AGC members were asked to name their favorite gardening books. Voted the best general book was The Well Tended Perennial Garden by Tracy DiSabato-Aust; the best reference source was Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs. If you wish to purchase a book, click on the book cover to be transferred to Amazon.com or a like site. If out of print, try www.alibris.com.

	American Horticultural Society A-Z Garden Plants Editors-in-chief Marc Cathy and Christopher Brickel An invaluable encyclopedia that includes: an excellent introduction to gardening; glossary and a common name index; and most importantly, 15,000 garden plants. Plants are illustrated; organized by genus, include information about cultivation, pests, hardiness, and height and spread. Revised US Edition. New York: DK Publishing, 2004.
	American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening Editors-in-chief Marc Cathy and Christopher Brickel This comprehensive “how to” encyclopedia describes every imaginable activity a gardener is likely to undertake. Divided into two categories on creating and maintaining the garden, you will find this new US edition invaluable. Need to know how to design a plan to scale, divide iris, build cold and wind protection, plant a vegetable garden? It is all here with detailed, excellent colored photographs. This new edition includes a hardiness and heat index for plants. Revised US edition. New York: DK Press, 2003.
	American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers Editors-in-chief Christopher Brickel and Trevor Cole Makes plant selection easy with 8,000 plants (all photographed) including trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, peonies, roses, bulbs, etc. Indexed through a plant selector that groups plant by soil needs and specific characteristic, i.e. deer-resistant plants. This work also has a dictionary describing 4,000 other plants not pictured. Revised US edition. New York: DK Press, 2003.
	The American Rose Society Encyclopedia of Roses By Charles and Brigid Quest-Ritson Includes 2000 of the best rose species, each with excellent colored photos. Covers growing habit, cultivation needs and breeding. How to buy, grow and propagate is also addressed in this comprehensive but practical guide. Lists rose societies worldwide.   First American edition. New York: DK Press, 2003.
	Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs By Michael A. Dirr When I select tree or shrub, this is the reference work I use. Meant for Hardiness Zones 3-6, there is a separate 2002 edition for warmer climates. Dirr, a professor of horticulture and a superb photographer, is the recipient of many awards, among them the Garden Club of America’s Medal of Honor. Outstanding color photos of leaf, fruit, bark and fall color, along with helpful descriptions, make this work stand out from its competition. Indexes by common name and characteristics ease the search for that perfect fall color or splash of winter red. Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1997.
	Diseases of Plants and Shrubs By Wayne A. Sinclair and Howard H. Lyon Called “One of the ten best horticultural books of the century” and written by Cornell University Professors, this work contains beautiful colored photos, black and white illustrations, and a CD of bibliographic references, making it of great use to the professional community as well as the home gardener. A diagnostic tool, it is organized by type of disease-inducting agents, with scientific and common name indexes. Second edition. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2005.

	Gardening with Nature By James Van Sweden An invaluable book helping us create garden spaces that meld with nature and make use of small trees, perennials and grasses. The focus is on reducing or eliminating cut grass and on massing appropriate plants. New York: Watson-Guptil Publications, 2003.
	The Gardens of Ellen Biddle Shipman By Judith B. Tankard This book was underwritten by The Akron Garden Club in part because Ellen Biddle Shipman designed the English Garden at Stan Hywet Hall in Akron. Over the years, the English Garden has been maintained and restored by The Akron Garden Club. The book, called “Fascinating, historic, and poignant,” by the New York Times, describes Shipman’s life and focuses on 50 of the 650 gardens that she designed. Beautiful illustrations demonstrate her ability to utilize plants with dramatic impact and to make intimate spaces. This is vividly displayed on the book cover picturing the much beloved Stan Hywet English Garden. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1997.
	The Gardner's Palette By John Dake and Kevin Gunnell This is a guide to planting by color , with more than 1,000 plant choices and nine different color schemes. It offers information on planting, cultivation and propagation of the plants as well as hints on cutting and preserving your blooms. New York: Harmony Books, 1992.
	Penelope Hobhouse on Gardening By Penelope Hobhouse and Andrew Lawson This famous gardener illustrates her philosophy and practices with narrative, beautiful diagrams and wonderful photographs from her own garden at Tinitinull, England. This book can serve as a good textbook or simply as a good read. London: Frances Lincoln, 2000.
	A Proper Garden On Perennials in the Border By Elisabeth Sheldon I use this book as a reference even though it is her life story of gardening in upstate NY, near Ithaca.  Her dream of an English garden had to be adjusted dramatically, but she discovered, through trial and error what worked and what did not. Sheldon refuses to be slave to delphinium and honest about Johnson’s blue being short lived and taking up too much space, and recommends A.T. Johnson as a great alternative. Her advice is honest and practical.   Harrisburg, Virginia: Stockpole Books, 1989.
	The Well-Designed Mixed Garden By Tracy DiSabato-Aust An important book on helping to design a garden. It contains wonderful photos of gardens and detailed appendixes for scientific and common names plants by design characteristics and plants by maintenance characteristics. Tracy explains the entire process of how and why to create a mixed garden and describes it in a way we can all understand. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 2003.
	The Well-Tended Perennial Garden By Tracy DiSabato-Aust This is the book we keep at our fingertips to find out about the individual characteristics, needs, and maintenance of perennials. It also includes valuable information about how to enhance perennials with timely pruning.   Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 1998.

