Essentials for native growers

A wise man once said: Everything is easy, once you know how. Tell that to the frustrated native-plant gardener and suggest she find a copy of this book. Unlike other new titles on California flora, this ring-bound reference provides the how, why, when and where for growing scores of different species and cultivars -- practical information that can lead to success.

This pioneering book is all the more special for its specificity to Southern California and its bilingual English-Spanish format: Its fact-packed content -- climate, soils, watering, selection, planting, care and pests -- was penned by three local advocates representing Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (O’Brien); California Native Plant Society (Landis); and Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers & Native Plants (Mackey). Line drawings, color photos (most lovely), charts, a glossary and nursery sources add value.

The first run of this must-have manual is only available through the above organizations. Links to them may be found at www.bewaterwise.com. Copies should go quickly, but no problem. The second printing, one can hope, will have fewer typos and easier-to-read boxes (now black type on brown background).

-- Lili Singer