The Complete Gardener by Monty Don is the one of the most comprehensive gardening books that I have ever read. The introduction includes informatiThe Complete Gardener by Monty Don is the one of the most comprehensive gardening books that I have ever read. The introduction includes information on the evolution of the garden as well as on wildlife and weather. It then tackles structure including such items as design planning, water features and paths. A section on gardening basics will be extremely useful to novice gardeners and great refresher for more experienced gardeners.
After these chapters, the author concentrates on the gardens he’s developed at Longmeadow in Herefordshire, England near Leominster. The chapters give a history of how each garden has evolved over the years as well as the types of plants in them. Next up are chapters on the various types of plants with specific varieties used at Longmeadow. This is followed by chapters on growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
While the soil, weather, and temperatures are very different where I live, there is still a lot of information that is applicable. While items such as when to sow certain seeds or plant something needs to be adjusted for my climate, the task itself is the same. Monty also shares insights into life and how gardening is a positive influence on him.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and educational read. I will be using this as a reference book regularly. I’m looking forward to reading more of his books on gardens and gardening.
I purchased a physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own....more
Gardening at Longmeadow by Monty Don takes readers and gardeners through a year at the famous garden. After a short introduction that includes whaGardening at Longmeadow by Monty Don takes readers and gardeners through a year at the famous garden. After a short introduction that includes what the property looked like when he purchased it, the book is organized into monthly chapters and filled with photos. Each chapter contains information on the author’s personal experiences at Longmeadow as well as what is happening with flowers, trees, shrubs, and vegetables during the month. It contains tasks to do as well as how to do them.
While the soil, weather, and temperatures are very different where I live, there is still a lot of information that is applicable. While items such as when to sow certain seeds needs to be adjusted for my climate, the task itself is the same. The how-to instructions are great. Monty also shares insights into life and how gardening is a positive influence on him.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and educational read. I’m looking forward to reading more of his books on gardens and gardening.
I purchased a physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. ------------------------------------------- My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Champions of Camouflage by Jean-Philippe Noel with photos from Biosphoto is a book that combines text and photos to explore camouflage in the The Champions of Camouflage by Jean-Philippe Noel with photos from Biosphoto is a book that combines text and photos to explore camouflage in the animal kingdom. Readers will learn there are many different ways that species use to go unnoticed by potential predators. Whether it’s changing color to replicate its environment, changing shapes, or creating an illusion, some species have become masters of camouflage.
The book was well organized with clear text and fantastic photos. Will you be able to find the hidden animal in the photographs? Some are more easily discerned than others are. Readers will gain a new appreciation for the amazing art of camouflage. While the photos are great, take the time to read the text as well and fully immerse yourself in the hidden species that are nearby. The next time you’re on a nature trail or in a yard, you may want to take a closer look at what is nearby. It may not just be a leaf or an ant.
Overall, this was a fascinating read. This book will likely appeal to readers that love nature.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
100 Plants to Feed the Birds: Turn Your Home Garden into a Healthy Bird Habitat by Laura Erickson is the second book that I have read by this auth100 Plants to Feed the Birds: Turn Your Home Garden into a Healthy Bird Habitat by Laura Erickson is the second book that I have read by this author. The title describes what this non-fiction book covers for the United States and Canada. While the novel has narrowed the list of plants, it looks at native plants that provide seeds, fruits, and nectar as well as those that host caterpillars and other insects needed for protein and those that provide nesting materials or nesting and roosting sites.
It starts with a good table of contents for easy reference followed by a short section on creating habitat for birds. This is then followed by the section for plants. The plants are divided into conifers, broadleaf trees, grasses, herbaceous perennial and annual plants, plants that grow on trees, shrubs, vines, and cactus and yuccas. Each of these is broken down more specifically. It includes some of the bird species that use them, how they are typically used, color, most useful seasons, native range maps, and some species within each category.
