Encouraging conservation of our nation's natural resources has always been a concern of National Garden Clubs and the Garden Clubs of Illinois. The current Illinois state president urges everyone to "Make Every Drop Count." Two new books authored by Graham Clarke are good reading for anyone interested in doing just that.

WATER-SAVING GARDENS

A must read if you’re interested in making “Every Drop Count.” Although written by a British gardener there are some excellent tips on developing a water-saving garden here in the US. His directory of low-water plants is comprehensive and useful and the section devoted to a “cloche” for growing earlier crops was particularly interesting. With many of us facing up to the need to deal with hot summers and water restrictions, it is a book whose time has come. Trade Paperback $14.95, ISBN 089-1-86108-484-2 Graham Clarke. Guild of Master Craftsman, Sterling distributors.

SUCCESS WITH SUN-LOVING PLANTS

This book reminds the reader that sun-loving plants can be a gardener’s friend when days are long and the sun is HOT! And even more so when drought threatens and there’s little rain in sight. The author suggests providing some shade even for sun-loving plants and provides ways to do just that. Plenty of specifics on plant, tree and shrub selection. Author Graham Clarke has written an easy to understand and helpful book for those of us who truly enjoy those brilliant annuals and perennials that thrive in the sun, but whose water needs must still be met. $14.95 Trade paperback. ISBN 978-1-86108-474-. Guild of Master Craftsman, Sterling distributors.

THE GARDENER PRIMER

This is a completely-revised edition of Barbara Damrosch’s bestseller The Gardener Primer introduced 20 years ago and still a popular resource.This is a completely organic edition “greener than ever.” Hers is a down-to-earth approach. No color plates but wonderful drawings and the 26 page Appendix provides one of the most comprehensive sets of lists from Plant Societies through organizations geared to Native Plants, Inspiration, and General Gardening. Add to that a workable index, and it becomes one of the most useful books for the serious gardener. This would be a wonderful Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift for the gardeners in the family. Bound to become dog-eared with use!$18.95 paperback, Workman Publishing, ISBN-13:978-0-7611-2275. 820 pages.

THE WILDLIFE GARDENER'S GUIDE

Just released! Another guide from Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. This is for anyone who wants a garden that draws in birds, butterflies, and wildlife of every sort. Plenty of How-to’s: How to create a Bird Garden; How to create a Flower Border for Wildlife and more. A slender volume whose size belies its value as a reference Trade paperback $9.95, ISBN: 978-2-889538-37-2

The Green Gardener’s Guide

The Green Gardener’s Guide is all about protecting our planet by taking a series of simple steps as gardeners to conserve and preserve. The author, Jo Lamp’l, is known for his PBS series Garden SMART and his weekly newspaper column, “The Gardener Within.” This is a valuable handbook for the environmentally minded gardener. Primary focus is WATER with plenty of practical suggestions for everyone. February release. Cool Springs Press. 63 pages. Tradepaper $16.95. ISBN 9 78774 569032.

John Brookes Garden and Landscape Designer

John Brookes Garden and Landscape Designer is a book worthy of its subject. Enjoy page after page of exciting photographs and drawings. His English Walled Garden at Chicago Botanic Garden is included among the many outstanding ones featured. Drawings are exquisite and detailed. Get acquainted with this world famous landscape artist and take a garden tour at the same time. Produced by London's Conran Octopus Press. $39.95 for a book you will visit time and time again. ISBN 978-1-840910448-1

The Homeowner’s Complete Tree and Shrub Handbook

It’s not too early to think about what trees and shrubs you may add to your landscape this spring. The Homeowner’s Complete Tree and Shrub Handbook will provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision. You will be guided by the elements of line, form, texture, and color, provided with a very detailed section on specific trees and shrubs, and learn what maintenance and care is necessary for health and beauty of the trees and shrubs you select. Penelope O’Sullivan’s 426 page book is filled with an abundance of photographs and graphics. We predict this will become “dog eared” from use as a dependable reference for gardeners everywhere. Storey Publishing, $29.95 paper; ISBN 978-1-58017-570-8.

