As winter slowly drifts into
spring, I find my thoughts drifting more and more from the confines of my warm
home to that small patch of land that surrounds it. As the snow melts and the
debris hidden under it becomes exposed, the urge to begin the yard cleanup
becomes stronger. While I am not a natural gardener and sport a thumb
more black than green, the act of playing in the dirt and attempting to nurture
the natural world is wonderfully satisfying. Gardeners come in a wide
variety of flavours; from those who garden to put food on the table, to those
whose passion is growing the perfect rose. The gardens they create can range
from a few pots on a windowsill, through to a wild meadow designed to attract
bees and butterflies, to large formal gardens as beautiful as the finest works
of art.
Every year the library purchases
the latest in gardening books, from DIY guides on pruning and composting, to
tomes on plant selection and care, as well as the newest ideas in design and
landscaping. Our children’s department has materials on teaching even the
youngest of children the joys of beginning to grow and care for plants. Working
in a garden is a great way to spend family time; there are tasks suited for
everyone from the youngest of child, to the most sullen of teenager. Studies
have shown that gardening helps us keep our mental and emotional acuity and
anyone who has done a long stretch of gardening can attest that is makes for a
great workout.
Scanning the shelves, I grabbed a
variety of some of the newest titles available in the gardening section, as an
introduction to what the library offers, so browse our shelves or through the
catalogue and start planning your perfect garden.
The New Canadian Garden by Mark
Cullen
Cullen and his family are a part
of a Canadian gardening institution, providing know-how, equipment, plants or
seeds throughout the country. This new guide looks at the changes of how
Canadians garden, from urban spaces to community gardens while keeping in mind
the best of environmental practices and that support the needs of the birds,
bees, and butterflies with whom we share our gardens.
Essential Perennials for EveryGarden by Sally Roth
Showcasing the wide variety of
perennials available throughout each zone of this country, Roth’s book bursts
with colour. Emphasizing the importance of developing a garden over a number of
years using perennials, the book is full of practical tips on topics like
dividing, pest control, and multi-season blooming.
Backyard Pharmacy: GrowingMedicinal Plants in Your Own Yard by Elizabeth Millard
No so very long ago, most
ailments were cured through medicinal preparations harvested from garden
pharmacies, sometimes known as physic gardens. Millard shows the reader
how to grow, harvest and prepare plants in order to receive their maximum
health benefits.
The Art of Hummingbird Gardening
by Mathew Tekulsky
Besides being a great gardening
book on types of plants that attract hummingbirds, Tekulsky’s work gives the
reader a glimpse into the life and lifestyle of the hummingbird.
Concentrating on providing optimal conditions for the beautiful endangered
species, the book demonstrates the delicate relationships in nature that are
frequently disrupted by man.
The Nitty-Gritty Gardening Book:Fun Projects for All Seasons by Kari A Cornell
Using step by step illustrations,
this book is a great reminder of how fun growing things can be. From growing a
new avocado from an old pit on your windowsill to building a terrarium in a jar
or growing a basket of strawberries, the book is full of fun ideas for kids of
all ages to tackle no matter the season.
You can also check out the
Thunder Bay District Master Gardeners website for local gardening tips and information
on upcoming events.
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