Not all of the species in the book should be planted in all areas of the USA or Canada. The author is very specific in urging readers to look for locally native species in the categories and provides an appendix that includes North American Native Plant Societies. Another excellent appendix is one that includes the favorite plants of common North American birds. It includes the species and their preferred food(s) and nesting choices. The bird photos are great as well, but I wish there had been photos with the plants in gardens designed to attract and feed the birds.
Overall, this is a well-organized and beneficial reference for those who want to garden to attract birds.
Storey Publishing, LLC and Laura Erickson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for December 06, 2022....more
WOLF ISLAND – DISCOVERING THE SECRETS OF A MYTHIC ANIMAL by L. David Mech in conjunction with Greg Breining is categorized under both biographies and WOLF ISLAND – DISCOVERING THE SECRETS OF A MYTHIC ANIMAL by L. David Mech in conjunction with Greg Breining is categorized under both biographies and memoirs and outdoors and nature. It follows Dr. Mech’s scientific research on the predator-prey relationships between wolves and moose on Isle Royale in Lake Superior. This book focuses on his research at the end of the 1950’s and beginning of the 1960’s. In the acknowledgements section of the book, it tells the reader that Greg Breining consulted Dr. Mech’s journals, field notes, books, data forms, etc. while Dr. Mech checked and approved the material, editied it, and added anecdotes, etc.
This book tells details of Mech’s summers which were spent hiking, boating, collecting wolf scats and moose mandibles, and observing these two animals. The winter seasons were spent largely flying over the land looking for, observing and counting both wolves and moose. These aerial surveys also helped to identify patterns. While much of this early scientific research has been confirmed, some conclusions have been revised as research techniques have progressed over the years. Today, there are six decades of data on wolves and moose on Isle Royale. Others continued Dr. Mech’s research there as he moved on to other areas after completing his doctorate.
The writing style is an easy to read and smooth flowing prose. You don’t have to be a biologist or scientist to understand the research that was undertaken and experience the day to day rigor that Dr. Mech’s study required of him. At the end of the book is information on what Dr. Mech did after this study as well as those that continued his work on Isle Royale and those that researched other animals there such as beaver and red fox. My only disappointment was the shortage of photographs. There are a few, but not many.
If you are interested in early scientific research on predator-prey relationships, enjoy nature, and/or enjoy memoirs, then I highly recommend that you check out this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
University of Minnesota Press and L. David Mech provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
THE LOVE LIVES OF BIRDS: COURTING AND MATING RITUALS by Laura Erickson is the first book that I have read by this author and the title describes what THE LOVE LIVES OF BIRDS: COURTING AND MATING RITUALS by Laura Erickson is the first book that I have read by this author and the title describes what the book covers. It is a non-fiction book that covers 35 species of birds which range from common backyard birds to birds one would have to travel far afield to find. Which birds mate for life? Which parent defends the territory or incubates the eggs or raises the young? Which species are faithful to their partner? Who coos, sings, dances, stretches their neck and bill to the sky, bows, allopreens, or brings food or nest material? The answers may surprise you for some species. Spring is here and so are the courting and mating rituals of many of our summer visitors.
This book is written in layman’s terms so you don’t have to be an expert birder to enjoy it. Additionally, I enjoyed the author’s sense of humor that showed up several times in the book. Additionally, she drew comparisons and references to characters in plays, books and movies making the book even more relatable and engaging. The drawings are great, but I would have loved more.
The author has been birding since 1975, worked as Science Editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York, is a contributing editor and columnist for BirdWatching magazine and has many other professional ornithology credits and this shows in her in-depth knowledge of the courtship and mating rituals described in this book.
