."
"When i learned in high school that even my plain jane home state, Ohio, is native habitat for sundews and pitcher plants, I was hooked."
"I own my own carnivorous plant garden, and I can always look to this book for help, or just fascinating general information. Also, at the back, this book has some interesting information on Triphyophyllum peltatum, a plant that has only one carnivorous stage in its life."
"This edition is no different, while basically the same book there are many new updates from the advances in lighting technology and new cultivars."
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Best Regional

Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, Updated and Expanded
This simple revelation about the food web—and it is an intricate web, not a chain—is the driving force in Bringing Nature Home .” — The New York Times As development and subsequent habitat destruction accelerate, there are increasing pressures on wildlife populations. Such an imbalance, Tallamy declares, can lead to a weakened food chain that will no longer be able to support birds and other animal life. With nothing less than the future of North American biodiversity at stake, Tallamy imparts an encouraging message: it's not too late to save the ecosystem-sustaining matrix of insects and animals, and the solution is as easy as replacing alien plants with natives. Haggas, Carol Bringing Nature Home opens our eyes to an environmental problem of staggering proportions. ( Warwick Beacon ). "This book will not only foster a love of the outdoors in all who read it, but also create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate web of wildlife outside your door." "In an area that is as open and wooded as ours, we may not be aware that there is more to the need for natives than concern about invasive species that upset an ecosystem. "Tallamy makes such a compelling case for the importance of insects to birds that I’ve completely changed the way I garden. "Tallamy illustrates well how gardeners have contributed greatly to tipping the environment off balance and how they are equally able to turn the trend … Plants and insects are integrally intertwined.
Reviews
"This book has made me aware of the decrease in using native plants which results in fewer pollinators in our gardens."
"Just took a class on Prairies in Minnesota and I have a bit of land I am returning to prairie land."
"A good tutorial on why native plants are a better fit for your local environment than the run of the mill nursery or catalog stock."
"this book should be required reading in every school."
"Excellent book,very informative,on why we need to bring natural plants,back to there,natural environment."
"This is the most important book I have read this year."
"This book is packed full to the brim of photographs, information, and reasons why we should be doing these things and how to go about it, and 3 great appendix at the end."
"This book will transform your thinking about nature.....the importance of our understanding of our amazing earth and the plants that bring the sun's energy to earth to sustain all life...including people!."
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Best Coastal Ecosystems

Florida's Living Beaches: A Guide for the Curious Beachcomber
Now, the second edition of this supremely comprehensive guide has even more to satisfy the curious beachcomber, including expanded content and additional accounts with more than 1800 full-color photographs, maps, and illustrations. Blair and Dawn have merged their art, writing, photography, and design in a number of projects, including Florida's Living Beaches: A Beachcomber's Guide , Florida's Seashells , Living Beaches of Georgia and the Carolinas: A Beachcomber's Guide , and Seashells of Georgia and the Carolinas: A Beachcomber's Guide .
Reviews
"This is the perfect book for those who love exploring Florida's beaches and want to learn more about what they find."
"I came to using it after beachcombing with either pictures (preferred) or specimens."
"Good gift for an adult or young beachcomber."
"I learned a lot about beaches and sand movement from the "Beach Features" section."
"What impressed me was seeing that it covers the entire gambit of everything and anything a person may find at the beach, from shells to corals, sponges, jellyfish, land and water animals, plant/tree life, seabeans and seeds and even drift item that commonly wash ashore. As others have mentioned it's full of photographs on every page, a corresponding map telling you where in Florida you'll tend to find each particular item and during what season, and is a well organized, easy and fun to read high quality book."
"If you live in Florida, this is a must."
"What an incredible book!"
"It is so entertaining and informative that you can spend hours with it and you will certainly be referring to it often to identify things that you see on the beach or shells that you collect."
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Best Southwest Region Gardening

Neil Sperry's Complete Guide to Texas Gardening
#4 on Publishers Weekly 's Bestselling Gardening Books list! ...Neil Sperry is the undisputed dean of of Texas gardening....Neil has established himself as Texas' most prominent expert on gardening. One of the more comprehensive nooks containing plants for Pklahoma is Neil Sperry's Complete Guide to Texas Gardening . Serious gardeners pluck Neil Sperry's Complete Guid to Texas Gardening off the shelves at local bookstores almost as soon as the books are put there. If you only have one basic gardening book Neil Sperry's Texas Gardening is the one to have.
Reviews
"We have an inherited nature to want to grow things, this book sparks that desire."
"nice book, good quality even though it is used."
"I have able to choose my flowers to plant each season from the book so when I go to the nursery I know exactly what I need."
"When we moved to Texas everyone recommended this book as the gardening bible for native and well adapted Texas Plants."
"Invaluable reference for Texas home owners to cover a multitude of subjects."
"Easy to review perinials vs annuals- with well defined pictures!"
"I always consult this book when I am in doubtr about what to plant~~ I live in Texas."
"I did not receive book in picture."
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Best West Region Gardening

