When it comes to cultivating a garden that thrives year after year, perennial gardening is the way to go. Perennials are plants that return each season, offering gardeners a reliable and beautiful display with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, having the right resources at your fingertips can make all the difference. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best books on perennial gardening, each filled with expert advice, tips, and stunning visuals to inspire your green thumb. These books are essential for anyone looking to master the art of perennial gardening.
Author: Katherine Green
Bio: Katherine Green is a horticulture enthusiast and freelance writer with over a decade of experience in gardening. She has contributed to various gardening magazines and loves sharing her knowledge on sustainable gardening practices.
10. The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden
Author: Roy Diblik
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – 237 Ratings
Why We Chose It: This book is perfect for gardeners who want a low-maintenance garden without sacrificing beauty. Roy Diblik’s “The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden” offers a sustainable approach to gardening by focusing on the right plant choices and simple maintenance routines. It’s a game-changer for those who want to spend more time enjoying their garden and less time working on it.
Fun Fact: Roy Diblik is known for his work on the Lurie Garden in Chicago, a famous public space celebrated for its sustainable design and perennial plantings.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden
9. Growing Flowers: Everything You Need to Know About Planting, Tending, Harvesting and Arranging Beautiful Blooms
Author: Niki Irving
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – 400 Ratings
Why We Chose It: This book is a comprehensive guide for beginners in perennial gardening. Niki Irving covers every aspect of growing flowers, from planting to harvesting and arranging. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to cultivate a stunning flower garden with minimal effort.
Fun Fact: Niki Irving is a farmer-florist who runs Flourish Flower Farm in North Carolina, where she grows a wide variety of perennials and other flowers.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: Growing Flowers: Everything You Need to Know About Planting, Tending, Harvesting and Arranging Beautiful Blooms
8. The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: The Essential Guide to Planting and Pruning Techniques, Third Edition
Author: Tracy DiSabato-Aust
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – 685 Ratings
Why We Chose It: Tracy DiSabato-Aust’s book is a must-have for any gardener interested in perfecting their perennial garden. It offers in-depth knowledge on planting, pruning, and maintaining perennials to keep them thriving year after year.
Fun Fact: Known as the “Queen of Deadheading,” Tracy DiSabato-Aust has over 40 years of experience in the horticulture industry and has lectured internationally on garden design and maintenance.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: The Well-Tended Perennial Garden
7. The Cottage Garden
Author: Claus Dalby
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – 132 Ratings
Why We Chose It: For those who love the charm of an English cottage garden, Claus Dalby’s “The Cottage Garden” is a visual and practical delight. This book is packed with inspiration and practical advice on creating a lush, romantic garden filled with perennials.
Fun Fact: Claus Dalby is often called the “Scandinavian Martha Stewart” for his expertise in gardening, design, and lifestyle.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: The Cottage Garden
6. Growing Flowers: Everything You Need to Know About Planting, Tending, Harvesting and Arranging Beautiful Blooms
Author: Niki Irving
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – 400 Ratings
Why We Chose It: Niki Irving’s second entry on our list is a testament to her expertise in flower gardening. This book is another comprehensive guide to cultivating perennials, perfect for those who want to deepen their knowledge and skills.
Fun Fact: Niki Irving’s Flourish Flower Farm is a popular destination for flower lovers and offers workshops on sustainable gardening practices.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: Growing Flowers: Everything You Need to Know About Planting, Tending, Harvesting and Arranging Beautiful Blooms
5. Bloom Adult Coloring Book: Easy Floral Coloring Book to Relief Anxiety and Relaxation for Adults and Teens with Colorful Cover
Author: My Coloring Space
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5) – 88 Ratings
Why We Chose It: While not a traditional gardening book, this coloring book is perfect for those who find joy in floral designs. It’s a relaxing way to engage with the beauty of perennials, making it a great companion for stress relief.
Fun Fact: Coloring has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mindfulness, making it a perfect activity for gardening enthusiasts during the off-season.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: Bloom Adult Coloring Book
4. Peonies: Beautiful Varieties for Home & Garden
Author: Jane Eastoe
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5) – 1,669 Ratings
Why We Chose It: “Peonies: Beautiful Varieties for Home & Garden” is a stunning exploration of one of the most beloved perennials. Jane Eastoe’s book is filled with gorgeous photography and detailed descriptions of peony varieties, making it a must-have for any gardener.
Fun Fact: Peonies have been cultivated for over 2,000 years and are considered a symbol of good fortune in many cultures.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: Peonies: Beautiful Varieties for Home & Garden
3. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Flower Gardener’s Handbook
Author: Old Farmer’s Almanac
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5) – 496 Ratings
Why We Chose It: This handbook is a trusted resource for gardeners of all levels. It offers timeless advice on growing perennials and other flowers, making it a
valuable addition to any gardener’s library.
Fun Fact: The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been published continuously since 1792, making it the oldest periodical in North America.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Flower Gardener’s Handbook
2. Hydrangeas: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden
Author: Naomi Slade
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5) – 760 Ratings
Why We Chose It: Hydrangeas are a popular choice for perennial gardens, and Naomi Slade’s book provides a comprehensive look at the different varieties. The stunning photography and detailed care instructions make this book a treasure for any hydrangea lover.
Fun Fact: Hydrangeas can change color based on the pH level of the soil, with more acidic soils producing blue flowers and alkaline soils producing pink ones.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: Hydrangeas: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden
1. Cool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long-Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather Techniques
Author: Lisa Mason Ziegler
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5) – 1,051 Ratings
Why We Chose It: Topping our list is Lisa Mason Ziegler’s “Cool Flowers,” a guide that teaches gardeners how to extend their growing season by planting hardy annuals that thrive in cooler weather. This book is essential for those looking to make the most out of their perennial garden.
Fun Fact: Lisa Mason Ziegler is a renowned cut-flower farmer and the founder of The Gardener’s Workshop, where she shares her knowledge through workshops and online courses.
Category: Perennial Gardening
Buy It Here: Cool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long-Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather Techniques
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