What do you think?
Rate this book
Gardening in the Pacific Northwest: The Complete Homeowner's Guide
A must-have growing guide for gardeners in the Pacific Northwest
A gardener’s plant choices and garden style are inextricably linked to the place they call home. In order to grow a flourishing garden, every gardener must know the specifics of their region’s climate, soil, and geography. Gardening in the Pacific Northwest, by regional gardening experts Paul Bonine and Amy Campion, is comprehensive, enthusiastic, and accessible to gardeners of all levels. It features information on site and plant selection, soil preparation and maintenance, and basic design principles. Plant profiles highlight the region’s best perennials, shrubs, trees, and vines. Color photographs throughout show wonderful examples of Northwest garden style.
A gardener’s plant choices and garden style are inextricably linked to the place they call home. In order to grow a flourishing garden, every gardener must know the specifics of their region’s climate, soil, and geography. Gardening in the Pacific Northwest, by regional gardening experts Paul Bonine and Amy Campion, is comprehensive, enthusiastic, and accessible to gardeners of all levels. It features information on site and plant selection, soil preparation and maintenance, and basic design principles. Plant profiles highlight the region’s best perennials, shrubs, trees, and vines. Color photographs throughout show wonderful examples of Northwest garden style.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2015
72 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Read
April 4, 2019This book is loaded with plant info for Pacific Northwest gardens.
It covers:
<>Know Your Climate
<>Good Garden Culture
<>Plant Diseases, Pests, and Solutions
<>Plants: What Thrive Here (this was my favorite section)
<>Design: Northwest Garden Style
It covers:
<>Know Your Climate
<>Good Garden Culture
<>Plant Diseases, Pests, and Solutions
<>Plants: What Thrive Here (this was my favorite section)
<>Design: Northwest Garden Style
November 16, 2017
Gardening in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect winter pick-me-up. It is released on December 27, just in time for full-on winter in the PNW. I highly recommend purchasing the book and pouring over the ideas and full color photos while you dream of spring. The book is full of beautiful photos and an extensive list of plants, shrubs, trees and vines with full color pictures of each species listed.
I'm never quite sure when I see Pacific Northwest listed if the region actually includes me. Here is how Paul and Amy classify the PNW in their book:
"For the purpose of this guide, the Pacific Northwest includes the geographical regions of Oregon, Washington and southwest British Columbia, on both sides of the Cascade Mountains."
They do a fantastic job of breaking these states into eight subregions. The PNW has very diverse weather and I really like the eight subregions so I could find my specific area and tailor this book to me.
"We'll cover the eight basic subregions in this part of the country and discuss how climate impacts gardeners in each area."
Table of Content:
Know Your Climate
Good Garden Culture
Plant Diseases, Pests and Solutions
Plants: What Thrives Here
Design: Northwest Garden Style
Gardening in the PNW has an extensive list with full color photos of garden design and container planting. So many helpful tips, tricks and ideas! I'm a little bummed this book isn't being released earlier in December as it would have made a fantastic Christmas gift.
I highly recommend Gardening in the Pacific Northwest for new gardeners and gardeners who've been working in this climate for a while. There is something for all gardening levels in this book. The section on plants best suited for the PNW with full color pictures is worth the purchase alone.
I'm never quite sure when I see Pacific Northwest listed if the region actually includes me. Here is how Paul and Amy classify the PNW in their book:
"For the purpose of this guide, the Pacific Northwest includes the geographical regions of Oregon, Washington and southwest British Columbia, on both sides of the Cascade Mountains."
They do a fantastic job of breaking these states into eight subregions. The PNW has very diverse weather and I really like the eight subregions so I could find my specific area and tailor this book to me.
"We'll cover the eight basic subregions in this part of the country and discuss how climate impacts gardeners in each area."
Table of Content:
Know Your Climate
Good Garden Culture
Plant Diseases, Pests and Solutions
Plants: What Thrives Here
Design: Northwest Garden Style
Gardening in the PNW has an extensive list with full color photos of garden design and container planting. So many helpful tips, tricks and ideas! I'm a little bummed this book isn't being released earlier in December as it would have made a fantastic Christmas gift.