The New Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (Sunset Western Garden Book (Paper))
In response to this natural evolution, the editors of Sunset-the West's most trusted source of gardening information for more than 80 years-have completely redesigned and updated The Western Garden Book in this new 2012 Ninth Edition. The New Western Garden Book features include: A photo gallery shows the West's most innovative gardens, from all-edibles front yards to stylish water-wise and fire-wise gardens to living walls and green roofs-all with ideas you can use. For more than half a century, Sunset has been helping readers remodel their homes and improve their lives.
Reviews
"No reference to past or common names."
"However, if you're in a pinch for time, you'll probably find the most USEFUL pages to be the first 30 or so (the ones that break plants into groups by regions and shade requirements and whatnot)."
"Very informative on various plants, scrubs, & trees, & it helped a lot in plotting out my new drought tolerant garden."
"The Bible of western garden books!"
"A complete referance guide to plants and planting."
"Have had one of these for years but after an 11-year stint in the Pacific Northwest, I lost everything and had to start over."
"I do NOT have a green thumb."
"Sent it back."
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Best Midwest Region Gardening

Native Plants of the Midwest: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 500 Species for the Garden
Native Plants of the Midwest , by regional plant expert Alan Branhagan, features the best native plants in the heartland and offers clear and concise guidance on how to use them in the garden. “Alan has masterfully infused the spirit of the Midwest into a practical book on native plants for gardeners and naturalists alike.” —Richard Hawke, Plant Evaluation Manager and Associate Scientist at Chicago Botanic Garden “Whether you are a native plant aficionado or simply looking to add regionally appropriate plants to your landscape, this book will become a valued addition to your library.” —Edward S. Lyon, director of Reiman Gardens , Iowa State University. This comprehensive book is perfect for both plant enthusiasts and home gardeners looking to reap the benefits of a native garden.” — Michigan Gardener. “Well designed and richly illustrated, Branhagen’s book will be of value to landscapers, restoration ecologists, and home gardeners interested in creating regionally appropriate landscapes.” — Choice. “Well-researched but accessible plant bible.” — The Columbus Dispatch.
Reviews
"Also, the price is remarkable given the size and scope of book."
"A great book with the best information on plants in my home area that I have found."
"Perfect for the Ohio gardener in my life."
"The best and most inforamtive book I have read on the subject of native plants."
"wonderful book."
"This book is a wonderful resource and the pictures are AMAZING!"
"an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn which plants and trees are the best for providing wildlife habitat."
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Best Canada Region Gardening

Native Plants of the Northeast: A Guide for Gardening and Conservation
With entries for nearly 700 species of native trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, grasses, and wildflowers from the northeastern quarter of the U.S. and eastern Canada, its comprehensive horticultural coverage is unsurpassed by any other single volume. “An important resource for enthusiasts interested in gaining practical insight about gardening with native plants as well as those seeking to restore native plant habitats or enhance biodiversity.” — Library Journal “An encyclopedia of experience.” — The Washington Post. “This is a wonderful book that anyone interested in improving backyards, gardens, and other small stopover areas with native vegitation will want to have handy as an essential reference.” — International Hawkwatcher. “This book will interest readers who, regardless of their educational background, wish to learn about using native plants for gardening.” — Choice. “In addition to the alphabetical categorical listing, appendices list plants grouped according to cultural requirements, giving you a jump start on planning a garden for your particular soil requirements.” — Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Reviews
"The beautiful photos are excellent for plant identification although it would be better if there were more than one photo for each plant showing not just the flower but also more of the leaves, especially before the flower emerges."
"The book is very good."
"I'm propagating native trees to replace ones that have been cut down due to powerline hazards."
"In addition, it describes the plant attributes, how to propagate, the natural range of the plant, and most plants have specific cultivars picked out as superior, and sometimes what roles the plant plays in the ecosystem. Also incredibly useful is the set of lists in the back - plants that tolerate wet soil, plants for dry soil, plants that tolerate shade, plants for butterflies and hummingbirds, plants with fruits for birds, plants with fruits for mammals - all organized by the light tolerance of the plant and plant type."
"If you live in the Northeast and want to have an all or mostly native garden, or even just some native plants, this is the book to get."
"One of the primary botanical references for ecological landscaping (which is primarily based on native species), for wildlife habitat restoration, and for other features like rain gardens or butterfly gardens."
"It is also an excellent book for anyone looking to plant more of our beautiful native plants and eliminate non-natives on their land."
"My bible for ripping out my front lawn and planting a native flowering garden that attracts wildlife, even here in Hartford."
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Best New England Region Gardening

