The other garden state

By Craig Nakano

Sept. 27, 2007 12 AM PT

The number of gardening books specific to our state continues to grow with the new California Gardener’s Guide from Cool Springs Press. This second volume is a complete rewrite of the original 2001 title, with an overhauled landscaping palette and a different writer, Times contributor Nan Sterman. She profiles nearly 200 plants, each detailed with a photograph, growing tips and suggestions on companion plantings. The book isn’t a comprehensive encyclopedia like the Sunset Western Garden Book, but rather a compendium of expert recommendations to help busy do-it-yourselfers make smarter choices. Tips on improving soil and managing pests also are included. $24.95.

-- Craig Nakano

Archives Plants

Craig Nakano

Craig Nakano is the assistant managing editor for Entertainment and Arts. He joined The Times as an assistant travel editor, later served as home editor and most recently was the fine arts editor, leading a team whose accolades included a Pulitzer Prize and an Online Journalism Award. A California native, he worked at the Desert Sun of Palm Springs and at the San Francisco Chronicle after graduating from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. He lives in Long Beach with his husband and son.

The other garden state

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