cultivars . He is very clear in his reasons for writing the book : “ Given the horticultural and ecological importance of urban conifers , it is vital that all of us do our part to restore conifers to our urban environment .”
More than just a gardening book , “ Growing Conifers ” is a good introduction to the botany of conifers . The narrative description of each genus and species gives clues to help with identification , as do the excellent photographs by David Perry . It also explains the origins of the beloved dwarf forms , including many discovered in the Pacific Northwest , either as mutations in the wild or in nurseries .
The author walks the reader through the
process of assessing a garden and developing a design , with the liberal use of suitable conifers . But he doesn ’ t stop there . He also gives careful instructions for planting and sustainable care of these long-lived plants , and even the basics of propagation .
The design elements also include good companion plants — for example , clematis , especially those species adapted to lean soil . Albers believes neighboring plants should share the same cultural requirements , however , “ sometimes rules can be broken for the sake of a greater good […] for the sake of creating a beautiful garden vignette that warms the heart and soothes the soul .”
CREATING A JAPANESE-STYLE GARDEN AT HOME
In the Summer and Fall 2020 issues of “ The Bulletin ,” I highlighted the most popular books in the Miller Library collection on Japanese gardening and Japanese style gardens . At the time , I was frustrated that the collection lacked a good book on how to apply these principles on a small scale . None of the books had the detailed steps needed for incorporating Japanese elements in a home garden .
That book has now been published . “ Japanese Gardening : A Practical Guide to Creating a Japanese-Style Garden with 700 Step-By-Step Photographs ” provides a collection of projects that will engage the do-it-yourself gardener and allow as little or as much Japanese influence as desired . Author Charles Chesshire and photographer Alex Ramsay show you “ how to create a beautiful and individual Japanese garden .” m
Brian R . Thompson is the manager and curator of the Elisabeth C . Miller Library of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens . He is also a member of the “ Bulletin ” Editorial Board .
Bibliography
Albers , John and David Perry ( photographs ). “ Growing Conifers : The Complete Illustrated Gardening and Landscaping Guide .” Gabriola Island , BC : New Society Publishers , 2021 . ISBN : 9780865719569 , $ 39.99 .
Benzakein , Erin , Jill Jorgensen , Julie Chai , and Chris Benzakein ( photographs ). “ Floret Farm ’ s A Year in Flowers : Designing Gorgeous Arrangements for Every Season .” San Francisco : Chronicle Books , 2020 . ISBN : 9781452172897 , $ 29.95 .
Benzakein , Erin , Jill Jorgensen , Julie Chai , and Chris Benzakein ( photographs ). “ Floret Farm ’ s Discovering Dahlias : A Guide to Growing and Arranging Magnificent Blooms .” San Francisco : Chronicle Books , 2021 . ISBN : 9781452181752 , $ 24.95 .
Chesshire , Charles and Alex Ramsay ( photographs ). “ Japanese Gardening : A Practical Guide to Creating a Japanese-Style Garden with 700 Step-By-Step Photographs .” London : Lorenz Books / Anness Publishing , 2020 . ISBN : 9780754834953 , $ 25.00 .
Fienup-Riordan , Ann , Alice Rearden , Marie Meade , Kevin Jernigan ( text and photographs ), Jacqueline Cleveland ( photographs ), Sharon Birzer ( illustrations ), and Richard W . Tyler ( illustrations ). “ Yungcautnguuq Nunam Qainga Tamarmi = All the Land ’ s Surface Is Medicine : Edible and Medicinal Plants of Southwest Alaska .” Fairbanks : University of Alaska Press , 2020 . ISBN : 9781602234222 , $ 28.95 .
Friends of the Rogerson Clematis Collection . “ A Passion for Clematis : Celebrating 50 years of the Rogerson Clematis Collection .” Lake Oswego , OR : Friends of the Rogerson Clematis Collection , 2021 . ISBN : 9780578877426 , $ 15.00 .
Geall , Christin . “ Cultivated : The Elements of Floral Style .” New York : Princeton Architectural Press , 2020 . ISBN : 9781616898205 , $ 27.50
Shoroplova , Nina . “ Legacy of Trees : Purposeful Wandering in Vancouver ’ s Stanley Park .” Victoria , BC : Heritage , 2020 . ISBN : 9781772033038 , $ 29.95 .
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