10 Gift Books for Texas Gardeners
The countdown to Christmas has begun and if you’re like many people, you may be scratching your head trying to come up with good gift ideas for friends and family. Over the next few weeks I’ll be throwing out ideas related to outdoor living. The books listed below are both new and tried-and-true reference guides on a variety of garden-related topics.
1.) The Bulb Hunter by Chris Wiesinger
Chris Wiesinger, aka “the bulb hunter, is founder of The Southern Bulb Company. He got the idea for his business while studying horticulture at Texas A&M University. He goal: to rediscover heirloom bulbs that were scarce in nurseries and unknown in big box stores but were abundant in vacant lots, abandoned houses, old homesteads, and cemeteries throughout the South where they had successfully adapted to decades of neglect and hot climates. In addition to his adventures in bulb hunting, the book is full of beautiful photos and provides information on what bulbs to grow where, along with planting, blooming and landscaping advice and information. Autographed copies are also available for after Christmas delivery.
2.) Butterfly Gardening for Texas by Geyata Ajilvsgi
Partly due to its varied ecological regions, Texas has more butterfly species and subspecies than any other state at over 400! This 437-page, easy-to-understand book the author divides the state into seven regions as plant preferences vary by region. Plant profiles are split into larval food plants and nectar plants (although some plants, such as milkweeds, are both). The book full of photos, details the nature and nurture of each plant, and includes an index and listings of seed and plant sources, organizations to join and suppliers. A great source for any Texan interested in making their gardens caterpillar- and butterfly-friendly.
3.) The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher: Birdfeeders and Bird Gardens by Robert Burton
Although not specific to Texas, this book is an excellent resource for backyard bird watchers and includes information on how to attract birds to your yard through the use of trees, shrubs, flowers, water, food, and shelter. This 400-page book is full of color photos and is a great resource for anyone wanting to create a bird-friendly habitat.
4.) Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region by Sally Wasowski
A charter member of the Native Plant Society of Texas, Sally Wasowski’s second book, published in 1988, helped spark the native plant movement in Texas. Now in its second edition, it has sold over 100,000 copies and is considered something of a “classic.” An excellent reference resource and well-illustrated, the book breaks Texas down by regions and discussed the environment and fauna native to each region. Plants are covered by category such as grasses, ground covers, annual, biennial and short-lived perennials, shrubs and trees. The book includes photos of each plant along with detailed information and garden designs.
5.) Doug Welsh’s Texas Garden Almanac by Douglas F. Welsh
This comprehensive 512-page, month-by-month guide for gardeners offers advice in a clear, concise, easy-to-read format. More than a how-to manual, the book provides information about lawns; trees, shrubs, vines and flowers; vegetable, herb, and fruit gardening; garden design and also soil, mulch, water, pests, and plant care. Author Doug Welsh is a professor and associate department head in horticulture for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and also served for 21 years as the statewide coordinator for the Texas Master Gardener program.
6.) Landscaping with Edible Plants in Texas: Design and Cultivation by Cheryl Beesley
Just released last month, this book, published by Texas A&M University press, is described as a comprehensive guide to the use of edible plants to create landscapes. The author, an Austin-based landscape designer, “presents an extensive pallet of edible plant choices for Texas arranged by trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals and includes detailed information about plant families as well as individual plants. Appendixes instruct readers on disease and insect control, additional variety selections, and plant and seed sources.” 
7.) Wildflowers of Texas by Geyata Ajilvsgi
This 544-page guide contains information on 482 of the most common wildflower species. It includes a botanical description of each flower, the flower’s bloom period, range and habitat, landscaping tips, and other information such as therapeutic and culinary value. Considered among the state’s top plant and butterfly experts, Ajilvsgi is also the author of Butterfly Gardening for Texas.
8.) Perennial Gardening in Texas by Alan Dean Franz
This easy-to-follow book approaches the topic from the perspective of a landscape architect, addressing the artistic, technical, and environmental aspects of perennial gardening. Topics covered include planning a garden (including color scheme, form, texture, sun, shade, and how to achieve continuous color), backgrounds and structures, maintenance and care, attracting birds, bees, and other wildlife and more.
9.) Neil Sperry’s Complete Guide to Texas Gardening by Neil Sperry
No list would be complete without mentioning this classic guide to Texas Gardening. Widely considered a “must” for Texas gardening enthusiasts, this book was first published in 1982 and was an instant success. The 400-page second edition, published in 1991, is even more comprehensive with 400 new plants and illustrations and 500 new photos. The Dallas Morning News gave it high ratings “by all our experts for its completeness, photos, drawings and wide variety of topics.”
10.) Easy Gardens for North Central Texas by Steve Huddleston & Pamela Crawford
Another book that is not new but remains a favorite for many, this 312-page book contains over 1,000 photos of annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, and trees that thrive with little or no irrigation and minimal care. Author Steve Huddleston has been the senior horticulturist at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens since 1994.
For over 30 years, Bonick Landscaping, has served Dallas area clients with the highest standards looking for out-of-the-ordinary luxury landscape design and pools by offering the best in service, workmanship, and plantings. Services include hardscape and landscape design, pool designs, pool construction and installation, estate management, lawn care services and garden maintenance, pool maintenance, and more. For discerning clients in Dallas who want to express their own distinctive style through their landscaping, Bonick Landscaping can help you realize your dream. Call us at 972-243-9673 or visit our website at www.bonicklandscaping.com.