500 CACTI

Serious about cacti? Firefly’s “500 Cacti” is unquestionably one of the books you should own. More than 500 pages with stunning color photographs of 500 cacti. Anyone interested in starting a collection will find its list of Easy-to-grow Cacti for beginners a great beginning. This book is devoted entirely to one species, Cactaceae. Published by Firefly, Ken Preston-Mafham, author. $29.95 hardcover.

WINDOW BOXES INDOORS & OUT

“Window Boxes Indoors & Out”. If I were to add only one book to my summer reading bookshelf this would be it! As an enthusiastic “window box maker” I found loads of great ideas for them, just as the title promises for all four seasons. Your flea market finds or antique containers, not to mention empty egg shells will prove useful in assembling a unique windowbox. Ideas abound. Photography a standout. Storey, $16.95, James Cramer & Dean Johnson.

RODALE'S VEGETABLE GARDEN PROBLEM SOLVER

How does your garden grow? Homegrown vegetables are the joy of every gardener. If you want to be more successful do consider picking up Rodale’s spring release, "Rodale’s Vegetable Garden Problem Solver". This book is a well-organized, authoritative guide with an emphasis on avoiding problems before they appear. Almost any you may encounter are covered. Fern Marshall Bradley. Paperback $19.95, 416 pages.

ORCHIDELIRIUM

This is one of the most beautiful books released this spring. Harold Feinstein’s photographs of orchids are breathtaking! It is difficult to imagine anyone who loves orchids not wanting to own this book, an oversized, elegant paen to orchids of every variety and color. Introductory text was written by Robert H. Hesse, a certified orchid judge for more than 20 years. Dramatic, beautifully produced, a coffee table book to be enjoyed and admired -- 100 color plates, each one a work of art. A gift book for oneself or for your favorite orchid fancier! Bullfinch Press. $50 Worth every penny!

How to Build Your Own Greenhouse

When summer gardens flourish it’s difficult to remember how much we would appreciate having a greenhouse ready for the arrival of winter. “How to Build Your Own Greenhouse” provides all the information you need with designs and plans that can be adjusted to your own desires. This is a serious, step-by-step workbook. Chapter 13 is a favorite of this reviewer with its ten types of greenhouse plans to consider. Perhaps space and time, not to mention carpentry talent, dictates a simple cold frame or window greenhouse. Whatever your requirements the answers are in this book. Now is the time to explore possible locations, prepare for foundation pourings, or perhaps look into a “kit greenhouse.” Roger Marshall has predicted your questions and dilemmas. He makes your decision making easy and once it’s built provides a full chapter on upkeep. This could be a perfect Father’s Day gift. Storey Publishing, Roger Marshall, 264 pages. Illustrations. Paper: $24.95.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HARDY PLANTS

Derek Fell’s Encyclopedia of Hardy Plants hits the book shelves in April, just in time for the serious gardener determined to plant who in spite of the challenges of Midwest weather wants to stretch his gardening horizons. Next year’s winter won’t have you worrying about what plants will survive and which won’t. You’ll have some 675 plants to choose from when planning and planting this spring’s garden and adding to it this fall.

Fell is knowledgable but not pedantic. He takes a fresh approach to the climate zone system, even encouraging a gardener to identify the micro-climates that exist in the home landscape. Ornamental plants are listed according to their botanical names, cross-referencing with common names, a boon for horticulture flower show classification chairmen. This book will not gather dust on your bookshelves if you’re determined to challenge the sometimes harsh midwest winters. Hardcover with jacket $29.95, Firefly Books. ISBN 1-55407-240-9.

