The Ann Lovejoy Handbook of Northwest Gardening, Revised Edition: Natural : Sustainable : Organic

by Ann Lovejoy, Janet Loughrey (Photographs)

The organic gardening movement has been long established among vegetable growers. With the mainstreaming of ideas about environmental and ecological preservation, the organic movement has come to ornamental gardening. And one of the primary spokespeople for that movement is Sasquatch’s longtime author Ann Lovejoy. This new book is a complete handbook for ornamental gardening follows the principles and techniques of organic and sustainable gardening. Gardening naturally does mean going without products like Roundup, Weed and Feed, and chemical fertilizers. It also means that gardeners may opt for a selection of native plants that are compatible with local climate and soils. Some of the paradigm shift has to do with getting over the notion that one’s garden needs to be as spotless and tidy as something on a magazine cover. Gardening is all about process, and the methods that Ann Lovejoy explains in this book emphasize good soil preparation, composting, drainage, mulching, and right plant selection. This comprehensive book covers the steps from landscaping and designs to soil preparation to planting beds. She covers all of the elements of the ground covers, lawns, shrubs, bulbs, trees—all with an eye to building a sustainable garden that grows without chemical fertilizers and pest control. You can try to make an Arizona backyard look like a Connecticut estate, but it’s going to take a lot of work, constant maintenance, more water than all the other gardens on your block, and a fat checkbook. There’s a simpler, more gratifying way to garden that is also good for people, pets, and wildlife. This practical book tells gardeners how to achieve that.

Genres: Gardening, Reference, Nonfiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I only had a spare blender, I would try adding more moss (instead of dandilions and clover) to my lawn by blending buttermilk and moss into a "thick slurry" and pouring that on all the bare spots. What other gardening book would condone my attitude towards lawns and contain such a bizarre, yet simple, suggestion? Lovejoy is an encouraging and inspiring author, with a sense of humor to boot.

In a section on keeping deer out of your garden, she writes:
Coyotoe urine is sold in nurseries and is a highly effective deer repellent...Pros: It really works. Cons: The coyotes are penned in inhumane condiitons in order to collect their urine. Solution: Many of us keep a male predator around the house. Humans are even higher on the food chain that coyotes. If you have access to a free suppy of male predator urine by all means, give this organic technique a try.

She favors planning ahead to minimize chores in the garden, and using native plants and other plants with similar needs to have success in Northwest gardens. There are many beautiful photos. I find hours of entertainment from leafing through this book, and occasionally it even gets me off the couch and into the garden.

[Priya TM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might be the only gardening book I have read cover to cover. Borrowed from my library twice, and then ended up buying a second-hand copy for future reference. If only I had read about the golden rule of making every corner of your garden wheelbarrow accessible in time...

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, not enough pictures for me since I’m not familiar with the majority of the plants discussed.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chock full of very useful information and ideas.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of information here. I read through it quickly, but doubt that I've retained a 10th. I think I'll have to revisit this one soon.

[Hybridhopes]

Fun

[A_s · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Lots of good straight forward info for the PNW.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

For anyone interested in learning more about sustainable gardening in the Northwest this is a good read. Lovejoy, noted garden writer in our area, takes us through the whole process of creating a more enjoyable, less labor intensive, garden. Her book includes design, plant selection, and soil (the most important ingredient)...all of it targeted to the Northwest climate and lifestyle. Busy people take note. You can have a beautiful garden, aligned with nature, with 2 hours a week maintenance. I know its true; its how I garden.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't a really comprehensive tomb about gardening in the Northwest, but it has lots of specific, practical advice that pertains to our region in short little sections. It's easy to understand and makes me believe that one day I can really garden organically! Now if only I could find the time...

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide to gardening with ornamentals in the PNW. Focus on sustainable landscape design and organic plant care, and includes lots of great lists of plants for use in different areas.

[Isaac Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love Ann Lovejoy. This book is comprehensive and I'm planning on buying it.

Golly, I love to read about ornamental gardening. Maybe someday I'll actually get to do some.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book about how to make my life easier and more beautiful in the yard. Still have a long way to go...

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live in the Northwest this should be in your own gardening library. Page after page of excellent advice, plans, and resources as well as a plant guide.

[Pat Loughery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, a bit dry, and not much focus on vegetable gardening.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good new information on organic gardening the easy way, sources for good fertilizer/organic amendments, and what is necessary or not for maritime NW.