	Carrots Love Tomatoes Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening and Roses Love Garlic Secrets of Companion Planting with Flowers By Louise Riotte These two books are not in my library but in the “plant room” with the seed storage, garden tools, lotions and potions for the garden and the garden diary! That is how essential they are to any gardener looking to create a delightful as well as successful garden. What to plant with what to reduce insect abuse, increase diversity in the garden, and enjoy the labors of gardening. Both books are arranged alphabetically making quick solutions possible. However, on the way to finding an answer for an immediate gardening question, one may be detoured through a neighboring entry which titillates the curiosity. Such as “Suicide in Plants” which tells of research studying a chemical that signals the life cycle of the plant is over! Not picking faded flowers is one of these signals. Revised 2nd editions. Charlotte, Vermont: Storey Publishing, LLC, 1998.
	Container Gardening Through the Year By Malcolm Hillier Here container plantings appear as works of art. The author demonstrates great creativity in using varied containers, color combinations, locations, plantings and grouping and inspires the reader to do so as well. New York: DK Publishing, 1995.
	The Cottage Garden By Christopher Lloyd, Richard Bird, and Jacqui Hurst Maintaining a traditional English Garden may not be in your plans but if would like to know about them, this should be an interesting book for you. You can be an armchair English garden admirer as you enjoy the photographs, drawings. and gardening information in this charming book   New York: DK Publishing, 1999.
	Creating a Family Garden Magical Outdoor Spaces for All Ages By Bunny Guinness This author won the Royal Horticulture Society’s Gold Medal at two Chelsea flower shows. And no wonder, as this book does indeed succeed in inspiring one to create garden spaces that enhance family life. It includes not only wonderful photographs, but also detained diagrams for specific family-oriented garden structures. New York: Abbeville Press, 1996.
	Creating and Planting Garden Troughs By Joyce Fingerut and Rex Murfitt This is “all you ever wanted to know about trough gardens.” It contains detailed instructions about making them as well as the selection and culture of many plants suitable for trough gardening. This very comprehensive book as been behind the proliferation of troughs in my garden. Wayne, Pennsylvania: B.B. Mackey Boos, 1999.
	Daffodils for North American Gardens By Brent and Becky Heath A complete guide that helps me to select daffodils for my garden or containers. Great photographs of daffodils referenced by class and informative advice by a family that’s been growing bulbs for generations. Revised. Albany, Texas: Bright Sky Press, 2001.
	Designing the New Kitchen Garden An American Potager Handbook By Jennifer R. Bartley Jennifer, a Master of Landscape Design, has taught at Ohio State University and currently works as a designer, artist, and photographer. Here the reader finds not only the history of gardening for food, but also the necessary information about growing the herbs, flowers and vegetables in artistic, usable and easy to care for “home-sized” designs. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 2006.
	The Garden in Autumn By Allen Lacy This book changed my attitude about the longevity of a garden. It explores the rich possibilities of maintaining a garden (and rejoicing in it) during a season that is often--and strangely--neglected by gardeners--or cut too short with early "cleaning." New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1990.
	Garden Structures Smith & Hawken By Linda Joan Smith I use this book to help me with my new garden areas so that I can organize the spaces and give interest and beauty.  The pictures and ideas for gates and doorways, fences, walls, edgings, paths and walkways, as well as patios, decks and terraces are unique and interesting.   New York: Workman Publishing, 2000.
	Gardening with Conifers By Adrian Bloom A wonderful reference guide for the selection and care of conifers in the garden. Includes detailed information on planting, pruning and grafting from the British author who is president of Blooms of Bressingham.   Reprint. Buffalo, New York: Firefly Books Ltd., 2002.
	Gardening with Water By James Van Sweden Selected by the American Horticulture Society as one of the seventy-five best books of the last seventy-five years. This book gives detailed instructions on adding water to the garden, whether it’s a small fountain, swimming pool or large pond. The author has been credited with revolutionizing American landscape design. New York: Watson-Guptil Publications, 2003.
	The Herb Gardener A Guide for All Seasons By Susan McClure Susan’s five part, beautifully illustrated book, defines herbs and their native habitat; the gardening skills needed to grow herbs; how to use and care for herbs during the seasons of the year as well as projects, recipes, and crafts. The last section is a complete grower’s guide, a definitive index of 52 plants in common use. Charlotte, Vermont: Storey Communications, 1997.
	Hydrangeas for American Gardens By Michael A. Dirr A horticulture professor at the University of Georgia with years of experience and research, Dirr has written a comprehensive, authoritative book that includes excellent photographs. All the cultivars, their care and breeding, along with nursery sources make this the hydrangea bible for novice and expert alike. A supplemental CD, available from the publisher, includes 943 pictures of full-grown bushes with leaves and flowers, plus the functionality to print signs for identification in your garden. I used both book and CD to determine the perfect variety for a new hedge and continue to refer to the book for care and maintenance tips. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 2004.
	The Midwest Fruit and Vegetable Book By James A. Fizzwell An excellent map of Ohio divides the State into specific Zone Temperatures from 5a to 6b and a list of all the County Extension Agent Office phone numbers. If his work doesn’t answer questions they will! Specific information for Ohio gardeners includes weather, frost dates and annual rainfall as well as the basics for soil management for the home garden. There are listings of vegetables, herbs and fruits that are alphabetically organized with species identified and particular “care and feeding” of each. Ohio Edition. Franklin, Tennessee: Cool Springs Press, 2001.
	New Book of Herbs By Jekka McVicar The queen of herbs covers: what is an herb, growing organically, designing an herb garden, kitchen and home issues and then an interesting approach to describing her favorite 100 herbs. Each herb has beautiful pictures and illustrations and text that covers cultivation issues (propagation, site, maintenance, harvesting and uses) as well as interesting historical facts. This is a lovely, useful book, but if you are really, really into herbs you would also want to own the Herb Society of America’s New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses, also published by DK. New York: DK Publishing, 2002.
	Peonies By Allan Rogers The author operated Caprice Farm Nursery in Oregon for twenty years. The book is highly recommended by all its reviewers for amateur and professional peony lovers.   Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 1995.
	Pruning and Training Plants By David Joyce This book was recommended by the premier grower of espalier fruit trees, Henry Leuthord of Long Island. Excellent resource for professionals as well as amateurs.   London: Octopus Publishing, 2001.
	Rosa Rugosa By Suzanne Verrier Detailed information on the selection and care of Rosa Rugosas by a Maine nursery owner who specializes in unusual and rare roses.   Willowdale, Ontario: Firefly Books Ltd., 1999.

