Robert Nold and I share the same philosophy about how to water the perennial garden, in one word - never. To clarify I water perennials to get them established. And the climate of my zone 3 garden in Northern BC is considerable different than the climate in Nolds garden in Denver Colorado. If my perennials are to tolerate a drought, it will last at most 2- 3 months, and that would be rare. Nold cautions that in his climate where drought is prolonged he loses plants.
In the first chapter Nold discusses basic topics like soil, garden planning, siting the garden, shade, pots, propagation and bugs. The last topic bugs is another point Nold and I agree on - not to do anything about them. Nold says if your prized plant is devastated by bugs them “grow something else”
Succeeding chapters discuss plants, perennials and annuals of each genus and the specific species of each that have proven hardy in his gardens. His extensive list covers grasses, bulbs, rock garden plants, cacti, yuccas, shrubs and trees. Many of the plant genus he talks about have species I grow in my garden.
One Genus of plants I want to experiment further with are the Penstemons. I already grow one tiny specimen that I need to ID.
His discussions are illustrated with many colour photos and exquisite drawings both the work of Cindy Nelson Nold.
I love this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested in gardening.
There is a new meme out regarding book reviews so this one is right on time. I think it is HolleyGarden in Texas.
ReplyDeleteI remember there was a blog named High and Dry and I always thought plants had to be tough to grow in those conditions. I'm like you with perennials-only to establish them. I do water hydrangeas though. Sigh.
I'm definitely adding this one to the reading list. I don't water very often. Because of that some of my perennials are up to their eyeballs in mulch. :)
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