TreeDazzled

The Trees of San Francisco

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by Mike Sullivan

This book is an absolute delight for lovers of San Francisco, whether you are particularly fascinated by trees or no. The book is packed with interesting information about San Francisco's trees, and about the city itself. The suggested walking tours rank among the best walks I've taken in this city, and that's saying something. On my first walk with this book, for example, I learned that the word carat is derived from the ancient word quirat, which refers to the carob tree. The seeds of this tree are remarkably uniform in weight and were used by the ancients as a measure of weight. The walk in my own neighborhood, where I've lived for several years, pointed out several remarkable sights that I'd never noticed before. If you live in San Francisco or plan to visit soon, then buy this book. It will enhance your experience of San Francsico immeasurably.

Hartmann and Kester's Plant Propagation: Principles and Practices (7th Edition)

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by Hudson T. Hartmann, Dale Kester, Fred Davies, and Robert Geneve

Very detailed--this book gets down to the nitty-gritty.  Perhaps a little too nitty-gritty for some, but perfect for me.

Plant Propagation A to Z: Growing Plants for Free

by Geoff Bryant

An excellent starting point for somebody who is just learning to propagate. This book is simple but has an extensive list of propagation conditions for various species--handy during that first rush of enthusiasm to propagate anything and everything. This was my first propagation book and remains a favorite.

Gardening with Conifers

by Adrian Bloom and Richard Bloom

Wonderful pictures, not very technical.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Western Region

by Elbert Luther Little

I got this book for my birthday from the little one.  He keeps asking me, "Why did I get you a book about trees?"  He obviously needs to work on his enthusiasm for gardening.

I've only just started using the book, but I like it quite a bit.  Of course it suffers from the same problem as all field guides: you have to know a lot before you even start using it.  But this book is better organized than most, and focused on the western trees that I love.  Thanks, little one!

The after-dinner gardening book

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by Richard W. Langer

This book is about a guy who tries to grow a jungle in his New York City apartment, using seeds bought at the grocery store, under the skeptical eye of his wife.  In short, it is a book about me...it is hilarious, and really informative.  I've tried to grow several seeds as he suggests, with excellent success.  It is a MUST-read.  Cheap, too, as it is long out of print and only available used.

The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation: From Seed to Tissue Culture : A Practical Working Guide to the Propagation of over 1100 Species

by Michael A. Dirr and Charles W. Heuser, Jr.

A beautiful introduction to woody plant propagation.  Lays out the principles along with lots of specifics, as well as excellent references.  The Amazon reviews say it all.