TreeDazzled

The New England Wild Flower Society Guide to Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United States and Canada

by William Cullina

This book is a propagator's dream.  I can't tell you how often I've returned from a hike with pockets full of seed pods--and no idea what to do with them.  This impressively complete book will help you collect materials at the right time and turn them into beautiful plants.  More than 1000 species are discussed.

Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines: A Guide to Using, Growing, and Propagating North American Woody Plants

by William Cullina

An invaluable resource for the native gardener.  The meat of this book is found in its encyclopedia, which contains information on propagation, uses, attraction to wildlife, hardiness zone, flower season and color...and more.  As someone primarily interested in propagation, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the final section giving detailed information on the best way to propagate each genus.  This resource is second only to Dirr in terms of sheer usefulness for an intrepid propagator.

Natural Landscaping: Designing with Native Plant Communities

by John Diekelmann, Robert M. Schuster, and Renee Graef

An authoritative and essential resource for anyone interested in landscaping with native plants. This book goes far beyond basic gardening and landscaping, however, to authoritative instruction on how to restore wetlands, grasslands, and forests. I sincerely wish that I had a large enough garden to put all this advice to good use!

Noah's Garden: Restoring the Ecology of Our Own Backyards

by Sara B. Stein

A seminal work for thousands of native gardeners. Many gardeners have changed their whole approach to gardening after reading this book, which emphasizes the importance of working with nature, not against it, and of using the space in our gardens wisely, to partially replace the prairies and forests we've destroyed. Noah's Garden also explores the relationship between gardens and wildlife--such as it is in suburbia. Gardening according to Sara Stein's suggestions tends to create beautiful spaces filled with birds, bees, and butterflies.

Landscaping Revolution: Garden With Mother Nature, Not Against Her

by Andy Wasowski and Sally Wasowski

This book has been the inspiration for many native gardeners.  The authors advocate for a revolution that overthrows the hegemony of water-guzzling lawns.  As somebody who has signed up already, I can tell you that it is a relief--a *huge* relief--not to be constantly watering, seeding, weeding, and worrying.  The book contains many practical suggestions for specific natives.

Many people have remarked that the cover of this book is off-putting.  I'd agree but can only say: don't let it distract you.  The content is thoughtful, practical, and inspirational.