 So, why is an Ontario chap writing about two books from Alberta? Especially two books that deal only with Alberta plants. Because my friend, Donna Dawson, is a co-author. That said, Gentle Reader, you should know by now that I'm a relatively plain, if eloquent, speaking fellow who is not afraid to offer a negative opinion if warranted. That is not the case, here.
When we go looking for a plant guide we often find ourselves purchasing an expensive book that tries to cover the entire country if not the North American continent. We end up paying for a whack of extraneous material. Haven't you ever asked yourself, "Why can't I find a book that tells me about the plants that grow where I live?"
The folks at Lone Pine Publishing, a western Canadian company, asked themselves the same question and, fortunately for us, decided to do something about it. They have created a series of guides such as Perennials for Alberta, by Donna Dawson and Laura Peters, Perennials for Ontario by Alison Beck and Kathy Renwald, Best Garden Plants for Alberta by Dawson and Peters; Best Garden Plants by Beck and Liz Close. Do you notice the similarities?
Here's a few words from Lone Pine:
"Lone Pine Publishing is creating a library of books that celebrates the diversity and character of our own backyards. Our interest in nature, outdoor recreation ... has led us to publish titles of local relevance to enrich our appreciation of who we are as a people and a place. We have attempted to be a good regional publisher in every region where we are present."
In their gardening series, those of us who are in the business, immediately recognise the names of the authors Lone Pine has asked to become involved, as do many home gardeners. They are all experts in their fields and have the following characteristics in common: a love of gardening, the professional expertise to give their words weight; and an ability to convey the information in a clear, concise manner that is useable by the reader.
Here's a quick thumbnail taken from the back page of Donna and Laura's perennial book:
Internet gardening guru Donna Dawson teams up with veteran garden writer Laura Peters to craft this easy-to-use and comprehensive primer on the perennials that grow best in Alberta: - over 450 perennials suited to the region’s climate
- 530 brilliant full-colour photographs (Dan's note: these are very, very good pictures.)
- information on planting, growing, recommended varieties, problems and pests
- details on light, water and nutrient needs
- how and when to start your plants.
The other regional volume are similarly presented. I have the good fortune to have both the Ontario and Alberta sets of books at hand and can compare the entries. There are some plants included in both books but there is quite a selection of those suited to each province as well.
New gardeners are given a starting point and experienced ones (those who have learned that not all of their thumbs are green) are given a reminder about some of the plants that might have left slip out of their repertoire.
These are not namby-pamby coffee table affairs that need to be molly-coddled. The pages and book-cover are treated (?) in such a way that you can easily cart them about with you to the garden or the nursery. Water, mud, and other stuff readily wipes off with no lasting damage. This is the working gardener's work book.
I endorse Donna’s and Laura’s book wholeheartedly- for you Albertan’s that is. In Ontario, Ali and friends get the nod.
My final query in all of this is why has it taken Donna so long to turn her hand to books? |
by Dan Clost
