Collection Development "Southwest Gardening": The Desert Shall Bloom
By John Charles, Shelley Mosley, & Sandra Van Winkle -- Library Journal, 12/15/2008
Gardening in the American Southwest (SW) is an extreme sport. Not only are gardeners challenged by geographic extremes from tropical deserts to subalpine locales, they must also deal with a wide range of climates. Winter in the mountains and higher regions means heavy snows, frozen soils, and temperatures that can dip below zero. In contrast, summers in the desert can bring weeks where the temperature never gets below 100° during the day.
Yet another challenge—especially for gardeners themselves transplanted from the North or Midwest—is that the calendar in much of the SW is reversed: the prime planting season begins in the late fall and extends into late spring.
Zone defense
The Southwest—which for this article is defined as Arizona (AZ), southern California (CA), New Mexico (NM), Nevada (NV), and Utah (UT)—includes five different climate zones: Low Altitude Desert (elevation 1000–2000 feet), Mid Altitude Desert (2000–4000 feet), High Altitude Desert (3500–5000 feet), Cool Plateau Highlands (4000–6000 feet), and Cold Mountainous Regions (6000–8000 feet). Arizona has all five!
Two of the most useful tools for any SW gardener are the hyperlinked USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html) and the American Horticultural Society's Heat Zone Map (www.ahs.org/pdfs/05_heat_map.pdf). Using both of these web resources will allow gardeners to determine successfully which plants will survive and thrive in their own specific locale.
Growing your collection
Most SW public libraries will need a variety of regional gardening titles, including introductory guides to the subject, plant selection books, and resources on landscape design. Additional popular SW gardening topics include drought-resistant horticulture (if there is one consistent challenge throughout the SW, it is water conservation), environmentally responsible landscaping, such as xeriscaping (i.e., not requiring supplemental irrigation), and gardening with native plants. Be sure to include books on these subjects in your collection as well.
Sunset, Cool Springs (www.coolspringspress.net), and Timber Press (www.timberpress.com) consistently publish useful, practical gardening guides for the region, but don't forget university presses and small presses as well. Some of the best books about gardening in the SW have been published by the University of Arizona, University of New Mexico, and University of California presses. And small local houses, such as Tucson-based Rio Nuevo (www.rionuevo.com) offer excellent titles. Local USDA Extension office publishing programs, such as the Arizona Master Gardeners (see under web resources below) also publish great titles that will definitely have an important place in local public libraries.
Weeding
To get rid of the weeds in your library's SW gardening collection, follow some basic rules. When the physical condition requires, discard a particular title (and consider reordering the book if it was getting high use!), and replace any volume when a new or revised edition, such as with Sunset's Western Garden Book, is published.
As the best methodologies for garden pest control have changed in recent years, banish those titles with outdated information that refers readers to dangerous insecticides and pesticides. Replace these with up-to-date books on greener, more environmentally responsible ways to keep your garden bug- and weed-free. In the following bibliography, the reference title and most of the basic guides include current pest control information. The books by Mary Irish are geared toward organic approaches that will keep diseases and pests in check.
Zines for SW gardeners
Keep in mind periodicals that focus on SW gardening. Sunset magazine (www.sunset.com) is known for its practical advice on everything from home remodeling to cooking, but it's been a longstanding and valuable tool for gardeners. It is published monthly in three regional editions applicable to SW states, each with focused horticultural pages. And Sunset's free e-newsletter is terrific as it includes a planting schedule, maintenance tips for five climate zones, and ideas for earth-friendly gardening. Especially helpful for desert gardeners is Phoenix Home and Garden (www.phgmag.com), with its monthly gardening section offering advice on everything from basic design ideas to plant profiles. The “Garden” section in the quarterly Utah Style and Design magazine (www.utahstyleanddesign.com) covers everything from seasonal plant prep to tips and tricks, winter garden maintenance, flower arranging, and local classes and workshops, all best for the Utah area.
Starred titles [*] are essential for most SW libraries. [This is the latest in a series of collection development articles focused on regional gardening; see also Brian R. Thompson's “Planting the Pacific Northwest,” LJ 12/05, p. 83–85, Phillip Oliver's “Deep in the Heart of Gardening,” LJ 12/06, p. 79–81, and Eboni A. Francis's “North by Northeast,” LJ 12/07, p. 80–82.—Ed.]
Reference
*Western Garden Book. Sunset: Lane. 2007. 768p. ed. by Kathleen Norris Brenzel. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-376-03917-0. $34.95.
The essential reference for SW gardeners. Revised every few years, this practical resource covers such basics as preparing the soil and controlling weeds and includes up-to-date pest control information, but its ultimate value lies in its comprehensive section on over 8000 plants—both native and worldwide—that can be successfully grown in the West. Gardeners can use the book's key climate arrangement to select plants that will work best in their own climate zone. Buy copies for both reference and circulating collections.
Basic SW Gardening Guides
*Brenzel, Kathleen Norris & Philip Edinger. Gardening in the Southwest. Sunset: Lane. 2005. 192p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-376-03712-1. pap. $19.95.
