California Native Gardening: A Month-by-Month Guide

paper, 217 pp., $29.95.

Novice and experienced gardeners are certain to welcome this month-by-month guide to the planting and care of indigenous plants. The “untraditional seasonal rhythm” of California calls for plant propagation, installation, and maintenance in a different order, so this work is a valuable gardening companion. The author explains what’s in bloom and when, as well as the best time to take cuttings. She offers a selection of gardening styles for those considering the use of native plants in landscape designs, such as formal, cottage, and herb gardens. There is a helpful list of sites where visitors may see native plants and where there are demonstration gardens. The many photographs of native plants are inspiring to gardeners and visitors to California.

— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden