California Native Gardening: A Month-by-Month Guide

I enjoy reading this book, which is pretty amazing considering that it's a book that gives me more work to do! The layout and pictures make the book very appealing -- a book I look forward to returning to again and again. It helps me keep on schedule with monthly tasks that are specifically oriented toward growing plants that are native to California. I've been surprised by the value of some of the advice it gives. For instance, I had always read that you propagate CA natives by taking cuttings in the fall. That's good general advice; but if you want to know more specifics, and which ones you may have more success with in the Spring, read this book.

This has become my new favorite gardening book. It delivers everything it promises. I am an avid, long time gardener, transplanted to CA from MA and this book oriented me quickly to the local gardening calendar which is so very different from where I am originally from. I consider this book to be an essential reference for anyone gardening in California. For gardening enthusiasts new to California, this is an exceptional introduction to California gardening as well as a comprehensive guide for any month and every season of the year. The photos are excellent, the information is well organized, and the tips are helpful and explained well. I can't say enough about the value of this book to me. Best of all, Ms. Popper shows the beauty of native plants in every garden setting.... she isn't an "all or nothing" enthusiast, but rather, shows how to incorporate native plants into virtually every type of garden and setting.

Though I've lived in California for decades, I only recently have come to live in a home with a yard. So I am clueless about native plant selection, care and yard care - and eager to learn. This book is laid out in a way that suits me, going month-by-month with a page long, high-level Quick List while the rest of the chapter explores in more detail. To me it is about more of the yardwork aspect - the foundational stuff like mulching, pruning, propagating, weeding and cleaning. Coupled with other CA native plant books, solid for building foundational knowledge.

This is a really well done book. The pictures, descriptions, and friendly writing style make this an enjoyable read. I especially appreciated the practical advice for problems with gophers, weeds, etc. The book is subdivided into monthly chapters, which makes it really easy to follow - I can simply dive into the current month, and save the nonrelevant material for later. Being a nature lover myself, I felt like I lived through an entire year's season of gardening - it's that friendly! I'm definitely planning on getting more as gifts for friends and family.

Good month to month guide on CA natives. She has some worthwhile information on what to do every month. I actually had to buy it after I kept on checking it out at the library.

I have just started my native CA garden this tells me month to month what i need to do. Specific for certain plants and easy to read, simply language. Love it.

Very informative. If you are new to California natives as I am, you need this book. From plant descriptions, to planting guides, to pruning and seasonal variations, a lot is in this book.The drought caused me to rethink my landscaping methods. I am so happy that I made the conversion. Being a California native myself, I now realize how much the California flora is part of my being. Bringing that flora into my home has been a wonderful experience. The smells and sights are wonderful. Much better than the landscaping I learned from my parents (which is not intended to be a slam against them, just saying!!!).

I am a new native plants gardener, but I've been gardening for over 40 years. Gardening is my hobby and my therapy. I like this book for its simplicity and for its helpful suggestions season by season. Since I'm still "learning the ropes" in native gardening, I like the practical information it has collected to bring to me. More experienced gardeners may not need this book, though as a reference, it will keep a happy spot on my shelf always!