WOODCHUCK'S GUIDE TO GARDENING

A pleasant mix of commonsense organic gardening and storytelling. In its sixth edition author Ron Krupp’s chatty style makes this a very readable book. He has divided it into seasons with many practical gardening tips, annecdotes, and unexpected extras like a recipe for dandelion wine or the theme garden where squash grew in the seats of old rusty automobiles in his Junkyard Garden. Krupp is an experienced gardener and shares his knowledge in easy-to-read prose. Fun reading, plenty of down to earth advice. Revolution Booksellers ISBN 0915731053 $16.95. Tel. 1-800-637-6603

DELPHINIUMS

From the stunningly beautiful blue cover through its 160 pages of comprehensive information, “Delphiniums” is a winner! To this editor’s knowledge this may be the only book currently available that is dedicated solely to this stunning favorite in our garden borders. The section devoted to the growing of delphiniums will be especially helpful to most gardeners. Anyone who enjoys using delphiniums in floral designs or showing them in the horticulture division of shows will value the information on delphiniums for cutting. Annual larkspurs are covered too. Practical tips, interesting information on wild cultivars, and more. David and Shirley Bassett. Timber Press. Hard cover $29.95 ISBN 978-0-88192-800-6

THE ENGLISH ROSES, David Austin

This is tops on my list. Undoubtedly this stunning book authored by David Austin, originator of English Roses, will delight every gardener whether they have a full blown rose garden or not. Not only are the photographs breathtaking, but the text is a veritable treasure trove of information. In his first book in ten years, Austin includes 40 of his recent introductions, along with 40 of his best-loved and time-tested favorites. Those of us fortunate to have enjoyed these unique roses in the past will be tempted to add more of them to our gardens this summer. Austin has an enchanting way of admitting to a rose's weakness yet at that time challenging the reader to remember "All roses - like all people - have their faults."

I cannot think of a nicer housewarming gift for a new bride or a new homeowner than one of (or several) Austin roses accompanied by this book. And purchase one for yourself of course! ISBN-10: 0-88192-753-8. 304 pages; 350 color photos. Timber Press. In hardcover $39.95.

OUTDOOR LIVING, Lee Anne White

As Illinois summertime approaches, this book will give you some ideas for expanding your living space out of doors. Part of a series of house & home books, Taunton's latest idea book is "Outdoor Living." Offers a lot of specific suggestions for such diverse things as to an outdoor kichen counter design toile-mosaic finials for an outdoor stairs. Brimming over with suggestions. ISBN 1-56158-757-5. $19.95. Lee Anne White

100 ORCHIDS for the AMERICAN GARDENER, Elvis McDonald

Who doesn't like orchids? Handy size reference book includes a Field Guide to 100 orchids, along with other information. Well known horticulturist Elvin McDonald put this together. $17.95.Workman Publishing.

INCREDIBLE VEGETABLES FROM SELF-WATERING CONTAINERS

Author Ed Smith has taken container gardening to a new level with his book, "Incredible Vegetables for Self-Watering Containers. Profusely illustrated and a practical approach to the problems associated with self-watering containers. Has tips for selecting plants at a nursery -- how to keep slugs from entering the water reservoir -- his secret soil formula - combination planting. Perhaps this is the spring to try a few container gardens for vegetables. If so, this book will prove tremendously helpful. Storey, $19.95. paperback ISBN 1-58017-557-0

HOUSEPLANT HELP

Many of us depend upon houseplants to satisfy our urge to garden in a Midwest winter. Storey has published a great reference book, "The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual," that is just what you need. It covers both blooming and foliage plants, offering lots of "know-how" for keeping, and enjoying (as well as identifying) some 160 indoor plants. If you've ever over-nurtured or over-watered a favorite plant, you'll wish Author Barbara Pleasant's book had been available years ago. Her troubleshooting wisdom is couched in easily understood terms. Whether you're a novice or a rabid fan of a specific plant, you can't help but treasure this book. An informative 384 pages with beautiful photographs, Storey Publishing, $24.95 trade paperback. ISBN 1-58017-569-4.

WINTER AND SPRING READING

Published last winter, Storey's "The Perennial Gardener's Design Primer" is another valuable book to read before planning next Spring's garden. Pour over those nursery catalogs arriving in your mail boxes and turn to this book for some sound advice. The first part deals with basics of practical design. The second part provides 20 garden plans just begging for you to study and analyze, and the third part is devoted to what these two perennial enthusiast authors discovered while working in their own gardens. Storey Publishing, 320 pages with full-color photographs and illustrations. $34.95 jacketed hardcover. ISBN: 1-58017-545-7.

