Composting

Louie, R. (2015). Compost city: Practical composting know-how for small-space living. Roost Books. 

At more than 200 pages, this book is probably more than most gardeners need to know about composting, but Chapter 2 -- "What Is Composting?" -- offers basic information to help any gardener think about whether and how to compost. For someone who wants to go deeper, there is information on above-ground and below-ground composting systems, vermiculture, bokashi fermentation, and community composting.  Author Rebecca Louie is a compost activist and an entertaining and readable writer. Find a copy at your library via WorldCat.

Accessible gardening

Christopher, T. (2002, November-December). The accessible garden: Plan ahead to garden with ease no matter what your age or physical condition. (Mapping a Garden). Country Living Gardener, 10(6), 85+. Gale General OneFile

In this short article, the author urges gardeners to think about accessibility in the planning stages of their garden. It doesn't offer technical advice or focus on specific accessibility issues. Instead the author offers basic suggestions on aspects like path width, pavement materials, avoiding steps, using raised beds, creating direct access to the street, and easing cleanup (don't exile the compost bin). He also suggests that gardeners seek out "kinder, gentler" tools to ease tasks and maintenance. This is a useful read with sound advice for someone in the planning stages who wants to make sure their garden is inviting and easy to enter and enjoy.  

Gardening science

Chalker-Scott, L. (2018). The science of gardening [Video file]. The Great Courses. Retrieved August 1, 2023, from Kanopy.  https://www.kanopy.com/en/robbinslibrary/video/5808932/5808943

Featuring Washington State University horticulture professor Linda Chalker-Scott, this compilation of 24 episodes explores the science of gardening practices, based on information from applied plant physiology, biology, soils science, climatology, hydrology, chemistry, and ecology. Unlike other resources in this guide, this series is largely based on traditional gardening concepts and practices. For example, in an interesting counterpoint to other sources in this guide, in episode 5, "Natives vs. Non-Natives", Chalker-Scott says native plant advocacy is the subject of much debate, and she points to "irrational" practices like native planting "mandates" on public sites and removal of non-native trees. Other episodes offer basic useful information, and watching a video is a great way to learn. Of special interest:

• Episode 2: Site Analysis: Choosing the Right Spot
• Episode 3: Soil Analysis: What Makes Soil Great?
• Episode 13: The Art and Science of Pruning

Starting a new bed

Native Plant Channel. (2021, September 6). Starting a new native garden bed! [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a3cu4PGzCA

When a winter storm leveled two pine trees in her yard, gardener Lourdes started a new native garden bed. In this video, she explains how she designed the space with native perennials and grasses. She shows the garden plantings at different stages in their growth, so that you can see how the garden evolves as well as take a close look at specific plants. She also pays special attention to deer-resistant strategies for young plants -- a common problem for many New England gardeners. There's a lot of useful information in this 15-minute video. 

Digging in

Ellis D. J. Akeroyd S. & American Horticultural Society. (2009). New encyclopedia of gardening techniques. Mitchell Beazley: Distributed in the U.S. and Canada by Octopus Books USA. 

This encyclopedia is described as "the flagship practical book of step-by-step gardening techniques." It does not focus specifically on native plants or New England but at nearly 500 pages, it will be useful to address almost any gardening question. Recommended are Chapter 1: Gardening basics, Chapter 2: Wildlife gardening, and Chapter 8: Container gardening. This is a resource to keep at hand and consult as needed. Find a copy in your library via WorldCat.