California Gardener's Guide

I agree with the other reviewers that Sunset's Western Garden Guide is the essential book. My only complaint with that book is while it is quite extensive, the small illustrated drawings are not always ideal for identifying unknown plants and the depth is occasionally lacking. I bought this book (cheap at a booksale) because it focused on a smaller number of plants (admittedly oriented toward Southern California), had nice big photographs of each plant and went into a little bit more depth (fertilizer ratios to use, specific planting directions, soil ph numbers, etc.)

Great compainion book. Nice big pictures. Common and botanical names listed. Zone map listed with each plant. Very clear and simple using both words and symbols.

Perfect for the new or advanced gardening enthusiast. Details shurbs, trees, ground cover, roses, berries, citrus trees, and more. Shows beautiful pictures, which plants attract bees/butterflies/hummingbirds, how to care for the plants, problems certain plants encounter and how to handle them, and much more. Gives suggestions on which plants grow best to eachother, which are fragrant, and the author's opinions on the best hybrids for each plant. Excellent choice to peruse for ideas for your outside landscaping needs in California.

This book is nicely photographed, well-written, and proffers many good ideas for a California gardener. It is, however, somewhat skimpy when it comes to detailed information on any particular plant it addresses in these pages. I think most people would want more information on care and propagation of these specific plants.

Being a newcomer to gardening, I needed an experienced teacher. With "Bruce and Sharon Asakawa's California Gardener's Guide," I got not one, but two patient, knowledgeable, and thorough teachers. This is the best gardening book I've found on the market. Bruce and Sharon sectioned the book so that you can search by topics. As you would look for the pasta section in your favorite cookbook, you can easily search out the best flowers, ground cover, or trees for your backyard.Each time you open to the flower or plant your inquiring about, you get two pages of information. One page has a picture, a description, and a little history on that plant. On the other page, you get a useful guide suggesting where to situate it your garden, how to care for it, and when it blooms. Additionally, you'll find easy to understand icons that tell you if the flowers attract butterflies, bees, or hummingbirds. Whether you're just a beginner or an expert gardener, this book is easy to understand, and especially helpful if you live in California. I've recommended it to all of my friends and I'd recommend it to you too.