	The American Woodland Garden Capturing the Spirit of the American Deciduous Forrest By Rick Darke A compelling book with information on planting, soils, and maintenance in the woodland garden plus come of the most beautiful woodland photography you have ever seen. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press, 2002.
	Architecture in the Garden By James Van Sweden This is my favorite of VonSweden’s excellent gardening books. He is truly one of the best landscape architect alive today. New York: Random House, 2003.
	Earth On Her Hands The American Woman in Her Garden By Starr Ockenga Beautifully written with lovely photographs of [women] gardeners who are living today. Another wonderful book by the same author is Eden on Their Minds. New York: Clarkson Potter, 1998.
	The Garden Design Book By Cheryl Merser This book will inspire you to get busy in your own garden, change some things, and copy many of the ideas shown on the pages.   New York: Harper Collins, 1997.
	Garden Talk Ask Me Anything By C.Z. Guest C.Z. is one of the “first ladies” of style and gardening in the 20 th Century. In this book she answers many gardening questions in a simple manner.   New York: Universe Publishing, 2001.
	The Greater Perfection The Story of Gardens of Les Quatre Vents By Francis H. Cabot If you own one beautiful garden in your lifetime, this should be it! This garden shows the beauty of a garden that combines sensitivity to a natural landscape with creative style and horticultural perfection – a true inspiration to the lucky reader. New York: Norton, 2001.
	Influential Gardeners The Designers Who Shaped 20th Century Garden Style By Andrew Wilson A great book to learn about 20 th Century garden designers. It is beautifully illustrated, with short and simple but interesting biographical sketches.   New York: Clarkson Potter, 2002.
	Inside Out Relating Garden to House By Page Dickey Page is a contemporary writer and hands-on gardener who knows everybody and as seen all the fine gardens, big and small, in the United States.   New York: Stewart, Tobori and Chang, 2000.
	A Vineyard Garden Ideas From the Earth for Growing, Cooking, Decorating and Entertaining. By Molly Chappellet Molly is a leader of style and gardening in California’s Napa Valley.   New York: Viking, 1991.
	The Welcoming Garden Design Your Own Front Yard By Gordon Hayward This is one of the best of his many gardening books. He shows practical garden hardscape ideas that can help all of us when planning our gardens.   Layton, Utah: Gibbs Smith, 2006.

