A Grower's Choice: Professional Tips on Plant Selection and Care for the Pacific Northwest

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for preteens; her latest books are
Jo’s Triumph; Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and
Tarragon Island.

With more than 20 years of horticultural experience, Michael Lascelle
appreciates how important it is to use quality plant stock when
creating, maintaining, or expanding a garden. In A Grower’s Choice, he
brings together plant selections provided by more than 50 knowledgeable
contributors. The result is just over 500 main plant selections in
nearly 60 categories. Though the book does not claim to be a
comprehensive catalogue of all varieties that can be grown successfully
in the Pacific Northwest, it includes a wide selection of plants
suitable for a range of gardening needs.

Plants are grouped in the following broad categories: Trees, Shrubs,
Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Roses, Conifers, Perennials, Ornamental
Grasses and Bamboos, Annuals, Vines, Water Plants, Bulbs, Vegetables,
Fruits, and Specialty Plants. There are three to five subcategories
within each broad grouping, each of which includes approximately 10
specific plants.

Height, spread, zone, and growing notes are included for each featured
plant. Sidebars feature additional details on planting, propagation,
unusual cultivars, pruning, transplanting tips, fertilizing advice, and
more. The information within each chapter reflects the interests and
background of the various contributors, but has been nicely reworked so
the book as a whole is consistent in feel and style.

Unfortunately, only some of the plant selections are illustrated with
color photos and these are inserted in a single section in the middle of
the book. The individual plant listings do not indicate which plants can
be found in the photo section, and the photographs do not give specific
page references back to the plant descriptions. This makes it awkward to
find corresponding visual and text references. With so many lavishly
illustrated gardening guides available, this is an unfortunate design
decision that makes the books less visually appealing than others in
this category.

Both the index and table of contents are well thought out and easy to
navigate. Of special interest to regional gardeners is a section
describing some attractive, easy-care native plants, exotic plants (like
eucalyptus, bamboo, and banana), and desert selections that can thrive
in the region with proper selection, placement, and care. Plants
suitable for bonsai, drought-tolerant species, fragrant selections, and
plants that remain attractive during the winter are also included. A
glossary of terms provides a quick reference for those not sure of the
difference between a corm and a stolon.