Links
The following are some of my favorite sources for material and information.
Web Sites
Birds and Butterflies
Insects
Butterflies
Bulbs
John Scheepers: Great source of bulbs; sister company is Van Engelen (for larger orders)
Netherlands Flower Bulb Info
Van Bourgondien Bulbs and Perennials
Roses
All American Roses
American Rose Society
Alpines
North American Rock Garden Society
Peonies
Cricket Hill Garden: A great source for over 200 different peonies.
Garden Furniture
Kingsley-Bate Furniture
Euroports: Great selection of forged furniture and Garden Accessories. You may also call (781) 837-2583.
Garden Supplies
Gardener's Supply Company
Horticultural Societies
Massachusetts Horticultural Society
American Peony Society
Educational Sites
Iowa State University
UMass Extension
Garden Centers & Nurseries
For those serious advocates who love to visit nurseries, look for the book The Adventurous Gardener by Priscilla Williams. It's a great source of suggestions for specific nurseries for specific plants with driving directions and tips on nearby attractions.
Rhode Island
Central Nurseries
1155 Atwood Ave., Johnston, RI | (401) 942-7511
A great selection of nursery stock, garden supplies, garden tools, water garden supplies and garden accents.
Bottle Gentian Gardens
34 Roundhill Rd., Foster, RI | (401) 647-3730
A wonderful place for unusual perennials and native plants.
Woodbridge Nursery
1046 Hartford Pike, N. Scituate, RI 02857
A great selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable plants, hanging plants, and selected trees and shrubs.
Massachusetts
Avant Gardens
710 High Hill Rd., Dartmouth, MA | (508) 998-8819
A small family run nursery that sells a choice selection of plants they grow themselves including many unusual trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals.
Blanchette Gardens
223 Rutland St., Carlisle, MA | (978) 369-2962
Incredible selection of perennials
Kennedy's Country Gardens
85 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy., Scituate, MA | (781) 545-1266
Wonderful plants, gardening materials and garden decorations.
Newbury Perennial Gardens & Nursery
65 Orchard St., Byfield, MA | (978) 462-1144
24 beautiful display gardens spread over 16 acres, a garden shop, and a large selection of perennials, annuals, herb, shrubs, trees, garden accessories, and more.
Seven Arrows
346 Oakhill Ave., Attleboro, MA | (508) 399-7860
Offers a collection of several thousand varieties of unusual perennials, collector hostas and grasses, herbs, vines alpines, native plants, dwarf conifers, shrubs, heirloom roses, antique annuals, vegetables, and more.
Tranquil Lake Nursery
45 River St., Rehoboth, MA | (508) 252-4002
Underwood Shade Nursery
P.O. Box 1386, N. Attleboro, MA | (508) 222-2164
Native/exotic shade plants, ferns, grasses.
Some of my Favorite Books
I have to admit, books are an addiction. I just love them and have collected and continue to collect both old and new ones. These are just a few of my well used ones. If you would like any recommendations for books on specific subjects, please contact me and I will be more than glad to give you my own personal recommendations.
We will continue to update this list each month and touch upon specific subjects with recommended readings.
Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs - Michael Dirr
The Tree & Shrub Finder - Robert Kourik
Great source covering gardening uses of trees and shrubs
Pruning Trees, Shrubs, and Climbers, Hedges, Roses, Flowers and Topiary - Richard Bird
Gardening with Roses - Patrick Taylor
Roses for every garden purpose with suggestions for companion plants.
The Colorful Encyclopedia of Hostas - Diana Grefell and Michael Shadrack
The Sweat Pea Book - Graham Rice
A pretty little volume with photos, descriptions, and planting advice.
Annuals with Style - Michael A. Ruggiero and Tom Christopher
Packed with dozens of design ideas and plant combinations including great container plant displays.
Woodland Garden - Beth Chatto
Beautiful descriptions of transformations and lots of colorful photos.
The American Woodland - Rick Darke
Great descriptive text and photos of the vast eastern deciduous forest of North America with beautifully illustrated profiles of hundreds of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, sedges, and ferns; includes great growing tips and plant sources.
Easy Care Native Plants - Patricia A. Taylor
Detailed descriptions of over five hundred different native plants profiled in eleven gardens across the United States.
Organic Gardening - Maria Rodale
How to create the garden with great wisdom on gardening the earthy way.
Encyclopedia of Ferns - David L. Jones
Two books with guides to botany, cultivation, propagation, pests and diseases. Excellent color photos, diagrams, and line drawings!
P. Allen Smith's Container Gardens - P. Allen Smith
Bulbs of North America - N.A. Rock Garden Society, edited by Jane McGary
Great for those with an interest in alpine and rock gardens. Great photos!
Walls, Walks, and Patios - Creative Homeowner
Smith & Hawken Garden Structures - Linda Joan Smith
Ideas and how to tips include walls, fences, edging, gates, walks, decks, patios, pergolas, arches, gazebos, greenhouses, sheds, and more.