I stopped to listen to a garden speaker at our County Fair last week. I was late didn't hear all he had to say, but he brought up the gardener's quot;Biblequot; several times. I over heard someone at the nursery say something about it too, more then once, but never paid attention before. All I know is it is suspost to be the best book on gardening. A must have for every serious gardener. I've checked at several book stores without luck. My neighbor told me that is not the right name, only the name everyone refers to it. But she didn't know the real name either. Does any one know the real name? I have got to have one. Thank You!
THE MASTER GARDENER BIBLE was at one time SUNSET WESTERN GARDEN BOOK. We carried one with us at all times. But times change the MASTER GARDENERS have written a NEW TESTAMENT of their own. I wouldn't say it is a replacement to the Sunset book any more them The New Testament of the Bible replaces the Old Testament. But THE MASTER GARDENER HAND BOOK was writen by MASTER GARDENERS for MASTER GARDENERS with input from all the top plant experts from the Univ system, State County Ag experts. It's more of a hands on, how to book. Where Sunset highlights plants to I.D., the MASTER GARDENER HAND BOOK assumes you have made your plant choices takes it from there. Pound for pound, I'd say the Master Gardeners book weights more. Covers in detail the stuff Sunset just touched on. I think they belong together just like the Old New Testament of the Bible. You just can't have one without the other. The Master Gardener book covers it all in detail, soil conditions, IPM in detail etc. Anything that could mess up a gardeners' day in the garden, the Master Gardeners' book has it covered. Problem being you won't find it in your local book store. It's a univ publication in univ books stores or by order from your local coop extension or Master Gardener sight. If both were put infront of a gardener could only have one, it would be a tuffy. But for more hands on what to do and why, i'd have to choose the book writen by the Master Gardeners.
I would say it is the SUNSET WESTERN GARDEN BOOK. It has everything you'll need really. They only put out a new edition every 10 years. Good luck :-)
I have heard the book referred to by others is certainly considered a bible-- especially for the western states. Reader's Digest puts out a decent book-- I found some wonderful books at my library sale of old books-- you'll just turn into a garden book collector like most of us. Don't leave out your local library for information-- if you have a Ag University-- you can get leaflets on just about the world that pertains to your gardening zone-- which does matter-- a lot. I think most of us just acquire books and information from friends-- and master gardners around us. Welcome to the club! Good luck
The real Bible used by Landscape Architects, Nurserymen, and professional gardeners is the Sunset Western Garden Book. This book is the best reference book for plants grown in western gardens. Additionally, it has the best climate maps of the west. This is particularly helpful when selecting plants that will work well in you climate. I have used this book professionally for years.