As an avid birder since 1984 and having lived in four states during that time, I was familiar with most of the birds covered in the book. However, I still learned a few new facts. I recommend this to those that enjoy watching and learning about birds. The writing style is engaging and focused on courtship and mating. Many books about birds try to discuss everything and don’t give the reader enough details about anything. This one found the right focus and balance and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Many thanks to Storey Publishing, LLC and Laura Erickson for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
GARDEN ALCHEMY by Stephanie Rose is a well-written guide for amateur gardeners who want to improve their results using natural recipes and herbal soluGARDEN ALCHEMY by Stephanie Rose is a well-written guide for amateur gardeners who want to improve their results using natural recipes and herbal solutions. The book starts with information on understanding your garden soil as well as information on mulches. The chapter that I was most interested in was chapter two. This chapter deals with propagation. Other chapters cover composting, fertilizers, encouraging beneficial insects and deterring pests.
The book includes easy to follow recipes and instructions for a variety of do it yourself solutions. It also includes a resource section and a great index. While I was familiar with much of the information, this would make a great reference for new and inexperienced gardeners and maybe an idea or two for more experienced gardeners. I plan to try one of the recipes for treating damping off (a fungal disease) that can occur with seedlings.
Overall, the book makes a great reference to have on hand. It has some wonderful photographs and easy-to-follow recipes. This could also be used as a guide for a variety of science and gardening craft projects for children.
Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Cool Springs Press and Stephanie Rose for a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
LIVES OF WOLVES, COYOTES AND FOXES by Stan Tekiela is a great addition to his wildwife series. This is the eighth book that I have read in the series LIVES OF WOLVES, COYOTES AND FOXES by Stan Tekiela is a great addition to his wildwife series. This is the eighth book that I have read in the series and they have all been fantastic. The focus of this book is for the animals in these categories that live in North America.
Besides the wonderful information about these animals, the photos are stunning. At the end of the book there are nine range maps. My husband and I regularly see red fox and the occasional gray fox on our property so it was exciting to learn more about them. While I have only seen one gray wolf in the wild, I will never forget it.
Stan Tekiela's knowledge as a naturalist who has spent many years studying, observing and photographing many different animals comes through in this series. He has once again kept me fascinated and wanting even more of his books. While the book is only 144 pages long, it packs a lot into it from early history to size, weight, life expectancy, hunting, families, senses, diet, birth and development and much more. The book is well organized and has a table of contents for easy reference....more
This is an excellent resource for gardeners wanting to use native plants, trees, shrubs. vines and grasses to attract birds if you live in Minnesota, This is an excellent resource for gardeners wanting to use native plants, trees, shrubs. vines and grasses to attract birds if you live in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, or Ohio. It covers a wide range of garden habitats. While this is focused on birds, it also lends itself to gardens for many pollinators.
The book is well organized and includes information on birds' needs, specific habitat garden information including case studies, building and maintaining gardens as well as additional resources. It has great plant lists, but you have to double-check elsewhere for your specific area because plants that are native to one state (or even region within a state) are not necessarily native in your area. Besides all of the details provided in the book, each chapter ends with a section on additional resources. The garden layout diagrams are rather basic, but give you a general idea of how to tackle each habitat garden.
This is the most comprehensive book on this topic that I have found....more
This was an excellent gardening reference for plants that provide benefits to bees. I was especially glad that it included information on which plantsThis was an excellent gardening reference for plants that provide benefits to bees. I was especially glad that it included information on which plants provided nectar (or are host plants) to hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths. The focus, though, was on honey bees.
I was disappointed that the book brought in non-native plant species which can escape and become invasive. The authors reminded you to check locally to see if particular plants are invasive in your area. However, I would have preferred that only native species be covered and that more detailed map ranges for specific recommended varieties be included in the book. Even when a variety is native to North America, it can be invasive in some regions....more
This was a great book for ideas on gardening for butterflies and moths (as well as other pollinators). It gives information on life cycles as well as This was a great book for ideas on gardening for butterflies and moths (as well as other pollinators). It gives information on life cycles as well as garden design, plant selection, and butterfly observation. I was pleasantly surprised to find a chapter specifically on gardening for moths. The book also listed a variety of additional resources at the end....more
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