Plants for the Winter Garden

by Warren Leach (Timber Press)

Scott Aker appreciates how the book is organized by the different attributes the plants provide in the winter landscape. “That to me makes it helpful if you’re looking for, say, a focal point accent or a fastigiate plant,” he said. “I think for the average gardener, that makes it very easy to use.” Georgia Silvera Seamans said, “Winter is often an overlooked season in the landscape, so it was really exciting to read a book that has put so much thought into how beautiful the outside can look in the winter.”

Brian Thompson was among several committee members who felt that the book had relevance for gardeners in many regions of the country. “I liked the balance between text and illustrations,” he added.

The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation

by Lindsay Sisti (Cool Springs Press)

Impressed by the attention to detail, committee members lauded this book’s organization, accessible yet authoritative writing style, and top-notch images. “It’s cool that this book is both instructional and inspirational” said Viveka Neveln. “It really makes you want to try some of this stuff. And, I will say, it is laugh-out-loud funny in some parts.”

Lucy Mercer agreed, noting that “the author’s voice is so fresh and so funny, it really just keeps you going.” She also praised the design and layout, especially the “beautiful, crisp images.”

Christine Froelich said, “I was won over by the organization of it and the way the author ties everything together. I thought I knew a lot about houseplants until I started reading this book.”

“The care that she took with illustrating each step was amazing to me. I’ve been at this [gardening] way too long yet I learned things from this book,” said Aker.

The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region

by Rick Gray and Shaun Booth (Firefly)

Committee members praised the book’s format and content, calling it a strong model for other regional garden guides.

“I know it’s a regional book, but there was so much to appreciate,” said Christine Froelich. “The user-friendly organization and practical advice stood out, especially the details on which wildlife each plant attracts.”

Brian Thompson was impressed by the depth of plant information and found the appendices particularly useful. “There’s a lot of great information packed in there,” he noted.

Georgia Silvera Seamans highlighted the images, saying they provide a clear view of plant parts—flowers, seeds, and foliage. She also emphasized the importance of regional guides, encouraging more authors to focus on native plants in specific areas.