Authors: Rick Gray, Shaun Booth
The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region by Rick Gray and Shaun Booth is a book that would be a valuable addition to any gardener’s library, particularly if you have an interest in native plants. This is the book Ontario native plant gardeners have been waiting for.
The plant descriptions of over 150 native plants include beautiful photographs. The double-page spread allows the reader to see key information at a glance such as light and moisture requirements. A reader can quickly see the eventual size of the plant, when it will bloom, how to propagate the plant, and details on the wildlife and pollinators it supports. Essentially everything you need to know about a native plant can be viewed easily on the description page.
The introductory chapters describe the importance of native plants, the difference between a nativar and a cultivar, and what is an aggressive vs invasive plant. The author also explains why the plants are organized by Latin name, noting that common names can vary by region and different plants may go by the same common name. You can always refer to the common name in the index at the back of the book to locate the Latin name. The handy appendices at the end cover in-depth information on landscape use, soil type, propagation and seed preparation.
I was disappointed that the book did not cover native grasses, shrubs or trees but perhaps that will come in a future volume. This is definitely a book that I have referred to often in the short time I’ve owned it. It is visually appealing, well-organized and informative. I feel a copy belongs in the library of every southern Ontario gardener, particularly if you are interested in native plants and supporting biodiversity in your garden.
Submitted by Elizabeth Spedaliere
