This can be challenging gardening, replete with hot, dry summers and freezing winters, acidic soils, moose, mice, bears and bugs. Rather than fighting nature by trying to raise plants unsuited for a northern climate, master gardener Barbara Rayment, who has grown--and in some cases killed--nearly all of the plants in this book, helps readers get maximum results with minimum effort by selecting the right plants for their conditions. There are literally thousands of beautiful, interesting and garden-worthy perennials perfectly suited to northern conditions. Rayment moves beyond zone ratings, categorizing plants by habitat type and offering pragmatic advice on topics like watering, soil and beneficial insects, to address common frustrations associated with cold-climate gardening. From Acantholimon to Xanthorrhoeaceae, this book includes hundreds of hardy perennials, including many native plants, accompanied by hundreds of beautiful colour photographs. While glossy gardening books from warmer climates abound, the perennials described here really do thrive in zones 2 to 4, making this an indispensable reference for novice and expert northern gardeners alike.

Barbara Rayment has lived and gardened from one coast to the other and now lives in Prince George, BC, where she runs Birch Creek Nursery. A passion for experimentation, along with long winters devoted to reading and research, has placed Barbara at the forefront of contemporary northern gardening experts.

Barbara Rayment's profile page

Originally from the Shuswap, photographer Darwin Paton moved to Prince George, BC, in 1983. He is also a conservationist, outdoorsman and alpine hiker. He has participated in numerous group exhibits and solo exhibitions.

Darwin Paton's profile page