WINTER LANDSCAPE

Tired of looking out at a dreary, grey winter landscape? Next year's view will be different if you take some advice from a new book "Wonders of the Winter Landscape." Discover a wealth of information about shrubs and trees that can brighten midwest wintry gardens. A hundred color photos will tempt you to rethink cold-weather plantings.

Learn how to introduce shrubs and trees whose color, form, and texture will add visual excitement throughout the winter season. 154 pages with 100 color photographs, $24.95. Ball Publishing, Vincent A. Simeone. In bookstores now or through the Independent Publishers Group (Toll free number for orders only 1-800-888-4741.)

Firefly's Encyclopedia of Trees

Before we know it will be time to consider Spring planting of a tree or two. We especially like a new one from Firefly Books (released this past September), "Firefly's Encyclopedia of Trees." Botanist Steve Cafferty at the Natural History Museum in London edited this recently released and comprehensive reference on trees. The book is exceptionally well-organized and beautifully illustrated with color illustrations and photographs. All entries are ordered by family and information of tree structures, root systems, leaf shapes and functions, flowers, and fruit will satisfy the most serious reader, yet be easily understood by anyone simply interested in trees. Published by Firefly Books ISBN 1-55407-05101. $49.95. This would make a beautiful holiday (or birthday) gift. In bookstores or call 1-800-387-5085.

History buffs who also love trees cannot help but be enthralled by Jeffrey G. Meyer's book, "America's Famous and Historic Trees." This book is loaded with information on our country's greatest trees, especially those associated with historical events or famous people. It is a great companion to the Historic Tree Nursery project of American Forests. Houghton Mifflin, $30.00 hard cover. ISBN 0-618-06891-0. We recommend this (and the companion catalog from the Nursery) to garden clubs considering planting a tree as part of National Garden Club's Patriotic Tree project.

Orchids for Dummies

Have you always been somewhat intimidated when it comes to growing orchids? If so, consider reading one or both of these two books.

Orchids are experiencing ever-growing popularity. Two very different new books address orchid growing. "Orchids for Dummies" takes the mystery out of selecting and caring for orchids. Written by a knowledgable author, Steven Frowine. Modestly priced and easy to follow with tips aplenty for success with this delightful plant. ISBN 0-7645-6759-4. $16.99. If you've been tempted to add orchids to your hort repertoire, buy this book!

"The Gardener's Guide to Growing Hardy Perennial Orchids" will open your eyes to a new world, including how to grow wild orchids in your home garden. The author Dr. William Mathus has written an easy-to-read and interesting book, replete with color photographs and drawings. Mathis writes that "Successful growing of wild orchids isn't complicated" and he follows his statement up with easy to follow step-by-step information on the world of terrestrial orchids. Mathis heads up the Wild Orchid Company. Order a copy through www.WildOrchidCompany.com

The Perennial Gardener's Design Primer

Wintry days are likely to find you poring over those nursery catalogs arriving in your mail boxes. If creating a stunning garden with emphasis on perennials is your goal, read "The Perennial Gardener's Design Primer." This book is divided into three parts. The first deals with the basics of practical garden design, including plant selection, siting, and even paths, fencing, and lighting. The second part provides 20 garden plans just begging for you to study and analyze. The third part is devoted to what these two perennial enthusiast authors have experienced in their own gardens. Great photography, practical advice, and bound to satisfy the "gardening" book worm in you! Introduced last February 2005. Storey Publishing, 320 pages with full-color photographs and illustrations throughout. $34.95 jacketed hardcover; ISBN: 1-58017-545-7

WONDERS of the WINTER LANDSCAPE

On a cold, blustery winter's day, what could be more appropriate than to open the pages of a book that inspires gardeners to add color, form, and texture to their winter gardens? Find a wealth of information in "Wonders of the Winter Landscape: Shrubs and Trees to Brighten the Cold-Weather Garden" by Vincent A. Simeone. Put into place some of his suggestions and winter will no longer be an "off season" for enjoying cold weather garden beauty. A hundred color photos will certainly tempt the reader to explore those nursery catalogs that arrive in the mail in January. While doing so, refer back to this book for specific plants that are guaranteed to transform an otherwise boring winter garden into an exciting experience. 154 pages with 100 color photographs, $24.95. Available in bookstores or through Independent Publishers Group (Toll free number for orders only 1-800-888-4741

The American Horticultural Society
A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDEN PLANTS

Whether you're a weekend gardener or a landscape professional, a newcomer to the joys of gardening, or just want to have a working knowledge of garden plants, this is the book for you. More than 1,000 pages, it is beautifully organized for ease of use as a major resource. This is a complete revision of an earlier edition issued seven years ago.

