Bypassing the Roses

Southern women are hard to impress, especially when it comes to Valentine's Day. Any man in the life of a Snipes lady is up for a real challenge when it comes to Valentine's Day. All three of us have worked/still work in the wonderful world of flower arranging and have worldwide access to any flower we could want at a wholesale price... When flowers do actually arrive at one of our doorsteps the instinctive question is to immediately ask "Who did these?" and "How much did you pay?" We're not trying to be tacky here, we're just in the business and need to know our competition. 

 very cute, but not gonna cut it for us...

Sound familiar? Coming up with a great Valentines arrangement is pretty much a wasted effort for a gardening or flower enthusiast, so why not bypass the roses with a great gardening book this year? Not to sound like a hallmark card here, but this holiday is a great way celebrate their love of plants with a great little something for the bookshelf; something that will last for years to come.

I utilize my own gardening library everyday of the week. My most beloved garden/plant reference book was given to me as a graduation gift from dear family friends, and I love opening it to their note on the inside cover. There is something about the warm, cozy emotion that arises when you find a note inside the dust cover. Some of my all time favorite cookbooks are vintage ones passed down for generations that have others names inside and handwritten notes on the recipes inside. So what better way to pass along the warm fuzzies to someone than through a great gardening book? The Pegs and I have come up with our list, and would love any more suggestions that you may have.

Here are some of my suggestions that have been give to me throughout the years: 

First up, this is a new release on the book store shelves is from a Mississippi author who actually taught with my mom in Starkville before I arrived on the scene, Laurie Parker. Laurie has written a number of books, but the new Garden Alphabet really takes the cake. You may know her other works such as, Everywhere in Mississippi, A is for Angels, All Over Alabama, and the Louisiana Alphabet.  The Garden Alphabet is great for all ages, not only does it take you through plant names and gardening terms, but provides beautiful collages for "I Spy" opportunities.

 

The Southern Living Gardening Book, or my personal gardening bible resides right beside me at all hours of the day. It has been around for years in multiple editions, but a definite must for a garden reference.

Jack enjoyed the corner of this book as a puppy...

Beatrix Farrand Private Gardens, Public Spaces is the newest addition to the collection. It documents the works of Beatrix Farrand who was one of the first great lady Landscape Architects. For those of you in the DC area, she designed Dumbarton Oaks. With stunning photographs, garden layouts, and great historical tidbits, this book is a true source of inspiration for any landscape designer or gardener.

The Mid South Garden Guide, as it says is the Essential Reference tool for any gardener at any stage in his/her career. It covers everything from lawn care to nomenclature to plant selection guidelines.

Rain Gardening in the South,  was given to me by my graduate professor, Anne Spafford, who is one the authors. If you have a blossoming conservationist in your life, this is the book. It is an exceptional guide to establishing a rain garden in your own yard, as well as an excellent planting design reference.  (more to come on rain gardens later...)

Check your local bookstores for availability. Don't have a book lover you're trying to impress? Think outside the heart shaped box with a wrapped up package of spring bulbs to plant outside and every year when they pop up, your "hunny" will remember them as her most favorite Valentine's gift. So whether it's a lovely and lasting book with a note in the cover or some spring bulbs to pop up every spring, bypass those roses with a lasting gift this Valentine's Day.