Gardening in the Pacific Northwest: The Complete Homeowner's Guide

This book is a good introduction and a must-have for recent transplants to the area (such as myself!). The first section deals with the all-important (and extremely complicated) subject of climate. There are eight climatic sub-regions in the Pacific Northwest, each one with unique characteristics."Good Garden Culture" discusses the various types of soils in the region and how to improve them as well as tips on irrigation, mulching, and dealing with plant diseases and pests.The largest portion of the book is a plant directory (Perennials, Shrubs, Vines, Trees) that lists the best plants for the region. A photograph of every plant is included as well as a description and growing requirements. This is where the book will get you into trouble. Although many of the plants that grow here are common elsewhere in the United States, there are exciting temptations for the gardener here like Fuchsias, Cistus (Rock Rose), Grevillea, Choisya (Mexican Orange), Ceonothus (California Lilac), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) and the list goes on.A final section covers design facets and features photos of many private gardens in the region.This book is a must-have for the Pacific Northwest gardener, full of valuable advice and highly recommended.

There was very, very little information on soil, compost, mulch, irrigation. No information on pruning, etc. Very little information on garden design for PNW yards/gardens.

Perfect book to read over the winter season. It gives a nice overview of all the climate differences for the sub regions of the PNW and has a really great selection of plants for the garden. I like that it has a good chunk of the usual standbys but also quite a few unusual items that you might only see in collector gardens or specialty nurseries. My only tiny complaint is that the big garden shots don't list out the plants in the picture, but so far 90% of the time I stumble across them in the plant section anyway. Recommended!!

This book is awesome! I bought it after reading a review in the Oregonian. I come from a PNW gardening family and learned a ton from this book. Probably the most helpful tip was to buy a traditional English style garden spade for my tough Willamette valley clay soil. How did I live my life without it?!Great selection of plants and a good section on different garden types (dry garden, Japanese, formal, etc.). We liked it so much we've bought copies as gifts for friends and coworkers.

Writing is excellent as it is based on Paul Bonine's extensive observations on our regional climate and weather as they relate to gardening in the Pacific Northwest.He clearly explains conumdrums re:winter survivability-- for example,why some plants which can take cold temperatures do not thrive here. My only "complaint" is that I wish there was more of the book devoted to gardening methodology and not as much to the recommended plants, though that too would be excellent for a gardener not yet familiar with our wonderful regional plant palette.

This is a gorgeous guide to the best of the best plants for the Pacific Northwest. You’d be surprised how many garden books talk about plants but fail to include a picture. This guide has beautiful color photos for every recommended plant—hallelujah! Also, everything grows bigger than in the PNW, so plant tags are often inaccurate for our area. This guide contains more realistic guidelines for how big plants will get in our rainy climate. Highly recommended for the beginner gardener OR the experienced gardener, looking for the perfect addition to their mature garden.

I purchased this book about six months ago. I have been gardening in the PNW for 30+ years and have rural gardens with lots of deer exposure. Between my two gardens I have about 75% of the shrubs and trees mentioned in the book and have found all to be top performers. My purpose for the review however was to make two small suggestions. One is to add Pieris to the list of deer resistant plants and the other is to add Parrotia Persica to the list of desirable trees. I highly recommend the book to anyone interested in exception plants for the PNW ornamental garden.

I live in Portland Oregon and this NW gardening book is both immensely informative and inspiring. It feels like it was written specifically for me and my garden. Lots of amazing photos and details about each plant native to my region. I just love flipping through the pages and pondering all of the colorful possibilities.