Full-color photographs are used throughout the book, a boon for quick identification. This reviewer especially appreciated the plant directory. With cross-references to previous or common names it should be particularly useful for flower show horticulture chairmen in charge of classification.

A successful, monumental effort on the part of Dr. H. Marc Cathey who served as editor-in-chief, and The American Horticultural Society. Dr. Cathey is President Emeritus of the Society and spent 37 years at the USDA.

A book to cherish, to refer to for straightforward answers, and simply to enjoy. DK Publishing. ISBN:0-7566-0616-0. Hardcover. $80

Two books from Shorey's Potting Shed Reference Books.

Folks who have discovered the joys of watching seeds sprout into blooming plants are sure to appreciate the down-to-earth advice found in "The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed to Bloom." If you've never considered starting seedlings in cardboard tubes from towels, toilet paper or the like, you may be tempted to try. Starting easy-to-grow seeds in an egg carton sounds like a terrific way for young gardens to try their hand at growing from seeds.

This book is far more than that, however. Author Eileen Powell offers a particularly helpful planting guide and suggestions on how to use it. She provides listings of nurseries who specialize in seeds, along with their addresses. Pages devoted to photos of plants and their light and soil requirements, along with bloom season and hardiness are remarkably complete. Again this book should be a boon to Flower Show committees responsible for hort identification. Easy to carry, a paperback of 528 pages, $24.95, ISBN 1-58017-517-1

The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food is bound to intrigue the dedicated organic gardener. Learn how companion planting can replace insecticides in your garden. Tanya L.K. Denckla is an organic gardener herself and recommends it as a great way-of-life for the dedicated gardener/environmentalist. There is a lot of information presented in this book, easily found, and ready to put into practice.

A one-stop spot to learn a lot about organic gardening. Storey, 485 pages, $22.95.

Weather Vagaries

With memories of high winds, downpours and hail still fresh in Illinois' gardeners minds, a new book from Storey Publishing is well worth reading. You can't beat "The Weather-Resilient Garden" for tips on defensive gardening.

The book features three parts: Buffer-defense gardening; Triage, suggestions of what to do when disaster hits, and an Encyclopedia listing 100 weather-tough plants. Plenty of illustrations in its 416 pages and the $19.95 price makes this Charles W. G. Smith book a bargain! ISBN: 1-58017-516-3. Refer to this book when planning next year's garden.

From A to Z

Still another worthy addition to your book shelf is Storey Publishing's "The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Flowers from Seed to Bloom." This is one of the books in Storey Publishing's Potting Bench reference series and a worthy companion to Storey's best-selling "The Flower Gardener's Bible." $24.95 paperback. ISBN: 1-58017-517-1

Container Gardening

This writer found real inspiration in a book released this spring entitled "Container Gardening." By combining unexpected houseplants and striking color choices, the author shows just how creative container gardening can be and how exciting even a limited outdoor space can become. Designers are sure to relish its emphasis on color, texture, and non-pedestrian pots. Inpect your containers vintage 2004 in the light of Paul Williams' book. Determine to update their look for next summer. Hardcover $25.00; ISBN: 0-7566-0372-2

Flowers for the Table

Find inspiration for your home (and flower show) arrangements in Ariella Chezar's "Flowers for the Table." Twenty full-color photographs showing tables running the gamut from traditional to contemporary. Lots of ideas for combining branches, blossoms, and garage sale finds. Chronicle Books $22.95. A wonderful gift for yourself or a friend.ISBN: 0-8118 -2965-0

Tree and Shrub Handbook

Morton Arboretum recently released an easy-to-use reference handbook dealing with selection and care of trees and shrubs. This is a great resource for gardeners.Whatever you need to know about pests, diseases, planting, pruning and related maintenance matters is included. The cost of the Handbook is $50 and it's worth every penny. This would make a great gift for the gardener in your life. Available in the Arboretum Store (630-729-2454) or the website (www.mortonarb.org), or by mail addressed to the Arboretum Store, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532-1293.