I highly recommend Gardening in the Pacific Northwest for new gardeners and gardeners who've been working in this climate for a while. There is something for all gardening levels in this book. The section on plants best suited for the PNW with full color pictures is worth the purchase alone.
August 7, 2017
Must Have For PNW Gardeners An excellent reference for any gardeners in the Pacific Northwest. The first part of the book is about understanding the climate differences in the PNW, and how one area just a few miles away from another can have a radically different climate. It provides a much more in-depth explanation that I have found anywhere else. The book then dives into soil types in the PNW, how they differ, and how to use what you have effectively. The next section is about plant diseases and bugs in the area. Followed by a very, very extensive discussion of the plants that you can grow in the PNW, and where they do the best. And finally, a section on design tips for you own garden. The book is very thorough, easy to read, and easily understandable. The photography is awesome! You could buy this book just for the photos, and would not be disappointed. I have already put into effect several of the ideas from this book in my own garden outside of Seattle. And will be referring to it for many years.
July 27, 2017
NOTE: The copy I read was called "Gardening in the Pacific Northwest".
Chock full of detailed information, this is a great book for gardeners living in the Pacific Northwest. The first sections are information on climate, soil, etc and is broken down by region. Next is a large guide of plants (perennials, shrubs, vines, and trees) which grow well in the Pacific Northwest. There is a ton of information for each listing, including best conditions to grow (weather, best region, etc).
If you are interested in started or maintaining a garden in the PNW, this is a great guide to pick up.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Chock full of detailed information, this is a great book for gardeners living in the Pacific Northwest. The first sections are information on climate, soil, etc and is broken down by region. Next is a large guide of plants (perennials, shrubs, vines, and trees) which grow well in the Pacific Northwest. There is a ton of information for each listing, including best conditions to grow (weather, best region, etc).
If you are interested in started or maintaining a garden in the PNW, this is a great guide to pick up.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 30, 2024
If you’re relatively new to gardening in the Pacific Northwest, this book could be for you. Informative and inspiring, I found new learnings even as an experienced gardener, although limited application. The book is broad and introductory.
The plant lists seem geared more toward collectors and less common additions, but there are useful ideas nonetheless. It’s not the most thorough plant list, so you’ll want to consider other sources.
The book isn’t specifically about urban or container gardening, so if that is your aim perhaps another book is more suited. However, they do touch upon urban gardening in the later section on “types of gardens.”
The plant lists seem geared more toward collectors and less common additions, but there are useful ideas nonetheless. It’s not the most thorough plant list, so you’ll want to consider other sources.
The book isn’t specifically about urban or container gardening, so if that is your aim perhaps another book is more suited. However, they do touch upon urban gardening in the later section on “types of gardens.”
January 25, 2018
This is such a great book for the Pacific NW gardener. I'm not incredibly adventurous in my gardening, but instead go for functionality not only for my purpose but to work with the landscape. I want color, scent, and beauty from all sight lines and at least 3 seasons. The way information is presented in this book helped me understand much more clearly what I'm already doing, ways I can make it easier and more effective, as well as giving me inspiration as far as new plants to explore.
Also, having information which delves into the various micro-climates in the NW which takes into account air patterns unique to the geography such as The Gorge Winds is invaluable. I highly recommend it for the backyard gardener, the hobbyist or someone who has yet to find the way into more nuanced aspects of gardening in the NW.
Also, having information which delves into the various micro-climates in the NW which takes into account air patterns unique to the geography such as The Gorge Winds is invaluable. I highly recommend it for the backyard gardener, the hobbyist or someone who has yet to find the way into more nuanced aspects of gardening in the NW.
