A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There
by Aldo Leopold
Published in 1945, this is a book of essays about nature and conservation that some call the conservation bible and many gardeners, including me, read over and over. It has predictions that are startlingly true today.
How Plants Work: The Science Behind the Amazing Things Plants Do
by Linda Chalker-Scott, 2015.
This book presents plant physiology that is relevant to gardening. Linda Chalker-Scott has an excellent website and is well known for her articles on “Gardening Myths” that use science based information to challenge many garden trends and practices. At Washington State University she is an Extension Urban Horticulturist at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center and an Associate Professor of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Washington State University. She also has 2 Affiliate Associate Professor positions at the University of Washington. She co-founded and hosts the Garden Professors blog. More of her books are listed below.
Real Gardens Grow Natives: Design, Plant & Enjoy a Healthy Northwest Garden
by Eileen M Stark, 20014
Very readable and has profiles and growing information on about 100 native plants, with advice on organic gardening.
Subirdia: Sharing Our Neighborhoods with Wrens, Robins, Woodpeckers, and Other Wildlife
by John M. Marzluff and Jack Delap, 2014
Marzluff is a professor at the University of Washington and this book is entertaining and informative about how to understand and be good neighbors with birds.
The Conscientious Gardener: Cultivating a Garden Ethic
by Sarah Reichard, 2011
Sarah Reichard was a Professor of Conservation Biology at the University of Washington. The book provides fascinating background information and guidelines for environmentally conscious management of home landscapes.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World
by Peter Wohlleben, 2014
Science based information that shows us how trees communicate, feel, and live in social networks. It totally changed how I think of trees. This is on loan but I hope to have it back soon. There is also a book called The Secret Lives of Trees, but I recommend this Hidden Life of Trees.
The Informed Gardener and
The Informed Gardener Blooms Again
by Linda Chalker- Scott, 2008 and 2010.
Information on the author is above in the description of How Plants Work. She uses science and research to expose gardening myths and provides information on valid evidence based, sustainable gardening.
Gardening for a Lifetime
by Sydney Eddison, 2010
Though written by a gardener who has a huge garden and hired help, this book provides some practical strategies for scaling back gardening while still keeping up with the activities that you enjoy the most. It is also out on loan at the moment.
Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest
by Arthur R. Kruckeberg and Linda Chalker-Scott, 2019
Kruckeberg’s
Kruckeberg was professor of botany at the University of Washington for nearly four decades, and his earlier edition ofGardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest was the standard reference for many years. He also cofounded the Washington Native Plant Society, and died shortly before this latest edition authored with Chalker-Scott was published.
Nature’s Best Hope; A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard
By Douglas W Tallamy, 2019
Douglas Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware. Describes how individuals can take the initiative in preserving the environment and provides information on how we can make our yards conservation zones and provide wildlife habitats.
Decoding Gardening Advice: The Science Behind the 100 Most Common Recommendations
By Jeff Gillman and Meleah Manyard, 1012
Jeff Gillman is a professor of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. He categorizes gardening advice as “Good, Debatable, and Just Wrong”, and provides “The Real Dirt” advice. He also wrote The Truth About Organic Gardening: 2008, and The Truth about Garden Remedies: 2008, which are dated but almost entirely valid. and is a co-founder of The Garden Professors website and blog.
