The Hardy Plant Society of Oregon

Selected Book Reviews

The HPSO Library Committee acquires materials on a broad range of garden-related and horticulture-related topics. Most are newly published books, although some are revised and expanded versions of old standbys, and some are classic favorites. We invite members to stop by the HPSO office for a look at what's available in our large collection. We're certain that you'll find the book, or books, that are on your "must read" list.

Here, we offer you book reviews (by anyone we can convince to do them!) to entice you into the library. Note: Reviewers are solely responsible for the opinions, biases, etc., expressed in the reviews. We welcome new reviews by members; they don't need to be very lengthy; if you have something short and sweet to say - or something longer - send it to us by email. We will attempt to publish all appropriate reviews

The following reviews, by several members of the library committee, and compilations from other sources, originally appeared in recent HPSO Newsletters.

The New Low-Maintainence Garden by Valerie Easton is....inspiring to all gardeners, experienced and new to gardening, because she teaches us that by using simple, thoughtful designs and select plants, we can have beautiful, creative gardens without constant, tiresome upkeep and truely enjoy our gardens! Easton introduces us to many innovative gardeners with stunning photos of their outstanding gardens. These include extensive and well-designed kitchen gardens, native plant gardens, sustainable gardens and even an urban deck garden. The garden of Portland designer Lauren Hall-Behrens is featured.
(The book) describes how to design with smart hardscape, use sustainable or green practices, create easy-care containers and incorporate edibles. In addition, a critical chapter is devoted to "plant picks" with lists and descriptions of a sampling of low maintainence perennials, ground covers, shrubs and trees to give you "maximum pleasure for time and work invested." All gardeners will find many helpful ideas in Easton's book in order to design their gardens for respite and reward in this ever more hectic world. written by Carol Gaynor, Library Committee Chair.

Trees for All Seasons by Sean Hogan aims to direct gardeners in Portland and world-wide to a new world of exceptional and versatile trees that so far are largely underused, including the Japanese star anise, multiple varieties of exquisite magnolias, and the tropical-like large shrub, Telopea speciossima, just to name a few.
This book includes more than 370 photographs and detailed descriptions of choice trees from East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South America, and the western United States.These shrubs and trees will add year-round interest to our gardens, with their variations of foliage, bark, flowers and fruit. This new book will fill a void by sharing a world of indispensable plants to all who read it.
written by Carol Gaynor, Library Committee Chair.

The Clark County Study Group reviewed Gardening with Woodland Plants by Karen Junker in the January-February 2009 newsletter. From Vickie Swalling, "If I have a theme to my garden, it would be woodland, so I always have my eye out for books that will give me more insight into gardening under fir trees. Her book proved to be a treasure trove of new plant ideas, and practical who-to's, all written in an easy-to-follow style."
Irene Moss said, "I chose this book because the cover reminded me of my childhood playground. Even if you don't have a woodland garden, a few shady areas under trees and shrubs will surely benefit from this volume. I subsequently bought this book.

In Fall 2008 several new books were reviewed. The Welcoming Garden, Designing your own Front Garden, by Gordon Hayward. "A staightforward guide to creating entry gardens that refresh and enliven the spirit....practical advice for crafting walls, fences and gates; placing walkways and ornaments near the front door; pots in the garden; whether to have a lot of lawn or a little; sitting areas; and much more, always with a keen overview of general style and functionality." (Midwest Book Review)

Elements of Organic Gardening, Highgrove, Clarence House, Birkhall by H.R.H The Prince of Wales. Long before organic went mainstream, Prince Charles was an avid proponent. He recommended improving soils with compost instead of pouring on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. He also advocated recycling kitchen and garden waste for compost and collecting rainwater to provide moisture for plants. He put his money and his influence behind (his ideas), most notably at his Highgrove estate...."The combination of beautiful photographs by Andrew Lawson and barrow loads of hands on practical advice from the Prince's gardeners make this a very alluring, but also useful book."
(Christian Science Monitor and County Life)

Gardening at the Dragon's Gate by Wendy Johnson. "Johnson is a hands-on, on-her-knees gardener, and she shares with the reader a wealth of practical hints and wide-ranging garden lore. But she is also a lover of the untamed and weedy, and she evokes through her exquisite prose and abiding appreciation for the earth...both cultivated and forever wild...in a book sure to earn a place in the great tradition of American nature writing." (RandomHouse.com)
"Johnson's intimate relationship with the earth and her creatures is shared with the reader in a style that allows you to participate and learn from the experiences she describes in establishing, managing and harvesting prolific organic communal gardens in Marin County, California. The book is both a pleasure read, and a facinating practical guide. Just the section on composting is worth the price of the ticket." by Lisa Fuller, Library Committee member.

Making Gardens Works of Art by Keeyla Meadows. "A beautifully illustrated guide to creating living, growing, breathing artworks of greenery in one's own backyard or greenhouse. Packed with vibrant color photographs showcasing some truely splendid and stunning examples of gardening artistry, (the book) is a superbly practical, informative, and delightful book for devoted horticulturalists seeking to turn their traditional gardens into thriving, blooming, living works of botanical art." (Midwest Book Review)

Plant Solutions for Every Garden by Nigel Colborn. "This book is a winner. I especially appreciate the cross-referencing to other plants in the book, which helps you understand companion planting, and the planting schemes, which also helps you comprehend plant matches. Be ready to use this book on a daily basis. This one will not get dusty sitting on a shelf! by Beth Brandon, Library Committee member.
Carol Gaynor, Library Committee Chair, also reviewed this book. "This is an extensive directory and invaluable resource of over a thousand plants for all kinds of growing conditions and unique porposes related to your garden. Each plant listed has a high quality photograph, a clear description, a summary of cultivation needs, and suggestions for companion plants. Gardeners can use cross references to other plants for design ideas and planting schemes. The author also includes a helpful summary of planting for color schemes, foliage effects, and fragrance for creative and pleasureable gardening."

Great Gardens of the Philadelphia Region by Adan Levine, was donated by Nancy Goldman recently. The book has detailed information on more than 40 public gardens in an area considered "the epicenter of horticulture in the United States." This guide to the area's gardens has nearly 200 photographs highlighting unique features of each garden and important tips and maps for residents and visitors. by Carol Gaynor, Library Committee Chair.