Toronto Reference Library Blog

   The Business, Science and Technology Department at the Toronto Reference Library has unique horticultural books which are sure to please every type of gardener, from the beginner to the experienced, the obsessive to the carefree. If you have ever wondered how your every day garden plants fit into the big botanical scheme of things, then learn about plant evolution and classification in The Botanical Garden by Roger Philips and Martyn Rix. This two-volume set, which was ten years in the making, discusses over 1200 major botanical families and the major genera within each family. The families are presented in evolutionary order, starting with ferns, spaghnum moss and Ginkgo biloba, the latter being the most ancient of living trees. It is quite fascinating to find out how plants are related to one another; for example, the Rosacae (Rose) family includes the genera Potentilla, Prunus (includes plum, damson and cherry trees) and Cotoneaster. The superb photographs of the whole plant and parts of the plant show every detail because of the white background.

For more practical information about plant varieties I recommend the A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. (Canadian Edition). I love all the colour photos and the in depth discussion of so many species within each genus. This book is jam-packed with information and gives excellent descriptions.

But for me, a garden is about more than flowers and foliage, and when choosing plants I always consider which species would attract wildlife such as birds and insects. We have two great books in our collection with tips and advice about how to make your garden attractive to wildlife.

  The New Gardening for Wildlife: A Guide for Nature Lovers by Bill Merilees is a Canadian guide to providing shelter, food and water for a variety of animals. Chapters are devoted to different animals such as spring birds, Hummingbirds, and amphibians. I like the author's plant suggestions as well as his chapters on protecting animals from predators and helping injured animals.  

Your Backyard Wildlife Year: How to Attract Birds, Butterflies, and other Animals every Month of the Year by Marcus Schneck ( Foreword by Roger Tory Peterson) is a beautifully designed month-by-month  guide to attracting wildlife, and it is full of all kinds of projects such as constructing ponds, nesting boxes, bird feeders, and even a special squirrel feeder. The full colour illustrations and descriptions of the recommended plants are particularly helpful.

   The Business, Science and Technology Department at the Toronto Reference Library has unique horticultural books which are sure to please every type of gardener, from the beginner to the experienced, the obsessive to the carefree. If you have ever wondered how your every day garden plants fit into the big botanical scheme of things, then learn about plant evolution and classification in The Botanical Garden by Roger Philips and Martyn Rix. This two-volume set, which was ten years in the making, discusses over 1200 major botanical families and the major genera within each family. The families are presented in evolutionary order, starting with ferns, spaghnum moss and Ginkgo biloba, the latter being the most ancient of living trees. It is quite fascinating to find out how plants are related to one another; for example, the Rosacae (Rose) family includes the genera Potentilla, Prunus (includes plum, damson and cherry trees) and Cotoneaster. The superb photographs of the whole plant and parts of the plant show every detail because of the white background.

For more practical information about plant varieties I recommend the A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. (Canadian Edition). I love all the colour photos and the in depth discussion of so many species within each genus. This book is jam-packed with information and gives excellent descriptions.

But for me, a garden is about more than flowers and foliage, and when choosing plants I always consider which species would attract wildlife such as birds and insects. We have two great books in our collection with tips and advice about how to make your garden attractive to wildlife.

  The New Gardening for Wildlife: A Guide for Nature Lovers by Bill Merilees is a Canadian guide to providing shelter, food and water for a variety of animals. Chapters are devoted to different animals such as spring birds, Hummingbirds, and amphibians. I like the author's plant suggestions as well as his chapters on protecting animals from predators and helping injured animals.  

Your Backyard Wildlife Year: How to Attract Birds, Butterflies, and other Animals every Month of the Year by Marcus Schneck ( Foreword by Roger Tory Peterson) is a beautifully designed month-by-month  guide to attracting wildlife, and it is full of all kinds of projects such as constructing ponds, nesting boxes, bird feeders, and even a special squirrel feeder. The full colour illustrations and descriptions of the recommended plants are particularly helpful.