Summer Book Review:
“Perennials for British Columbia”
by Alison Beck & Marianne Binetti.
Lone Pine Publishing
ISBN 1-55105-258-X
Softcover. 352 pages.
$21.95 CAD Suggested Retail Price
This new book from Lone Pine Publishing is the Canadian (British Columbia to be precise) edition of the gardening guide ‘Perennials for Washington and Oregon’, launched at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle, February 2000. The small, soft cover book (a handy size to take with you to the local nursery) describes 95 species, with several varieties, hybrids and cultivars of each, bringing the total number of plants covered to 434. With over 500 colour photographs for illustration, and the basic facts about each species clearly listed (flower colour, bloom season, height, hardiness, light requirements, soil conditions), this is an excellent beginner to intermediate gardeners guide to a wide selection of appropriate plants for this particular area.
The book gets off to a good start with an Introduction that explains the different gardening regions and zones within this vast province. Anyone who lives in B.C. clearly knows the difference between gardening on the wet, warm West Coast and the dry, desert-like interior with its extremes of temperatures. B.C. actually has areas that correspond to nine main temperature zones as defined by Agriculture Canada, and yes, a Zone map is presented (it stops at Prince Rupert, leaving the top 1/3 of the province blank, claiming no data available). It continues on to explain how different 5 degrees F (-15 degrees C) can be with or without reliable snow cover, an important point for people that worship zone maps!
The Introduction then proceeds to describe the basics of perennial gardening, with information on what a perennial is, how to design a space taking into consideration different plant textures and shapes as well as flowers and how to determine the different growing areas within your garden space. The section on preparing the garden briefly covers composting, how to choose a good specimen at a nursery and then how to plant it once you get it home. The information is simple, basic and to the point, and is nicely illustrated with photographs.
The book then discusses perennial care, covering weeding, mulching, deadheading, pruning, staking, watering and fertilizing. All the basics are explained in simple language that any beginner can easily understand and follow, to get great results. The section on propagation outlines seed preparation and sowing, taking cuttings, both root and shoot, and also plant division. Everyone should have a go at propagation for its challenges and rewards – lots of plants at no additional cost (or very little as in the case of seed packets – the book doesn’t cover seed saving) – and this section should give you the confidence needed to jump in and have fun and success.
Finally, still in the Introduction (it goes for 60 info-packed pages!), there is a section on common pests and problems, including identification and control.
With the basics covered, the bulk of the book is an alphabetical (by common name) description of 95 species. Common and latin names are listed which is nice, since this is the only way you can be sure you are talking about the same plant as someone else. Descriptions and a couple of photos illustrate the plants features, how and where it can be used, where it should be planted. There is a list of recommended varieties to look and ask for. A handy Quick Reference Chart (cross references common names with flower colour, height, bloom period, hardiness, light and soil conditions )at the end of the book will help plan and design your new perennial beds. A brief Glossary explains the terms used throughout the book.
The authors are experienced gardeners, as well as having wide knowledge of related fields. Marianne Binetti has a degree in Horticulture from Washington State University and extensive experience in the nursery and retail florist trade. She now lectures to garden groups, writes for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and other newspapers across the state as well as national magazines. Alison Beck has a diploma in Horticultural Technology as well as a degree in Creative Writing and Classical Studies, and has been gardening since childhood.
This book is an excellent starting point for anyone that doesn’t have much experience with perennials, or for more experienced gardeners that are looking for a good selection of plants for the particular growing conditions of British Columbia and similar climates (it would work well for most areas of England for example). The simple, straightforward text is helpful and covers the basics nicely. The full-colour photos are of good quality and illustrate the plants features very well. All in all, a great little book to expand your gardening repertoire. Look for it in local bookshops or order toll-free direct from Lone Pine Publishing at 800-661-9017.