Trees to Know

CORVALLIS — If you can’t garden, why not read about it? Books bring us comfort when the gloomy weather of winter is upon us. Even gardeners who love winter enjoy a good read.

Add a fire and a cup of tea and relax with one of these books recommended by Extension Service horticulturists. There is something for every reader — a memoir by Hope Jahren tells the story of two scientists and their love for trees; and Extension’s popular “Trees to Know in Oregon and Washington” is heavy with photos of both coniferous and deciduous trees.

Check with your local library or bookstores, or find them online.

“The Gardeners,” Dr. John Grimshaw

“For gardeners who love to know the origin of all their favorite plants this is a gem of information. It probes into the history and origin of these plants and who discovered them. The author makes the sharing of plant discovery since the 1500s very entertaining and educates the reader on how many of these ornamental plants were also used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The book is filled with excellent photos and maps of plant origins to support the storytelling.”

— Steve Reinquist, OSU Extension horticulturist, Douglas County

“Trees to Know in Oregon and Washington,” Ed Jensen, Oregon State University Extension Service

“I really like “Trees to Know in Oregon.” It is a good choice for anyone who has ever wondered “What kind tree is that?” The book contains both native and commonly planted ornamental trees in our area as well as easy-to-use keys for identifying unknown conifers and broadleaf trees.” A new edition will be published in early 2021.

— Heather Stoven, OSU Extension horticulturist, Yamhill County

”Lab Girl,” Hope Jahren

“I love this book. It is a great science memoir, but also goes into plant ecology and physiology quite a bit. “Lab Girl” is a beautifully written and oftentimes hilarious memoir about the work and friendship of two scientists, and their absolute love affair with, and reverence for, trees.”

— Gail Langellotto, horticulture professor and statewide coordinator of the OSU Extension Master Gardeners

“Botany in a Day,” Thomas J. Elpel

“Learn the pattern method of plant identification through this great book. Related plants have similar flower, leaf and stem traits. Examine plant traits by family to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the plant kingdom.”

— Weston Miller, OSU Extension horticulturist, Washington and Clackamas County

“Planting the Natural Garden,” Pete Oudolf and Hank Gerritsen

“A concise compilation of flora, most of it herbaceous that would work well in a contrived meadow construct either somewhat rural or urban. It is a tremendous source of plant options that eliminates the need to strain what is left of our gray matter after this horrendous year.”

— Al Shay, senior instructor and curator of the Oak Creek Center for Urban Agriculture, Corvallis

“Braiding Sweetgrass,” Robin Wall Kimmerer

“The author is versed in botany and traditional ecological knowledge of plants and she finds meaning in both these ways of seeing human relationships with plants. It includes discussion of traditional ecological knowledge alongside research-based information. As both an academic and an indigenous person, Kimmerer is qualified to explore where science and traditional ecological knowledge overlap, and where they don’t. Her writing inspires wonder and reverence for plants that readers won’t soon forget and is a favorite of many avid gardeners and naturalists. “Braiding Sweetgrass” also exists as an audiobook read by the author, and she has a lovely, soothing voice.”

— Elizabeth Records, OSU Extension Master Gardener coordinator, Linn and Benton counties

“Home Orchard: Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees,” Ingels, Geisel and Norton

“A great resource for home orchardists. Very detailed, science-based information with lots of photographs and illustrations to support the text. The chapters on training and pruning, and budding and grafting are worth the price alone. Written for California growers, but can be adapted towards other climates/soils.”

— Erica Chernoh, OSU Extension horticulturist, Lane County

“The Bees in Your Backyard,” Joseph S. Wilson and Olivia Messinger Carril

“This is a great resource for anyone interested in backyard ecology. The book is very accessible to the amateur and budding entomologist and is literally packed with color photos. For each group of bees, the authors provide the typical size, the geographic range and the time of year the bee is usually found. There is also a whole chapter on how to promote bees in your backyard with tips on providing nesting areas and plants that feed the bees. I also recommend “Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. I’m only half way through but am delighted. The author has a way of weaving scientific knowledge with personal stories and indigenous history. Like “Braiding Sweetgrass,” it’s a beautiful read.”

— Brooke Edmunds, OSU Extension horticulturist, Linn and Benton counties