A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators

Johnson (100 Easy-To-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens) and conservation scientist Colla (environmental studies, York Univ.) have penned a heavily researched book chock-full of information about creating pollinator-friendly gardens using native plants from the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest regions of the U.S. The book discusses the importance of growing native plants in home gardens, and it tells readers how to do it. The work’s highlight is its listing of plant profiles, including perennials, grasses, sedges, trees, shrubs, and vines, but it doesn’t mention USDA hardiness zones. The perennials section is arranged by bloom time: spring, summer, and fall. Entries, each illustrated with a photo or color drawing by Sanderson, include common and scientific names, height, flower color, blooming period, preferred exposure, moisture requirements, specialist relationships with insects, good companion plants, and a paragraph of additional information about issues with the plant, such as susceptibility to powdery mildew. There are also lists of plants suitable for rain gardens, bogs, hellstrips, balconies, sun, and shade.