Information about Alberta’s native plants, as well as growing and maintaining healthy gardens and landscapes, makes a great gift.
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has several publications that may be a perfect fit for the gardener on your list.
Weed Seedling Guide ($10 plus GST) Agdex 640-9 – the second edition of this convenient, pocket-size book helps producers and others correctly identify weed seedlings. This coil-bound publication features information on 62 broad-leaved weeds and 10 grasses. The weeds are organized by cotyledon (seed-leaf) shape to make identification easier, and the book has seed-leaf shape drawings and full-colour weed seedling images, a table of commonly confused weeds and a glossary of terms.
Alberta Yards and Gardens ($15 plus GST) Agdex 200/32-1 – gives a fresh, unbiased look at what grows best in Alberta. The book is packed with information about selecting ornamental trees and shrubs, lawns, small fruits and berries, flowers, vegetables, herbs and even water plants. Homeowners, hobby gardeners, serious horticulturists and landscape artists will find this book invaluable. It also gives tips and techniques for pruning, wintering roses, container gardening and attracting birds and butterflies.
Growing Native Plants of Western Canada ($30.00 plus GST) Agdex 580-2 – with over 100 pages of text and photographs, this book takes an in-depth look at 48 species of native plants that have shown promise for ecological repair. This book will help anyone interested in collecting, growing and commercially producing native plants. Users might include private and public land managers, land reclamation engineers, conservation and reclamation consultants, range ecologists, wildlife and habitat biologists, seed producers, nursery operators, landscapers and gardeners.
Pruning in Alberta ($3 plus GST) 270/24-1 – this great stocking-stuffer takes the mystery out of pruning. This book shows how to control and maintain trees and shrubs without distorting their natural form and beauty. Also included are tips for increasing fruit harvest and improving flowering.
Weeds of the Prairies ($25 plus GST) Agdex 640-4 – full colour photos and illustrations detailing 112 weeds make this the most complete work of its kind on the Canadian Prairies. Weeds are colour-coded by flower colour for easy reference, and the full index makes it easy to find the species by common, scientific or family name. Charts on life cycle and habitat provide valuable information, and maps show how widespread particular weeds are. This 266 page book will make planning a weed control program easier and more effective. It can also help youngsters learn how to identify weeds.
Any of these books, DVDs and CD-ROMs can be
ordered online or by calling the Publications Office at 780-427-0391.