![\"Liberty_Hyde_Bailey\"](\"images\/Liberty_Hyde_Bailey.jpg\")
I usually like to have read books before recommending them. But if you’re looking for stocking-stuffers for your gardening friends (or to add to your own wish list), here are two that I suspect will be winners:<\/p>\nI usually like to have read books before recommending them. But if you’re looking for stocking-stuffers for your gardening friends (or to add to your own wish list), here are two that I suspect will be winners:<\/p>\n
Liberty Hyde Bailey: Essential Agrarian and Environmental Writings<\/a> – As the promo copy says, “Before Wendell Berry and Aldo Leopold, there was the horticulturalist [sic] and botanist Liberty Hyde Bailey.” Even though I walk by lecture halls and conservatories named for the pioneering Cornell horticulturist every day, I’ll admit to having not read much of his writing. I think this will be a good place for me to catch up, considering these are the best from his prolific writings. (See this classic Life photo<\/a> to understand just how much writing Bailey did before the advent of the digital age.)<\/p>\n Planthropology: The Myths, Miracles, and Mysteries of My Garden Favorites.<\/a> – Let’s just say that I’ve never, ever been disappointed by a Ken Druse book. His photos and writing are top-shelf. I expect the content here will rise above a mere collection of plant trivia to deliver a level of insight and beauty that I’ve come to expect from Ken. Read Ken’s GuestRant<\/a> over at Garden Rant on the backstory of titling the book and more.<\/p>\n Here’s a promotional video for the book:<\/p>\n