This richly illustrated guide by the editor of the classic Sunset Western Garden Book (see above) offers indispensable information on planning and maintaining a SW garden and includes a list of “signature plants” guaranteed to be a success in any SW landscape.
Filippi, Oliver. Dry Gardening Handbook: Plants and Practices for a Changing Climate. Thames & Hudson, dist. by Norton. 2008. 208p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-500-51407-8. $60.
French horticultural expert Filippi identifies more than 500 drought-resistant plants from around the world and suggests some intriguing, Mediterranean-flavored ideas for gardening in dry climates.
Irish, Mary. Gardening in the Desert: A Guide to Plant Selection and Care. Univ. of Arizona. 2000. 175p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8165-2057-2. pap. $17.
Southwest gardening expert Irish (see titles below) translates her years of botanical experience into a succinct book that outlines desert gardening basics and gives concise details on many of the most popular plants to consider in a water-challenged region.
Mills, Linn & Dick Post. Nevada Gardener's Guide. rev. ed. Cool Springs. 2005. 272p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-59186-116-4. pap. $24.99.
The odds of growing a successful garden in Nevada get better if gardeners use this informative, colorful book by two Nevada gardening gurus. An invaluable resource for any Nevada library.
*Pelczar, Rita & Pat Welsh. Smart Garden Regional Guide: Southwest. DK. (American Horticultural Society Smartgarden Regional Guides). 2004. 400p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7894-9367-5. pap. $30.
If it's DK, you know the illustrations have to be terrific, and in partnership with the American Horticultural Society, the information here is solid, too. Useful for new gardeners, providing both basic information and a succinct guide to more than 3000 plants geared for SW climates.
SW Plant Selection
Duffield, Mary Rose & Warren D. Jones. Plants for Dry Climates: How To Select, Grow, and Enjoy. rev. ed. Da Capo. 2001. 216p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-55561-251-1. pap. $29.95.
This classic, practical handbook by landscape architects Duffield and Jones lists 350 plants that will thrive in dry climates.
*Irish, Mary. Trees and Shrubs for the Southwest. 2008. 332p. ISBN 978-0-88192-905-8. $34.95.
*Irish, Mary & Gary Irish. Perennials for the Southwest: Plants That Flourish in Arid Gardens. 2006. 312p. ISBN 978-0-88192-761-0. $29.95. ea vol: Timber. illus. index.
Believing that SW gardens don't have to be dull, Irish (former director, Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens) demonstrates how to use more than 150 water-wise perennials effectively to create colorful gardens in hot, dry climates. She also gives plenty of practical advice on selecting, planting, and caring for more than 200 of the most “attractive, easy-to-grow trees and shrubs.”
Irish, Mary & Gary Irish. Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants: A Gardener's Guide. Timber. 2000. 384p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-88192-442-8. $34.95.
Irish here tells the fascinating scientific and historical story of these drought-tolerant plants and offers tips on blooming times and propagation methods for successfully growing them in a range of Western climates.
Kelaidis, Gwen Moore. Hardy Succulents: Tough Plants for Every Climate. Storey Bks. 2008. 159p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-58017-701-6. $19.95.
This lushly illustrated guide by a Western horticulturist/garden designer offers no-nonsense advice on selecting and growing succulents in a number of different hardiness zones. (LJ 2/15/08)
Mielke, Judy. Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes. Univ. of Texas. 1993. 310p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-292-75147-7. pap. $24.95.
Both beginners and old pros with years of sand under their fingernails will benefit from this detailed guide to more than 300 trees, grasses, wildflowers, and cacti native to the three different SW deserts. Mielke's list of plants by type (i.e., shade, fragrance, etc.) is invaluable.
Morrow, Baker H. Best Plants for New Mexico Gardens and Landscapes: Keyed to Cities and Regions in New Mexico and Adjacent Areas. Univ. of New Mexico. 1995. 279p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8263-1595-3. pap. $29.95.
An Albuquerque landscape architect and professor distills his expertise into a guide to 100 plants that will thrive in New Mexico's different climatic conditions as well as the nearby areas of Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. An essential purchase for any New Mexico library.
SW Landscape Design
Baldwin, Debra Lee. Designing with Succulents. Timber. 2007. 256p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-88192-816-7. $29.95.
Succulents—many of which are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance—are the mainstay of desert gardens. Those designing a new landscape and those hoping to add these botanical treasures into an existing garden will find Baldwin's gorgeously illustrated, detail-rich guide a worthy purchase.
Brookbank, George. Desert Landscaping: How To Start and Maintain a Healthy Landscape in the Southwest. Univ. of Arizona. 1992. 247p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-8165-1201-0. pap. $22.95.
Here is a wealth of information: caring for cacti, growing roses in the desert, landscape maintenance while you're away, problems with condominium landscaping, and a month-by-month maintenance guide.
*Calhoun, Scott. The Hot Garden: Landscape Design for the Desert Southwest. Rio Nuevo. Mar. 2009. 192p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-933855-31-8. $40.