December 1, 2017
As a transplant into the Pacific Northwest from the mid-south, the sub-climates became a harsh lesson in the fastest ways to kill a garden. An often used comment to a friend was "I used to be able to grow (enter plant name here), what am I not doing right?" My problem was not understanding the micro-climates and short-season seeds and plants I have researched prior to digging up my front yard to grow a garden. This book by Paul Bonine would have corrected my ignorance to this unique corner of the United States and the challenges faced when trying to figure out what will thrive and survive in the ground around here. Full Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.
August 24, 2017
As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Gardening can be a bit of a crapshoot unless you know what you’re doing – our climate is mild, but changeable, sometimes it’s too wet, sometimes it’s too dry, sometimes it’s too hot, sometimes you get seven inches of snow and you’re stuck at home for a week. And, as this book says, you can’t be successful at gardening in the PNW unless you’re prepared to get into the down and dirty aspects of growing plants here. Personally, I love digging in the dirt to make my garden look awesome, so I found this book extremely helpful. If you’re new to the PNW or if you’re a beginner gardener in the area, then you definitely want to peruse this book. It’s full of all sorts of useful information on how to garden in our unique clime.
April 30, 2018
This is a nice and concise guide to plants for the Pacific Northwest. I enjoyed the color photographs of each plant mentioned. This will really help with choosing some new plants for our new home. I have been cross checking several suggestions from here with my Sunset Western Garden Book, which has been my gardening bible for all of my adult life. I really appreciate that this book narrows things down considerably and makes it not so overwhelming to browse through. There are also some good general suggestions of what is needed in the more specific growing areas. Definitely a worthwhile addition to my gardening reference library. Also, since the book is on my Kindle, I can easily take it with me to the nursery when we shop for plants.
September 10, 2023
This is an excellent overview, and I will be using it to help with all future gardening projects.
The book is divided into sections, including: soil, pests, climate, trees, shrubs, vines, and so on and so forth. For each plant listed, we are given the hardiness zone and the estimated growth, plus a thorough description and lots of other useful details.
Recently, I replanted an area that is shielded from rainfall and only gets partial sun. This book was a huge help in pointing me in the right direction, and helping me understand which factors I needed to consider.
The book is divided into sections, including: soil, pests, climate, trees, shrubs, vines, and so on and so forth. For each plant listed, we are given the hardiness zone and the estimated growth, plus a thorough description and lots of other useful details.
Recently, I replanted an area that is shielded from rainfall and only gets partial sun. This book was a huge help in pointing me in the right direction, and helping me understand which factors I needed to consider.
May 20, 2018
Great book, great photos! I only wish it included more species.
July 11, 2019
This book had an incomplete encyclopedia of plants for the PNW and very little other information. I was greatly disappointed.
October 21, 2019
Great PNW plant suggestions! I'm inspired to plant new things.
Read
April 29, 2022Some great info in the first half about PNW weather, pests/diseases, and climates. Second part regarding ornamental plants wasn’t as useful to me personally.
March 20, 2023
EXCELLENT RESOURCE for anyone gardening in the PNW!!
September 5, 2024
Now to get to work ...
April 29, 2018
See my full review at https://mmbookshelf.wordpress.com/201....