Rock Gardens

If you have a rock garden or would like to create one, the North America Rock Garden Society has a helpful guide entitled "A Rock Garden Handbook for Beginners" $9.95. Order from the NARGS, Book Service, RR 5, Box 5820, Monkton, PA 29540.

Common to this Country: Botanical Discoveries of Lewis and Clark

Susan H. Munger

This would make a great gift for any gardener/historian you know, as well as for yourself. An appropriate bit of timing as we prepare to celebrate the bi-centennial of Merriwether Lewis and William Clark's famed 2 year expedition (1804-1806).

Now familiar plants were unknown before these legendary explorers discovered them. For example -- in the spring of 1805, the duo sent a specimen of the narrow-leaf purple coneflower to President Thomas Jefferson. Lewis wrote, "The root of this plant (had) the most happy effect in cases of the bite of the mad wolf or dog and also for the bite of the rattle snake." Even today in the United States the coneflower Echinacea Angustifolia is one of the most popular herbal remedies for cold and flu. Prior to the expedition the coneflower was unknown except by some native Indians. Coneflower was only one of 226 new plants discovered and documented on the Lewis and Clark expedition across the western United States. This book not only details the history of some 25 specimens collected by these intrepid explorers, but also provides snippets of information about the discovery itself. You will marvel at the difficulties they encountered and be captivated by the delightful watercolor illustrations.

Hardcover $22.95. 128 pages 7" x 9", 25 illustrations. Artisan Books.

Tree & Shrub Handbook

Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois

In 2003, The Morton Arboretum's "Tree & Shrub Handbook" received a Garden Globe Award from the Garden Writers Association of America for its content, style, and value to gardeners. It is a terrific easy-to-use reference with plenty of information for Midwesterners. The loose-leaf format will make it easy to keep updated. Plant information answers a broad range of questions you may have concerning plant selection, pests, diseases, planting, pruning and other maintenance questions.

The Handbook sells for $50 ($45 for Arboretum members.). It may be purchased directly from the store at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, by telephone at 630-729-2454, or through the website www.mortonarb.org.

The Tree Doctor

Trees are valuable to every homeowner for many reasons, not the least of which is aesthetic. When trees begin to deteriorate or even die, we rightfully begin thinking of replacement and want to make certain that the ones we select are proper for the site. "The Tree Doctor" has just the prescription for homeowners who want a manual that will supply down to earth advice on caring and maintaining trees. There are tips on placement of trees and care after planting. Add this to your library. A Firefly Book, 144 pages with many magnificent color photographs. Authors: Daniel Prendergast and Erin Prendergast.

The Secrets of WILDFLOWERS

This is a thoroughly charming, enjoyable book for anyone who appreciates the wanton ways of wildflowers. The author provides us with facts, folklore, and history. It is difficult to imagine a wildflower enthusiast not falling in love with its pages. Jack Sanders has outdone himself. He is the northeastern regional editor of Wildflower magazine and longtime contributor on the subject to newspapers and magazines. Run right out and buy this! Hardbound, $24.95. Lyons Press. 304 pages beautifully illustrated with line drawings and full color photos. ISBN 1-58574-668-1.

Secrets of the Miniature Rose

GCI's own Elizabeth Abler and a life judge with the American Rose Society includes a wealth of information in her book "Secrets of the Miniature Rose." With expert advice and 75 beautiful full-color pictures, the book will tempt you to try miniature rose growing. 192 pages, $17.95 paper. Taylor Trade Publishing. ISBN 0-87833-311-8.

