Re: California Gardener's Guide, Volume II

I should probably explain the message from Jan Smithen....
I have a new book out, my first solo title (I've contributed to many other books too) and I am very excited about it.
California Gardener's Guide V. II is, as the title says, all about gardening in California.
My goal in writing this book was to promote the Mediterranean climate plant palette that we all know is the best suited plant palette for the vast majority of gardening climates in California. The front section is a primer on Mediterranean climates and gardening in California's Medit climate. The central section is 186 plant entries that includes close to 800 plants (!). The back section is tips and techniques.
Because of the layout and presentation, this book has a broad audience, from almost novice, to experienced gardeners who are new to California, to folks who have gardened here for a long time but are finally coming around to realizing that the traditional, water guzzling plants are simply ill-suited for a state that has chronic water shortages.
There are a few thirsty plants - but I really push hydrozoning as one strategy for getting the most out of a few choice thirsty plants without wasting water on plants that don't need it. 

So far, reviews have been more fabulous than I ever imagined:
Sacramento Bee http://www.sacbee.com/165/v-print/story/337185.html
San Jose Mercury News http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ci_6836718? IADID=Search-w&nclick_check=1 and http://www.mercurynews.com/search/ ci_6836660?IADID=Search-www.mercurynews.com-www.mercurynews.com Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/home/ la-hm-scoutbook27sep27,1,5570960.story?ctrack=1&cset=true Pacific Horticulture http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/book- reviews.php?reviewId=18
To say that much of what is in this book came from what I have learned form this serv would be an understatement.
In addition to my many years of asking questions of the group (thank you all for indulging me) and experimenting with plants in my garden and gardens I design for others, writing this book took considerable research - especially since this book is supposed to cover the entire state. Several listserv members made invaluable contributions, most notably Bracey Tiede in San Jose and Joe Seals in San Luis Obispo. Without those two, this book would never have happened.
I turned to Jan, Diana Chapman, Pete Vellieux, Deborah Lindsay and several other listserv members (you know who you are) for their expertise as well.
California Gardener's Guide Volume II was published last month by Cool Springs Press and is available at bookstores throughout the state as well as on my website, www.plantsoup.com.
My website is the only place where you can get a signed, personalized copy ; } 

Nan
PS in case you wondered, there is a California Gardener's Guide already on the shelves, written by Bruce and Sharon Asakawa and published close to 10 years ago by Cool Springs Press. Both books are part of Cool Springs' series of regional gardener guides. Cool Springs initially approached the Asakawas about updating their book, but they were involved in other projects. When the publisher approached me, I agreed to do the new book, only if I could start from scratch and create my own plant palette and promote my own approach. Hence, my California Gardener's Guide is totally different from theirs, so it was dubbed "Volume II." 


On Oct 28, 2007, at 3:16 PM, Jan Smithen wrote:


Dear Nan,
Well now, you've really DONE IT! The book is superb and so useful; you can take it into the garden with you if need be. You've also been able to include all my favorites in the plant world when I know you had limited space. Also found a way to include other (sometimes newer) cultivars in the "Try These" section - packing in a lot of information gardeners want to know.
I love the keys to usage with the little icons at the bottom and first thing, I sticky-tabbed the page with the explanations until I get to know them better. The Tips and Techniques section near the end is most valuable to anyone who is wondering, what about watering? or I have this plant I want to try, but everyone tells me it has invasive roots? and so many other things!
I haven't read it all yet, but everything I turn to, I find valuable. Thank you so much; it is just the book we all need, both beginners and people like me who've been gardening for years. I'm taking it to the Arboretum class this week to show everyone and remind them to come to your lecture there on Dec. 2. 

Many thanks,    Jan
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