Northwest Gardener’s Handbook
Susan Mulvihill is co-author with fellow columnist, Pat Munts, of Northwest Gardener’s Handbook. Published by Cool Springs Press in Jan. 2015, NGH contains a wealth of knowledge for gardening in the beautiful Northwest.
What’s really special about this book is that it covers the Inland Northwest region. This is an area that hasn’t been given much attention in garden books.
What’s in the Northwest Gardener’s Handbook?
The first few chapters of the book detail the specific regions of the Northwest. They dive into the topography and weather that affects the way we garden. Rainfall maps and hardiness zones are some of the tools to give you a better understanding of this region.
The authors share garden tips and tricks next. It covers making compost, firewise landscaping, dealing with critters in the garden and taking soil samples. Additional information covers dealing with soil pH, using color in your garden and starting plants from seed. Other topics include plant propagation, gardening in small spaces, and raised-bed gardening.
There are 10 chapters on specific types of plants and how to grow them. Types include annuals; bulbs; edibles, herbs and fruits; groundcovers; lawns and ornamental grasses; perennials; roses; shrubs; trees and vines.
Plant profiles
Each plant profile includes information on why they’re special and recommended cultivars for each. Then there are details how to plant and care for them, problems that can arise, bloom colors where applicable. You’ll find information on hardiness zones, plant size and water needs.
We’ve devoted chapters to vegetable gardening, planting guides, wildfire-resistant plants, and plants that will attract beneficial insects. There are resource guides to Northwest seed and native plant companies, Internet resources, a bibliography and glossary of botanical terms.
Where to find the book
The Northwest Gardener’s Handbook has been very well received. As a matter of fact, it’s already in its second printing! You can purchase “Northwest Gardener’s Handbook” from Amazon.com, and locally at Barnes & Noble, Auntie’s Bookstore and Hastings.