Plants and Landscapes for Summer Dry Climates

by Nora Harlow (Editor), Saxon Holt (Photographer), Richard Pembroke (Illustrator)

Plants and Landscapes from the San Francisco Bay Region

Genres: Gardening, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2004

Reviews

[Catullus2]

The best book for choosing garden plants in the Bay Area.

[c]

I wish I had this book when I was choosing plants for my no-supplemental-water garden 8 years ago. It’s a large format book with fantastic photos — lots of inspirational gardens with attractive plant groupings. Based on my experience with of plants I have (and plants I had and killed), the short descriptions are useful for planting and care tips.

I have many California gardening books, and I think this is the best one for my area. I will be doing some replanting in the fall, and will be using this to guide my choices.

There is a newer book by the same author for all summer-dry areas, but since I live in the Bay Area, it is nice to have one that does not include plants for SoCal or the PNW that would not work here.

I don’t know if this is still in print — I got it on the secondary market for $9.

[Valerie]

This book is amazing. Great location specific plant information, high quality gorgeous photos but most fascinating - it was produced by East Bay Municipal Utility District, our local water agency. BRILLIANT. This is a great example of a public agency thinking creatively about water conservation.

[Ann]

Outstanding. A must read for California gardeners in Mediterranean climates.

[Natalie]

Niles District residents Jill Singleton and Kris Sandoe researched and authored many of the plant descriptions in this beautiful plant book produced to encourage water wise gardening by the Water Conservation Department at EBMUD.

If you are looking for a plant book that will help you with your Fremont or East Bay Garden, this one should be on your coffee table and you should have a second copy for your potting shed!

Nelson Kirk, local Big-Tree-Guy extraordinare and long time landsacpe professional for Fremont and Union City municipalities confirmed Jill and Kris' research regarding localization in the East Bay for many of the plants described here. Looking for a little water-wise inspriation? You've come to the right place!

[Jenny]

Helpful overview of how to garden here in SF. The plant catalog is extensive and useful; I made notes on what might work for my particular microclimate. Neat note on how to check your soil drainage: "Dig a hole about 18" deep and fill it with water. If the soil is dry, let it drain and fill the hole again. If the second filling drains away in an hour or less, drainage is good. If it takes an hour or two to drain, damage is fair. If the hole retains water for several hours to a day, you may need to select a plant that appreciates such conditions or choose another location." (p 296)

[Katy Dickinson]

A good reference guide for Bay Area gardeners.

[Cheryl Meibos]

This is the best book I've seen for learning about plants that do well in the San Francisco Bay area. Beautiful pictures of the individual plants as well as in a landscaped setting.

[Cadillacrazy]

Excellent resource for gardeners in Mediterranean climates. Color photos of plants, and lists of plants suitable for specific areas such as "plants for dryish shade."

[Lucia]

opl has copies

[jeffrey]

Well written, excellent overview of the culture and appearance of plants, useful not only for the San Francisco Bay Region, but also for parts of the Southern California area.