As a new British Columbia resident and avid gardener, I am very interested in the gardening challenges of my new home province. There are books at the library that focus specifically on plants and growing activities as well as outings to the beautiful gardens I look forward to visiting.
Garden City: Vancouver by Marg Meikle is a must for a newcomer like myself. This guide provides information on soil, nurseries, compost, stores, annual events, tours, clubs and even activities for kids. Where can I go to find assistance? What is the climate? What tools do I need? All these questions are answered and other resources are provided - Meikle has gone to great lengths to provide everything you need.
Gardening in Vancouver focuses on the local climate and soil conditions, and provides many tips for the beginner to intermediate gardener. Author Judy Newton from the UBC Botanical Gardens provides growing information on plants and lawns as well as pest control. Also included are colour photographs and diagrams of various plants and instructions. This manual provides a common-sense approach and keeps gardening enjoyable.
Gardens of British Columbia provides a listing of the most beautiful gardens in the province. Author Pat Kramer takes the reader on a tour to heritage, wedding and display gardens, and provides maps and colour photographs. Speciality gardens for butterflies are also featured, as are the best places to go for afternoon tea and brief histories of the gardens. A major highlight is the information regarding facilities for persons with disabilities.
Four Chefs One Garden combines recipes and planting for the west coast. In a biographical one-on-one manner, Evaleen Jaager Roy discusses how she came to be a gardener after travels to England and back to the Canadian west coast. The style of the book is pull up a chair, drink some tea and spend time with the author on a personal level. Beautiful photographs and comments of plant trivia enhance the experience. In the middle of the book, Roy inserts recipes and relaxing times during each of the seasons.
These are only a few of the many books available at the library to enhance your gardening experience. They have definitely welcomed me and my green thumb to British Columbia.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published every Wednesday. Janet Cooper is a Library Technician at Coquitlam Public Library.
