What’s on your bookshelf?
The famed “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants” by Michael Dirr, “Southern Plants for Landscaping” by Odenwald and Turner, an old LEED New Construction manual, countless saved and dog-eared Garden Design, Fine Gardening, and Landscape Architecture magazines, and “10,000 Garden Questions answered by Experts” put together by the American Garden Guild are all stacked on my bookshelf. The last known copyright date of the garden questions book is somewhere between 1950 and 1975. Apparently, some garden secrets transcend time.
Despite what you do or don’t have on your bookshelf, there is always room to add more to your shelves. But, what to add? If you peruse the gardening/landscape section of Boarders or Barnes and Noble, you will find countless books with shiny covers and crisp pages. Do not be fooled, however, some of the less appealing covers can have the most valuable information. As is the case for most of Michael Dirr’s books. The information inside is valued by many if not all of the people in this profession. A fellow Father Nature plant nerd claims it’s like “reading sandpaper.” There is truth behind his humor, but nonetheless if you want accurate and quality information about plants, Michael Dirr is the author for you.
Other recommended books include:
- “Gardens are for People” Thomas Church
- “Color Schemes for the Flower Garden” Gertrude Jekyll
- “The Education of a Gardener” Russell Page
For a read more along the lines of “eye candy,” flip through magazines such as “Garden Design,” “Fine Gardening,” and “Organic Gardening.” This month, “Fine Gardening” provides you with “100 skills to make you a better gardener.” I won’t give anything away, but you just might learn something.
Don’t hesitate to call or email us here at Father Nature. After looking through “Garden Design” you will probably be inspired to do so. We can help. It is what we love to do.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask for other book suggestions or to consult with the office book nerd.
Happy reading.
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:12 am
A great book for designers is “A Pattern Language” by Christopher Alexander. It is originally intended to focus on architecture, but can also branch to any social or environmental service. It also takes a close look at pattern across scales… from a city-scape to a single room. Check it out. This is a must for anyone engaged in the design industry! (Thanks to David Spooner for enlightening me.)