In this colorfully illustrated book, horticultural writer and Tucson nursery owner Calhoun conveys boldly and brilliantly how to translate the natural beauty of the SW into “gorgeous yet water-thrifty” landscape designs. An essential purchase for any SW public library.
*Gilmer, Maureen. Palm Springs–Style Gardening: The Complete Guide to Plants and Practices for Gorgeous Dryland Gardens. Sunbelt. Dec. 2008. 160p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-932653-89-5. pap. $24.95.
California desert gardening expert Gilmer uses a rich assortment of native desert and heat-resistant plants to create colorful, low-maintenance, and water-wise landscape designs that will inspire any water-parched gardener.
Miller, George Oxford & Julian Duval. Landscaping with Native Plants of Southern California. Voyageur. 2008. 192p. illus. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-7603-2967-2. pap. $24.95.
The terrific illustrations and in-depth details on more than 300 wildflowers, trees, vines, cacti, and other plants native to the coastal and desert regions of Southern California will help gardeners create their own beautiful year-round landscapes. Includes helpful design samples, maps, and charts.
*Phillips, Judith. Southwestern Landscaping with Native Plants. Univ. of New Mexico. 1987. 160p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-89013-166-4. pap. $29.95.
This timeless volume may lack the high-gloss look of more recent titles, but it more than compensates with its wealth of sensible details on the design and maintenance of landscapes throughout the varied regions of the SW.
SW Armchair Gardening
*Calhoun, Scott. Yard Full of Sun: The Story of a Gardener's Obsession That Got a Little Out of Hand. Rio Nuevo. 2005. 196p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-887896-66-5. pap. $22.95.
This award-winning story of a Tucson gardener's plan to design a space that would be an effective botanical response to the dazzling Arizona sun is a rare thing: a delightful blend of wickedly entertaining writing and some wonderfully practical advice on growing plants in the SW.
SW Web Resources
The following Master Gardener sites offer plenty of useful advice for all levels of gardeners, each best for its own region.
Arizona Master Gardening Manual
ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/index.html
The excellent online manual, produced by the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension, contains diagnostics for plant damage.
New Mexico Master Gardeners
nmmastergardeners.org
Unlike other Master Gardener sites, this one is divided by county, making the information more specifically useful.
University of Arizona Urban Horticulture
cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden
SW urban gardeners will find a monthly gardening guide, Master Gardener information, garden clubs, community gardens, weather, links, and recommended readings. The “Ask a Question” section allows reader to request information not included. Outstanding.
Utah Master Gardeners
utahmastergardeners.usu.edu/home/homeMain.htm
Water-wise landscaping ideas and gardening links are featured.
Xeriscape Council of New Mexico
xeriscapenm.com
Xeriscaping is landscaping in arid and semi-arid regions while using methods of water conservation. This site outlines the principles of xeriscape, provides references and readings, and identifies xeriscape gardens to visit. The links section is excellent.
Web Addendum
SW PLANT SELECTION
Jones, Warren D. & Charles Sacamano. Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from Around the World. Da Capo. 2000. 400p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-55561-190-3. $39.95.
Offering useful information on gardening in warm desert regions and bordering semi-arid regions, this volume includes an A to Z listing of appropriate plants and their cultivation requirements.
Riffle, Robert Lee. Timber Press Pocket Guide to Palms. Timber. 2008. 244p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-88192-776-4. pap. $19.95.
While not unique to the Southwest, palm trees are frequently used in desert-style gardens. Palm expert Riffle provides the necessary details to select and successfully grow more than 200 different varieties.
Smith, Nevin. M. Native Treasures: Gardening with the Plants of California. Univ. of California. 2006. 288p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-520-24426-9. pap. $26.95.
This respected horticulturalist and talented writer discusses native California plants in a personal guide filled with his views and comments as well as lots of practical advice, from design to propagation techniques.
SW LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Keater, Glenn & Alrie Middlebrook. Designing California Native Gardens. Univ. of California. 2007. 342p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-520-23978-4. $70. pap. ISBN 978-0-520-25110-6. $29.95.
This invaluable book includes useful information on growing native plants in all of California’s climate zones, and Southwest gardeners will find the chapters on desert and chaparral gardening with sample garden plans, plant lists, and growing advice very helpful.
Phillips, Judith. Natural by Design: Beauty and Balance in Southwest Gardens. Museum of New Mexico Pr. 1995. 199p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-89013-277-7. pap. $35.
A beautifully illustrated tour of SW gardens, from high altitude forests to city plots in the desert.
| Author Information |
| John Charles, Reference Librarian, Scottsdale Public Library, AZ, has been reviewing for LJ for 13 years, as has Shelley Mosley, Adjunct Librarian, Glendale Community College Library, AZ. Sandra Van Winkle, Senior Management Assistant, City of Glendale, AZ, is a freelance writer. All three have been trying to grow things in Arizona for more than 30 years, with varying degrees of success |