Vision of Beauty Calendar for 2004

The National Garden Club's beautiful 2004 Vision of Beauty calendar is now available. Seasonal prize-winning designs are outstanding. As a flower arrangement and engagement calendar it can't be beat. Buy one for yourself and several more for hostess or holiday gifts. Through the years garden club members and the public have looked forward to this very special publication. It can be purchased directly from National Garden Clubs at Member Services, Clubs also frequently purchase calendars in quantity and sell them as a profitable Ways & Means item. Suggested selling price is $4.95. 1-4 copies $4.00 plus postage and handling; 5 - 49 copies $3.75, plus postage and handling. Order by telephone (800) 550-6007 or (314) 776-7574; fax (314) 776-5108; e-mail headquarters@gardenclub.org, or by mail National Garden Clubs, Inc. 4401 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110-3492.

The Butterfly Gardener's Guide

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a new handbook in its series of All-Region Guides that will delight those of us (and who doesn't?) want to entice butterflies to our backyards. Its editor Claire Hagen Dole is a widely-published butterfly expert. Chapters in this 120-page book include: an illustrated guide to butterfly biology, turning your yard into a butterfly sanctuary, helping butterflies through the winter, designing butterfly borders and meadows, herbs that butterflies love, and an encyclopedia of the best butterfly and caterpillar plants for each North America region. ISBN 1-889538-58-2. Available through bookstores and at garden centers or from Sterling Publishing at 800-367-9692 or visit their web site at www.sterlingpub.com. $9.95.

Garden Transformations

Want to turn your dull backyard into a showplace? A new paperback book by Bunny Guiness presents an intriguing mix of design hints. Some of the ideas require no more than a little time and a bucket of paint. Some are more challenging but still doable in a day or a weekend. All are both whimsical and practical.

"Garden Transformations by Bunny Guiness" is sure to become a favorite on your book shelf. The 168 pages are filled with beautiful bright and inspiring photographs. Available now at booksellers or direct from the publisher (F&W Publications at 1-800-448-9015.) $24.99 ISBN 0-7153-1357-6.

This reviewer can scarcely wait for the next warm day when she can try some of Bunny's colorful designer tricks to her back yard!

Prairie Directory of North America

"Prairie Directory of North America" is a comprehensive, well-organized guide to prairies across the United States and Canada. This definitive guide was written by Wilmette Garden Club member Charlotte Adelman in collaboration with her husband Bernard Schwartz. Recommended as a reference for scholars and environmentalists, it is also a great resource for anyone who wants to find out more about specific prairies or wishes to look up a prairie close to home. The authors make it easy for the prairie enthusiast "on the go." Simply look up the facts including telephone numbers and be on your way to experience the joys of discovering the native beauty of prairie plants and wildlife. A large section is devoted to prairies here in Illinois, as well as nearby Midwest states. Order from Lawndale Enterprises, PO Box 561, Wilmette, IL 60091-0561. 35w pages, black and white illustrations, index, glossary, and bibliography. ISBN 0-9715096-03 $19.95. You may wish to visit their website at www. Lawndaleenterprises.com.

Creating a Low-Allergen Garden

BEWARE! Sneezing, wheezing season will soon be upon us. For those unfortunate allergy sufferers who love to garden, a recently released book may be of interest to you. Lucy Huntington has written "Creating a Low-Allergen Garden", Laurel Glen Publishing, $19.95.

The author provides a common sense approach to allergy free gardens that are both beautiful and practical. If you've ever wondered where you should put the compost bin or why scented plants, sap and bee stings affect you, the answer is in this book. Lucy Huntington conceived, designed, and built gardens for the National Asthma Campaign at the Chelsea Flower Show and is considered an expert on gardening induced allergic reactions.

Annuals & Biennials

Grey winter and early spring days got you down? There's nothing like a stack of nursery catalogs to brighten your mood. And there are books! A truly beautifully illustrated book, "Annuals & Biennials" by Roger Phillips & Martyn Rix boasts 1,000 color photographs. This was first published in England in 1999 by McMillan but released in this country late last year by Firefly Books. ISBN for the paperback is edition is 1-55297-566-5. Also available in hard cover. Place it on your coffee table and as you flip through, you'll feel as if you're walking through a garden. This comprehensive guide also gives growing tips for successful cultivation and propagation, origins of plants, flowering times, suggested combinations for borders. Bound to become a favorite!