Around the Press in 80 Books: Gardening in the Humid South

In celebration of LSUP’s 80th anniversary the staff selected 80 of our most memorable titles. Adding to our “Around the Press in 80 Books” blog series, Assistant Director Laura Gleason writes about Gardening in the Humid South.

Gardening in the Humid SouthLeon Standifer and Ed O’Rourke made a great team. Leon once told me if you eat the plant, it’s his specialty but if it looks pretty, it’s Ed’s. So, these two self-proclaimed “crotchety old horticulture professors” embarked on a journey to co-write a book (at the pleadings of our former sales manager, Claudette) that utilizes both of their specialties. Gardening in the Humid South is the result, and it is packed with the wisdom they gained over many years teaching and practicing the art of horticulture.

In this book they write about everything you need to know from starting a garden and the tools of the trade to rooting, fertilizer, lawn care, and even how to make potting mixes. It is the kind of book that you can read through or skip around in to read just what you need at the moment. (There is even a small section on coffee—one of their favorite subjects.)

I am fond of Ed and Leon’s direct, no-nonsense style of writing. I love that the chapter on potted plants called “Pots ’n’ Plants” begins with: “We want you to know that there is no such thing as a green thumb. Be patient, give your plants consistent care, and recognize that the environment of a potted plant is substantially different from what it would be out in the flower bed. This chapter will help you to understand the differences. Make yourself a fresh pot of coffee, take a few sips, and read for a while.” This folksy, conversational approach to the subject is a welcome change from other gardening books I have read. It makes you want to do just that: get a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and read that chapter. No such thing as a green thumb! Tell me more!

These authors simplify their subject matter, and their encouragement makes you feel that you can accomplish anything you set out to do and that, despite the hard work, gardening is fun. If you love gardening—or even if you just have a few plants living with you that you want to keep alive—and if you live in the humid south, this book is for you.

Buy this book now for 20% off and get free shipping on all orders over $50, use code 0480FAV at checkout.