Burroughs, J. John Burroughs Complete Nature Writings. 11 volumes. Wm. H. Wise. 1871.

Here is an opportunity to experience the diversity of life present before paved roads, autos, and pesticides, as observed by one man on horseback.

 

     Czarapata, E.J. Invasive Plants of the Upper Midwest: an Illustrated Guide to their Identification and Control. U of WI Press. 2005. This is an excellent primer to help catch invading species before the problem gets out of control in your garden space.

 

     Diboll, N. & H. Cox. The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants. U of Chicago Press. 2023.

Best photos depicting a wide diversity of natives from emerging seedlings through all stages of phenology (flowering through seed set).

 

     Henderson, C.L., C.J. Dindorf, & F. J. Rozumalski. (Nongame Wildlife Program/Section of Wildlife/MN Dept. of Natural Resources) Lakescaping for Wildlife and Water Quality. MN DNR. 2000. In-depth presentation of the methods and species to install if your property borders a wetland, stream, or river.

 

     Henderson, C.L. (Nongame Wildlife Program/Section of Wildlife/MN Dept. of Natural Resources). Landscaping for Wildlife. 1986. Detailed suggestions for landscape design that incorporates the needs of wildlife. It has since been updated to remove some invasive species that have high wildlife value (i.e., Amur maple).

 

      Henderson, C.L. (Nongame Wildlife Program/Section of Wildlife/MN Dept. of Natural Resources). Woodworking for Wildlife. 2009. Precise drawings and all details needed for how and where to mount nest boxes for bird species in three widely different habitats.

 

     Messervy, J.M. The Inward Garden: Creating a Place of Beauty and Meaning. Little, Brown & Company. 1995. It is a wonderful explanation of primary landscape archetypes and how to design with them in mind. Which type are you drawn toward?

 

     Reed, S. & G. Stibolt. Climate-Wise Landscaping: Practical Actions for a Sustainable Future. New Society Publishers. 2018. Basics for better decisions about designing the landscapes we live in. How to build them with the best plants and materials.

 

     Smith, W.R. Trees and Shrubs of MN. MN DNR. U of MN Press. 2008. Botanical key format to discover what plant you are looking at, combined with explicit photos of all growth stages, range maps, and clear descriptions of their preferred habitat. Not limited in application to MN.

 

     Tallamy, D.W. Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants. Timber Press. 2007. The book that revolutionized how native plants are the key to sustaining pollinators and birds that depend on their larvae. See follow-up series: Nature’s Best Hope. How Can I Help: Saving Nature with Your Yard. Nature of Oaks: the Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Trees.

     

     Thayer, S. Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Forager’s Harvest. 2023. Add to your knowledge of what you can eat from the new native diversity you have helped to prosper in your yard.

 

     Underhill, R. The Woodwright’s Eclectic Workshop: How to Start with a Tree and an Axe and Make One Thing After Another Until You Have a House and Everything In It. U of N Carolina Press. 1991.