Magazines

	American Gardener The American Gardener magazine features in-depth articles on new plants, influential garden personalities, garden history, and earth friendly gardening techniques and products. There are also regular departments on design, children’s gardening, habitat gardening, conservation issues, and reviews of the latest gardening books, as well as a calendar of gardening events nationwide. Alexandria, Virginia: American Horticulture Society, Bi-monthly, free with membership www.ahs.org
	Avant Gardener The Unique Horticultural News Service A newsletter of helpful specific information including research results on issues such as new cultivars of dogwood. A recent issue described in detail the use of diatomaceous earth as a safe garden pesticide, chicory being chic and great late grasses. New York : Horticultural Data Processors, Box 489, New York, N.Y. 10028, Monthly
	Country Gardens Speaks to those people whose passion for gardening is the central part of their busy lives. The garden is just the beginning for their healthy and active lifestyle, and inspires them in everything else they do. Des Moines , Iowa: Meredith Corp., Quarterly
	Fine Gardening Is filled with several well-known contributors writing articles on various gardening topics.  Each issue contains a new Plant Pick from Allan Armitage and Tool & Product reviews.  Great regional information, too. December is the Index issue, making it easy to find the article on Container Gardening when you need it!  This is the one gardening magazine I could not do without!  Newtown , CT: Taunton Press 63 S. Main St, PO Box 5506, Bi-monthly
	Herb Companion From the publisher of Mother Earth, this magazine focuses on what you need to know in order to grow herbs, medicinal uses of herbs, good recipes and how herbs relate to daily life activities. A current issue includes features on herbal baths, makeup, libations, and addresses historic herbs, managing powdery mildew, etc. Topeka , KS: Ogden Publications, Bi-monthly
	Garden Design Written and designed for those who are passionate about their homes and gardens, Garden Design is more than just a dig-in-the-dirt gardening magazine; it's for people who enjoy living in their homes as well as cultivating them. Boulder, Colorado: World Publications, 7 issues/yr.
	Garden Gate A wonderful magazine with no advertising that includes in every issue: before and after, top picks, design challenge, from the drawing board; container recipe, plus in-depth treatment of three or four topics i.e. clematis, rose pruning and sand-cast a birdbath. Also offers annual volumes of past year’s issues, each including a cumulative index. Free samples available at www.gardengatemagazine.com Des Moines, Iowa: August Home Publishing, Bi-monthly
	Heirloom Gardener A magazine for serious gardeners that is beautifully illustrated in full color! It is for home gardeners, seed savers, specialty growers, heritage cooks and history buffs. It average 15 feature length articles per issue on topics covering all aspects of vegetable varieties and history, organic cultivation, antique flowers, marketing specialty produce, seed saving, gene-altered foods, exotic seed collecting trips, traditional uses for plants, and growing and historical facts about ethnic varieties. Mansfield, Missouri: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Quarterly
	Horticulture Authoritative articles by and about expert gardeners, as well as practical advice, photography, and useful information for both the novice and expert gardener.   F&W Publications, Inc., 7 issues/yr
	On the Fringe Journal of the Native Plant Society of Northeastern Ohio An excellent journal, 20-25 pages in length with very informative articles on plants, landscapes and the natural environment of Northeast Ohio. Northeast Native Plant Society, Membership Chair, 6 Louise Dr., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 $15, Quarterly
	Organic Gardening This magazine looks like fun. How to do it, recipes, composting, bug and pest control, people, gourmet potatoes and articles about all sorts of other vegetables, flowers, fruits, etc. Founded in 1942 by J.I. Rodale, OG (Organic Gardening) magazine has been the world’s leader in providing trusted advice and practical information to inspire and empower gardeners to find success in their gardens – all without the use of chemicals. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, Bi-monthly

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