The snow is coming down, making this the perfect time to start planning a better garden than ever! And this title is definitely finding a spot on my shelf. Regional expert Paul Bonine takes the lead on this project, offering a nuanced and informed understanding of gardening in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington on both sides of the Cascade Mountains, as well as southwestern British Columbia west of Hope). While interior B.C. is not included, I feel confident in including my area within the huge swath called Eastern Washington and Oregon. The Cascade Mountains delineate the wet and mild coastal climates from the more extreme and drier climate of the higher elevation area on the eastern edge of the PNW with more sun, more snow, less rain. Different bugs and soil, with hotter summers and colder winters. But still the PNW. The book opens by emphasizing the need for gardeners to have a solid understanding of their climate. Bonine and Campion correctly define as weather over time, and then delve into the eight subclimates of the Pacific Northwest. After that introduction we get into the meat of the book, more than 200 pages of perennials, vines, shrubs and trees for gardeners to consider. There are usually two entries to a page, each with a colour photo, description, and key characteristics such as size, shade/sun need, drought tolerance and hardiness, and suitability for the region’s subzones.Some are familiar favourites and others are delightful new discoveries. The book wraps up with a chapter on garden design, including several pages on designing a water-wise garden that is beautiful, colourful, and robust. For patio gardeners, the section on container gardening is much too brief, sadly, though everyone will appreciate the ideas for adding artful touches to any garden. There is space allocated for an index though it was not included in my review copy, as well as a list of recommended resources and a metric conversion chart. My thanks to Timber Press for the advance reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The snow is coming down, making this the perfect time to start planning a better garden than ever! And this title is definitely finding a spot on my shelf. Regional expert Paul Bonine takes the lead on this project, offering a nuanced and informed understanding of gardening in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington on both sides of the Cascade Mountains, as well as southwestern British Columbia west of Hope). While interior B.C. is not included, I feel confident in including my area within the huge swath called Eastern Washington and Oregon. The Cascade Mountains delineate the wet and mild coastal climates from the more extreme and drier climate of the higher elevation area on the eastern edge of the PNW with more sun, more snow, less rain. Different bugs and soil, with hotter summers and colder winters. But still the PNW. The book opens by emphasizing the need for gardeners to have a solid understanding of their climate. Bonine and Campion correctly define as weather over time, and then delve into the eight subclimates of the Pacific Northwest. After that introduction we get into the meat of the book, more than 200 pages of perennials, vines, shrubs and trees for gardeners to consider. There are usually two entries to a page, each with a colour photo, description, and key characteristics such as size, shade/sun need, drought tolerance and hardiness, and suitability for the region’s subzones.Some are familiar favourites and others are delightful new discoveries. The book wraps up with a chapter on garden design, including several pages on designing a water-wise garden that is beautiful, colourful, and robust. For patio gardeners, the section on container gardening is much too brief, sadly, though everyone will appreciate the ideas for adding artful touches to any garden. There is space allocated for an index though it was not included in my review copy, as well as a list of recommended resources and a metric conversion chart. My thanks to Timber Press for the advance reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2023
This book is a great introduction and a must-have for recent transplants to the area (such as myself!). The first section deals with the all-important (and extremely complicated) subject of climate. There are eight climatic sub-regions in the Pacific Northwest, each one with unique characteristics.
"Good Garden Culture" discusses the various types of soils in the region and how to improve them as well as tips on irrigation, mulching, and dealing with plant diseases and pests.
The largest portion of the book is a plant directory (Perennials, Shrubs, Vines, Trees) that lists the best plants for the region. A photograph of every plant is included as well as a description and growing requirements. This is where the book will get you into trouble. Although many of the plants that grow here are common elsewhere in the United States, there are exciting temptations for the gardener here like Fuchsias, Cistus (Rock Rose), Grevillea, Choisya (Mexican Orange), Ceonothus (California Lilac), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) and the list goes on.
A final section covers design facets and features photos of many private gardens in the region.
This book is a must-have for the Pacific Northwest gardener, full of valuable advice and highly recommended.
"Good Garden Culture" discusses the various types of soils in the region and how to improve them as well as tips on irrigation, mulching, and dealing with plant diseases and pests.
The largest portion of the book is a plant directory (Perennials, Shrubs, Vines, Trees) that lists the best plants for the region. A photograph of every plant is included as well as a description and growing requirements. This is where the book will get you into trouble. Although many of the plants that grow here are common elsewhere in the United States, there are exciting temptations for the gardener here like Fuchsias, Cistus (Rock Rose), Grevillea, Choisya (Mexican Orange), Ceonothus (California Lilac), Manzanita (Arctostaphylos) and the list goes on.
A final section covers design facets and features photos of many private gardens in the region.
This book is a must-have for the Pacific Northwest gardener, full of valuable advice and highly recommended.
December 20, 2025
Another great resource for me to keep at hand for navigating 'how to garden' in the PNW.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews