If you are discovering the wonderful world of native plants, and their benefits for the garden and the environment, this trio of books is for you.

Bringing Nature Home How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens
Douglas W. Tallamy
Timber Press, Inc., Portland, OR 2007
ISBN # 9780881929928
Cost:$27.95 in hardback, $17.95 in paperback

Douglas Tallamy explains in his book the benefits native plants bring to our environment, including establishing the food chain for our native insects and animals, as well as for ourselves. He makes the point that we are a part of our environment, and the more we nurture that environment, the better off we humans will be. His easy to understand text and beautiful illustrations and pictures make the science he speaks clear and cogent. He describes the reasons that the lawn monoculture is not only not desirable for a diversity of wildlife, but is also not in humanity’s best interests. We all can work together to restore the balance of nature, beginning with our own back yards.
352 pages

Encyclopedia of Northwest Native Plants for Gardens and Landscapes
Kathleen A. Robson, Alice Richter and Marianne Filbert
Timber Press, Inc., Portland, OR 2008
ISBN # 9780881928631
Cost: $49.95

Written by a trio of northwest native authors from Southwest Washington, Robson et al go into detail on our northwest native plants, describing species, their cultivation, propagation and native habitat and range. If you are looking for plants to put into practice the principles that Douglas Tallamy so convincingly explained in his book, this is the book for you. There are sections for ferns, conifers, annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. With many pictures to visually entice, gardeners will want to rush out and purchase each and every one. Lists of plants for special situations, such as sun, shade, wetlands, rock gardens, groundcovers, butterflies, birds and erosion control are added for extra help in your specific situation. There is no better companion for a northwest gardener than this excellent work. 532 pages

Armitage’s Native Plants for North American Gardens
Allan M. Armitage
Timber Press, Inc., Portland, OR 2006
ISBN #: 9780881927603
Cost: $49.95

Armitage describes native perennial plants from all of North America that have value for the garden. His illustrations and descriptions are user friendly, describing cultivation, garden maintenance, native habitat and propagation. This book is arranged by genus from A to Z, often with multiple species and cultivars described for a genus. The color pictures, 443 color plates, make references easy to visualize in your own garden. Useful lists of plants that are drought tolerant, water lovers, rabbit resistant, like full sun, partial sun or heavy shade etc. are included. The index lists both common and botanical names. As a resource, this book is invaluable for the gardener looking for North American natives. 452 pages

Herb Gardening for Washington and Oregon
By Marianne Binetti and Laura Peters
Lone Pine Publishing, Auburn, WA 2008, 256 pp
ISBN 978-976-8200-39-6
Paperback-$19.95

Herbs add fragrance, beauty and practicality to your garden, and it’s easy to grow a wide variety of them just about anywhere in Washington and Oregon. This book co-authored by veteran Washington garden writer Marianne Binetti and Laura Peters, offers handy advice on growing and using herbs. Included are solutions to common garden problems and tips on starting, maintaining, harvesting, propagating, and using herbs. This practical and beautifully photographed book will help you contribute to the age-old tradition of using herbs not only to enhance the flavor of foods, but making potpourris, lotions and other herbal gifts.

Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast
by Pojar & Mackinnon
Lone Pine Publisher
ISBN I-555105-040-4
Price approx. $19.95

This book is broken down into categories, such as trees, shrubs, wildflowers, aquatics, ferns & mosses. Full color photos accompany each plant. Description includes leaves, flower, fruit and ecology. There is a map showing where the plant can be found and grows in the Pacific Northwest. Also included is a notes section with such information as Native American plant uses, herbal remedies, who the plant was named for, its toxicity, and why the plant was named as such. This book is extremely helpful in identifying native plants in this region. 526 Pages

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