Annuals for the Prairies

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

This attractive, clearly laid-out, well-illustrated book specifically
addresses gardening in the Prairie environment. The first part of the
volume describes soil preparation, composting, and plant propagation
practices. The rest of the volume describes more than 200 annual plants
appropriate for Prairie gardens. This section is organized
alphabetically by botanical name. Each entry includes history, plant
description, propagation, culture and use, and has a series of icons
indicating light and moisture requirements and height. Most of the
plants are shown in one or more photographs, with a few depicted in
black-and-white drawings.

The book also contains a handy reference chart (also organized by
botanical name) to provide easy tabular access to culture, flower
information, landscape use, and faulty habits, and concludes with a
cross-reference list of common and botanical names.

This authoritative book (the author has taught horticulture for 25
years at the University of Alberta) is recommended for all Prairie
public libraries, academic libraries supporting horticulture research,
and Prairie gardeners.