Practical Guide to Gardening in Canada. Rev. ed.

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Clear off the biggest work bench in the potting shed—this hefty,
large-format book is definitely going to crowd out some petunias. More
than 3400 photographs and 360 detailed drawings illustrate the text
contributed by more than 50 experts from Canada and the United Kingdom.
Many of the photographs demonstrate various gardening techniques in
easy-to-follow steps, while others illustrate some of the finer points
of identifying plant species or plant pests. The full-color
illustrations are most often used to depict “theoretical”
situations, such as suggested garden layouts or techniques for pruning a
shrub or vine.

The text is divided into two major parts. Part 1 describes how to start
a garden or improve an existing one, with discussions of site selection,
plant varieties, soil requirements, and basic plant care. Chapter titles
include “Ornamental Trees,” “Ornamental Shrubs,” “Climbing
Plants,” “Perennials, Annuals and Biennials,” “The Rock
Garden,” “Bulbous Plants,” “The Water Garden,” “Cacti and
Other Succulents,” “The Lawn,” “The Herb Garden,” “The
Vegetable Garden,” “The Fruit Garden,” and “The Indoor
Garden.” Part 2 is devoted to garden maintenance, with chapters on
“Tools and Equipment,” “Greenhouses and Frames,” “Structures
and Surfaces,” “Climate and the Garden,” “Soils and
Fertilizers,” “Principles of Propagation,” “Plant Problems,”
“Basic Botany,” and “Seasonal Reminders.” A glossary and an
index round out the volume.

This well-written book would be an excellent addition to the advanced
gardener’s library and an ideal introduction for the beginner.