Melinda Myers

Written by one of the region's most highly respected gardening experts, Michigan Getting Started Garden Guide is a plant recommendation guidebook geared exclusively toward gardeners located in the Wolverine State. Author Melinda Myers shares her extensive gardening knowledge, highlighting her top picks for plants that will thrive in (or in spite of) Michigan's tough winters and other unique growing conditions, guaranteeing success for the Michigan...

Written by one of the region's most highly respected gardening experts, Minnesota & Wisconsin Getting Started Garden Guide is a plant recommendation guidebook geared exclusively toward gardeners located in these states. Author Melinda Myers shares her extensive gardening knowledge, highlighting her top picks for plants that will thrive in (or in spite of) the area's tough winters and other unique growing conditions, guaranteeing success for the gardener...

In this revised and updated 2nd edition of Midwest Gardener's Handbook, gardeners in the north central US are handed all the know-how they'll need to grow a lush, productive garden. If you live in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, or South Dakota, the environmentally sound growing info for both edible and ornamental plants found here is your green thumb map to success: • Profiles...

Learn how to implement a recovery plan to bring your landscape back to health from various threats. Is the problem actually worth treating? What kinds of insect traps should you use (and avoid)? How can adjusting the surrounding environment help? And why are black walnut trees often such a big problem?

Using evergreens, new plantings, and borderline hardy plants, explore how to manage leaves with less stress; how to insulate plantings for winter with mulch, cloth, and more; how to make repellents to protect plants from animals; and how to mitigate the effects of salt damage.

Ms. Myers gives you an overview of the step-by-step process for creating a garden, guiding you through the process of weeding old garden spaces; testing your soil; evaluating growing conditions; picking the best topsoil; using annuals, perennials, and biennials to best effect; and mapping out your garden with the space available.

Now, focus on how to maintain the health of your plantings in spring and summer. First, explore the science behind water's impact on new plantings and ways to water more effectively. Then, get insider tips on mulching techniques that can protect trunks and stems. Finally, learn how to properly transplant trees or shrubs that have outgrown their space.

Explore some of the many ways you can extend your garden through fall and take advantage of the cool air and warm soil. You'll learn how to add bulbs for a splash of spring beauty, prune and protect your plants from a potentially harsh winter, install a lovely cool-season garden, harvest and store herbs, and learn from your experience to plan for an even better garden in the spring.

Once you've got an idea for your landscape, it's time to shop! Where are the best places to buy trees and shrubs? How do you spot a healthy and structurally sound tree? How should you care for your new purchases until it's planting time? Get all the answers here.

Learn how to overcome the same challenges of light and space as you would in a larger garden area. Then, focus on getting the right plants to fit your garden. Which plants make strong focal points? Which plants tolerate shade better than others? What combinations will add depth and texture to your garden? How should you best move plants when you need to adjust to unforeseen situations?