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Books & Other Resources

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

This month, we are excited to recommend “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life,” by Barbara Kingsolver, a must-read book for gardeners interested in learning more about the connections between food, sustainability, and community. Kingsolver takes readers on a journey through a year of eating only locally grown or produced food, providing practical advice, personal anecdotes, scientific facts, cultural history, and recipes to explore the complex web of issues surrounding food production and consumption. Her engaging writing style and thoughtful insights make this book both inspiring and informative.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World

Mushrooms – not just for eating anymore. Ren Henry reviews Paul Stamets’ fascinating book about the value that mushrooms bring to the environment. It turns out that mushrooms can help the landscape in ways you probably have never thought about.

Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World

A Plain Vanilla Murder and Hemlock

Now that your outside garden has been put to bed for the winter, take some time to relax and read some entertaining plant fiction. As reviewer Gail Maifeld explains, reading the mysteries - “A Plain Vanilla Murder” and “Hemlock” by Susan Wittig Albert, is not only fun, it’s educational.

A Plain Vanilla Murder and Hemlock

Garden Alchemy

Many gardeners love a good cookbook for the bounty we grow. But what about recipes for good gardening itself? Garden Alchemy by Stephanie Rose (of Garden Therapy) brings us recipes for all kinds of DIY gardening - from soil & fertilizer to propagation and natural pest management. Read on for a review of this great guide, including 80 “recipes and concoctions!”

Garden Alchemy

Common Backyard Weeds of the Upper Midwest, by Teresa Marrone

A perfect companion for any gardener. Weeds, by Teresa Marrone, helps in identifying weeds, determining their purpose and usefulness, if any.

Common Backyard Weeds of the Upper Midwest, by Teresa Marrone

The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
By Douglas W. Tallamy, Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2021

Oak trees. Who doesn’t love this bold and majestic tree species in our landscape. In addition to their beauty, oak trees contribute mightily to the health of our environment. To learn more about the mighty oaks, read Douglas Tallamy’s excellent book, ”The Nature of Oaks.”

The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
By Douglas W. Tallamy, Timber Press, Portland, OR, 2021

The Midwest Native Plant Primer

Alan Branhagen is a well-known expert on native plants in Minnesota. Jim Lakin reviews Branhagen’s “Primer” on why you should consider planting natives in your yard. Once you are convinced, learn which plants to grow.

The Midwest Native Plant Primer

Entangled Life

“Fungi provide the key to understanding the planet on which we live and the ways we think, feel and behave. Yet they live their lives largely hidden from view and over ninety percent of their species remain undocumented.” So explains Merlin Sheldrake in his fascinating book “Entangled Life.” Read this book review to discover more about the role of fungi in our lives.

Entangled Life

Therapeutic Landscapes for Stress Relief

Feeling stressed? Has the Covid culture left you feeling socially isolated? Learn about the healing power of gardens and gardening in this article.

Therapeutic Landscapes for Stress Relief

All New Square Foot Gardening, Third Edition

“All New Square Foot Gardening” is an updated version of square foot gardening principles first introduced 40 years ago. The basic philosophy of this gardening method remains the same but this book demonstrates how the method has been refined and improved. Growing vegetables in your backyard is both possible and fun!

All New Square Foot Gardening, Third Edition

Beyond Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme

Stacy Reeves reviews Beyond Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme, a book that describes the many ways to enjoy a variety of herbs. The book talks about seventy herbs both common and uncommon. It includes history, growing tips and recipes to help you enjoy herbs that you can grow in your own garden.

Beyond Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme

Growing Garlic

If you are looking for a quick "how to" on growing garlic here's a resource for you.

Growing Garlic
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