try "the Maritime Northwest Garden Guide" by Seattle Tilth. It is a wealth of info and very specific. I found mine at POrtland Nursery.

Hi.

A second vote for Seattle Tilth's MNGG.

I take it from the double zone numbers on your "handle" that you are already familiar with Sunset's garden guide. I find it to be a decent, general resource.

Several local newspaper columnists up here in the Puget Sound area have authored books that are quite specific to the region. Having been born in Salem (a nice place to grow up), I can attest that the weather in the WV is quite a bit different than here in wetter, cooler, Pugetropolis. It might be helpful to search for books written by columnists for the Statesman, Oregonian, or whatever local papers are still cranking out the ink.

I'm sure others will wade in with their own favorites.

Happy reading and gifting!

Rain

I love Ann Lovejoy's books. I've read them over and over. Not only do they have tons of information but they are very enjoyable to read like a novel.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ann Lovejoy's books

Hi Rosefolly -

When I first moved here from the SF East Bay Area I got all of Ann Lovejoy's books. I also used my Sunset Western Guide a lot. Buyorsell is right, Ann Lovejoy's books are really good books for the Pac NW. I don't know if Ciscoe Morris has any books or not, but he is our regional 'unique' gardener. I got a really big kick out of him when I first moved here.

I've mostly noticed that we get more rain (of course) Also that a lot of the tropicals I grew year around won't make it outside here. Eucalyptus Trees are touchy. (People up here are fascinated with them and Palm Trees, they also love cacti, and succulents) Stuff that grows like weeds back home! Japanese Maples, and Flowering Cherries and Prune Trees are so lovely up here as are the Rhododendrons. I can also grow lilacs and peonies now. I do really miss my citrus trees though.

My parents moved up here from the Bay also. They live in the Willamette Valley. Their weather is pretty similar to mine except they get warmer in the summer. She has the most incredible roses! They grow amazing there. Also, a little bit more frost than us in winter. My mom grows almost exactly all of the same stuff I do.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ciscoe Morris Site - Ooh La La!

Thanks, folks, and keep 'em coming. We've had several friends or relatives move to various parts of the PNW over the past few years, which is why gift books would be useful. We think of it for ourselves, too, now that we are both retired. Not sure yet, but are thinking of a sort of farm-ette at some time, one with actual rain!

Rosefolly

"Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades" by Steve Solomon is what I use. The author lives in Oregon and was the founder of Territorial Seed Co.

Cisco does have a book. He writes just like he talks on his show. Personally, I could do without some of those mannerisms, I can't get through a whole TV or radio show....He gives great info though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ciscoe Morris' Book

I bought this book a couple years ago but haven't read it very much. It might be useful. I stuck it on the shelf and just haven't remembered to get back to it.

Another book I've used for years is an English book which does work for us if you add summer watering.

Reader's Digest: A Garden For All Seasons. Has great info on plant combinations for long term color and foliage interest. Uses bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees.

Here is a link that might be useful: Month by Month