The Ann Lovejoy Handbook of Northwest Gardening: Natural-Sustainable-Organic

by Ann Lovejoy, Janet Loughrey (Photographer)

In her latest book, Ann Lovejoy covers every corner of natural gardening in the Pacific Northwest. All the steps are here in detail, from landscaping and design to soil prep and planting beds. She explains organic approaches to ground covers, lawns, shrubs, trees, and more, all with an eye to building a beautiful and sustainable garden that’s friendly to people, pets, and wildlife, and that flourishes without chemical fertilizers and pest controls. 100 color photographs enhance this complete and practical manual of ornamental gardening.

Genres: Gardening, Reference, Nonfiction

416 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.