With some 270 species, penstemons are particularly beloved by rock gardeners. The author has grown most of the species, and this work abounds in useful cultural information based on experience. It also features watercolours and photographs.'

What do you get when three horticulturalists combine expertise and direct it towards a single plant genus? In this case, a fascinating volume detailing the natural history of the stunning wildflowers we know as penstemons. More specifically, the 76 species of penstemons found in the mountains, deserts, and canyon lands of Utah--the probable center of origin for this complex array of intriguing plants. Penstemon truly is Utah's wildflower. Within these pages you will find the most detailed and comprehensive information ever compiled for this group of Utah's floristic treasures. This book provides information on the discovery of each species, historical ethnobotanical uses, information on range and habitat, detailed description of foliage and flowers, and methods you can use to grow each species in your own garden. Take this book along on your next outdoor adventure and use it to identify and learn about each and every penstemon you encounter.

CLICK HERE to download sample native plants from Real Gardens Grow Natives For many people, the most tangible and beneficial impact they can have on the environment is right in their own yard. Aimed at beginning and veteran gardeners alike, Real Gardens Grow Natives is a stunningly photographed guide that helps readers plan, implement, and sustain a retreat at home that reflects the natural world. Gardening with native plants that naturally belong and thrive in the Pacific Northwest’s climate and soil not only nurtures biodiversity, but provides a quintessential Northwest character and beauty to yard and neighborhood! For gardeners and conservationists who lack the time to read through lengthy design books and plant lists or can’t afford a landscape designer, Real Gardens Grow Natives is accessible yet comprehensive and provides the inspiration and clear instruction needed to create and sustain beautiful, functional, and undemanding gardens. With expert knowledge from professional landscape designer Eileen M. Stark, Real Gardens Grow Natives includes: * Detailed profiles of 100 select native plants for the Pacific Northwest west of the Cascades, plus related species, helping make plant choice and placement. * Straightfoward methods to enhance or restore habitat and increase biodiversity * Landscape design guidance for various-sized yards, including sample plans * Ways to integrate natives, edibles, and nonnative ornamentals within your garden * Specific planting procedures and secrets to healthy soil * Techniques for propagating your own native plants * Advice for easy, maintenance using organic methods

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

First published thirty years ago, the long-awaited second edition of Growing California Native Plants is the ideal hands-on native plant guide for both experienced and novice gardeners. In addition to the voluminous knowledge contributed by Marjorie G. Schmidt, now deceased, Katherine L. Greenberg has taken note of the vibrant state of today’s horticultural scene, adding plants and ideas that were little known when the book first appeared. Lavishly illustrated with 200 new color photographs, drawings, maps, and charts, this concise and easy-to-use reference covers trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, bulbs, grasses, and vines, and includes a plant selection guide for quick reference. The authors, whose combined experience spans six decades, take California’s summer-dry climate and restricted water supplies into account and provide helpful notes on companion plants and gardening with wildlife. Practical and informative, Growing California Native Plants is a valuable reference for gardeners everywhere in California and an enjoyable book simply to explore.

Presents at least one color photograph of each of the 80 species of penstemon that occur in the Pacific Northwest. Photos are accompanied by technical descriptions and by line drawings illustrating important distinguishing characteristics of each, as well as a range map showing the approximate natural location of each species and its varieties. Includes a key to penstemons of the Northwest based on botanical characteristics. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Most are easy to grow and propagate and a large number of them are ideal for perennial and mixed borders while some make excellent plants for raised beds, part-shade situations, rock gardens and patios. The shorter alpine types present more of a challenge to the gardener but new techniques for growing them successfully, and new forms which demand less specific conditions, are now becoming known. The extraordinary range of colour provided by the genus combined with their ability to flower over a long summer period compounds the appeal of this fascinating and collectable plant.

Learn to grow all kinds of perennials with the wisdom and guidance of Kew Experts in this handy and comprehensive guide.

From bulb lawns to the never summer garden, from perennials with fortitude to annuals that span the seasons, Lauren Springer delivers us the stalwart garden. With infectious enthusiasm, she offers down-to-earth advice and recommendations for sturdy, effortless, and beautiful plants and how to compose them with style.