Native Plants of the Northeast: A Guide for Gardening and Conservation
With entries for nearly 700 species of native trees, shrubs, vines, ferns, grasses, and wildflowers from the northeastern quarter of the U.S. and eastern Canada, its comprehensive horticultural coverage is unsurpassed by any other single volume. “An important resource for enthusiasts interested in gaining practical insight about gardening with native plants as well as those seeking to restore native plant habitats or enhance biodiversity.” — Library Journal “An encyclopedia of experience.” — The Washington Post. “This is a wonderful book that anyone interested in improving backyards, gardens, and other small stopover areas with native vegitation will want to have handy as an essential reference.” — International Hawkwatcher. “This book will interest readers who, regardless of their educational background, wish to learn about using native plants for gardening.” — Choice. “In addition to the alphabetical categorical listing, appendices list plants grouped according to cultural requirements, giving you a jump start on planning a garden for your particular soil requirements.” — Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Reviews
"The beautiful photos are excellent for plant identification although it would be better if there were more than one photo for each plant showing not just the flower but also more of the leaves, especially before the flower emerges."
"The book is very good."
"I'm propagating native trees to replace ones that have been cut down due to powerline hazards."
"In addition, it describes the plant attributes, how to propagate, the natural range of the plant, and most plants have specific cultivars picked out as superior, and sometimes what roles the plant plays in the ecosystem. Also incredibly useful is the set of lists in the back - plants that tolerate wet soil, plants for dry soil, plants that tolerate shade, plants for butterflies and hummingbirds, plants with fruits for birds, plants with fruits for mammals - all organized by the light tolerance of the plant and plant type."
"If you live in the Northeast and want to have an all or mostly native garden, or even just some native plants, this is the book to get."
"One of the primary botanical references for ecological landscaping (which is primarily based on native species), for wildlife habitat restoration, and for other features like rain gardens or butterfly gardens."
"It is also an excellent book for anyone looking to plant more of our beautiful native plants and eliminate non-natives on their land."
"My bible for ripping out my front lawn and planting a native flowering garden that attracts wildlife, even here in Hartford."
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Best Pacific Northwest Region Gardening

My Story
Written at the height of her fame but not published until over a decade after her death, this autobiography of actress and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) poignantly recounts her childhood as an unwanted orphan, her early adolescence, her rise in the film industry from bit player to celebrity, and her marriage to Joe DiMaggio. After she was mysteriously found dead of a drug overdose at the age of 36, the movie star became a beloved pop icon.
Reviews
"I thought it was very good, a little heartbreaking."
"Another favorite book in my Marilyn collection, I highly recommend it as a must have."
"Sad but her career and her positive image for over 60 years is not sad at all."
"I usually am attracted to girls with darker features and I assumed she was a very stick on herself Hollywood actress that died from drugs."
"Intriguing but I’m not sure I believe she didn’t know or hadn’t intended to be as sexual as she was."
"I'm enjoying this book."
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Best Middle Atlantic Region Gardening

"A Rich Spot of Earth": Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden at Monticello
The author explores topics ranging from labor in the garden, garden pests of the time, and seed saving practices to contemporary African American gardens. A Rich Spot of Earth lovingly describes the 1000-foot terraced vegetable garden that was restored to its 1812 appearance under the author's able direction. " A Rich Spot of Earth: Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden at Monticello presents a rarely seen side of the man. Here is Jefferson with mud-splattered boots laying out garden beds and carefully setting seeds with dirty hands: a Founding Father not on a lofty pedestal, but joyfully competing with neighbors in an annual contest to see who could bring the first spring peas to table. And it opens up a new and interesting way of thinking about Jefferson, the Founding Father who remains most relevant and malleable for Americans. "Peter Hatch's vibrant and enthusiastic passion for preserving Thomas Jefferson's farming legacy at Monticello reminds us all of the time-tested continuity and historical root of this kind of agriculture. "In this fascinating book, Peter Hatch wonderfully weaves together his deep understanding of Monticello’s soil with his scholarly knowledge of Jefferson’s legacy as a gardener. A Rich Spot of Earth affords us a clear and compelling view into the revolutionary thinking of Jefferson, illuminating for the reader his approach to food, diversity, democracy, and freedom – making the genius of Jefferson, perhaps, as relevant today as at any other time in American history."—P.
Reviews
"It would be a shame if it ended up on, well, coffee tables, to eventually be covered with old magazines or used as a handy coaster or, in better circles, to perform a merely decorative "house beautiful" function. The author, Peter Hatch, Director of Grounds and Gardens at Monticello, also pays homage to the African-American slaves whose labor built Jefferson's gardens and whose own garden plots often supplied the big house. The second half is a detailed look at many of the vegetables grown in the gardens, including cultural information. His frustrating experiences with melon growing will be familiar to anyone who has tried."
"Having had the privilege of hearing Mr. Hatch lecture, I had to have his book."
"A well written and researched book by Peter Hatch, Monticello's Director of Grounds for over thirty years."
"Great book for those interested in Thomas Jefferson and his magnificent gardens at Monticello."
"I built an illustrated lecture (PowerPoint) around this valuable resource of historic gardening practices."
"I am going to finally get my garden going next spring with seeds ordered from Baker's Creek."
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