Review: Dry Climate Gardening by by Noelle Johnson

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In Dry Climate Gardening, author and desert horticulturist Noelle Johnson, also known as AZ Plant Lady, delivers all the know-how you need to grow a breathtaking, colorful, and vibrant garden in low-water conditions.

Gardening in an arid climate doesn’t have to mean a yard full of rocks with a few cacti plunked in. With careful plant selection and thoughtful design , you can create a low-water landscape that’s an oasis for humans and wildlife alike. There are hundreds of plants well-suited to xeric conditions , and with the proper care, they create a living desert landscape that will stop passersby in their tracks. Let Dry Climate Gardening be your guide to crafting a climate-appropriate outdoor living space that’s the envy of the neighborhood, whether you live in the American Southwest, the Mediterranean region, or any other arid climate.

Inside you’ll find:
- The best arid-adapted plants to feature in your landscape
- Information on which plants struggle in dry climates and how to avoid them
- The five “desert seasons” and which are best for planting
- How to handle desert soils
- Plant care techniques specific to dry climates, including pruning, fertilizing, and more
- How to design a planting for maximum impact and minimal water needs
- Plant profiles and charts for every category, from trees and shrubs to groundcovers, vines, succulents, and perennials
- Sample garden designs and plant lists you can adapt to your own space
 

With water restrictions and the number of gardeners dealing with drought conditions on the rise, we all need to get more creative in the way we grow. Water-wise landscaping is a must for millions of gardeners. In Dry Climate Gardening, you’ll learn how to do it with care and style.

My Review

Reading this book was a bit dry (pun intended), but full of so much useful information. It delved into the technical, which doesn't make for engaging reading but will set the reader/gardener up for success. Living in a semi-arid/Mediterranean climate, it was gratifying to learn about plants and landscape ideas that would apply to the unique challenges of our area. I definitely feel more prepared as I plan our yard and meet the purposes of each area. I would have liked a more comprehensive plant guide as well as which are native to my area, but this book gave me a strong foundation and start to the process.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.