The Beginner's Herb Garden: An Herb Society of America Guide

Resources for Beginners

Books

* Bown, Deni. The Herb Society of America New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2001.
This revised edition of Bown's 1995 classic reference work covers everything from herb history and mythology to worldwide uses, cultivation, and herb garden design. The "A-Z of Herbs" includes detailed profiles of over 1000 herbs with 1500 color photographs, arranged by botanical name. Also includes bibliography, a list of herb gardens, glossary and common name index. 448 pages

* Gardner, Jo Ann. Living with Herbs: A Treasury of New and Useful Plants for the Home and Garden. Woodstock, VT: The Countryman Press, 1997.
Covers growing, harvesting and using herbs in both the home and the landscape and includes multi-page portraits of seventy-four herbs, complete with personal anecdotes from the author, an HSA member. With black and white photographs, line drawings, resource lists and index. 288 pages

* Hill, Madalene, and Gwen Barclay. Southern Herb Growing. Fredericksburg, TX: Shearer Publishing, 1987.
This classic text by former HSA president and award winner, Hill and fellow HSA member, Barclay, provides an introduction to herbs and herb gardening tailored to the American South with profiles of over 130 plants and a southern herb selection guide. Also includes guidelines for cooking with herbs and an extensive selection of recipes. With color photographs and index. 196 pages

Hopkinson, Patricia et al. The American Garden Guides: Herb Gardening. New York: Pantheon Books, 1994.
Compiled by Cornell Plantations, U. of California Botanical Garden and Matthaei Botanical Garden. Introduction includes "Botany for Gardeners." "Plant Selector" section includes listing of herbs by use and color, plus color photographs and portraits of over 200 herbs. Sidebars cover a variety of topics, including Native American uses, aromatherapy, history and tips. Also includes design guide, description of gardening techniques, and gardening for special conditions and climates. With glossary and index. 223 pages

* McVicar, Jekka. New Book of Herbs. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2002.
This encyclopedic book provides information on growing herbs organically and using them in cooking as well as for home cleaning, first aid, beauty, relaxation and pet care. Also includes profiles of 100 plants with cultivation and use information. With color photographs, resource list and index. 288 pages

* Michalak, Patricia S. Rodale's Successful Organic Gardening: Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1993.
A concise guide to gardening basics, plant selection, cultivation and maintenance, preserving, storing and using herbs. With profiles and color photographs of over ninety herbs. Includes index. 160 pages

* Kowalchik, Claire and William H. Hylton, eds. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1987.
Entries for each plant range from one to several pages and include history, uses (medicinal, ornamental, culinary, cosmetic, dye), description, flowering, range, growing conditions, cultivation, and folklore. Includes entries on herbal topics as well as 140+ individual plants. 545 pages

* Shaudys, Phyllis V. The Pleasure of Herbs: A Month-by-Month Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying Herbs. Pownal, VT: Storey Communications, 1986.
HSA member, Shaudys, devotes a chapter to each month of the year, highlighting an herb for the month and providing seasonal recipes, garden advice and crafts. Appendices include "A Brief Encyclopedia of Herbs," "Growing Fragrant Herbs for Profit," "Directory of Herb Businesses and Gardens" and a bibliography. Includes black and white illustrations and index. 275 pages

* Swanson, Faith H. and Virginia B. Rady. Herb Garden Design. Hanover: University Press of New England, 1984.
This classic reference work by two HSA members includes plans for over fifty types of gardens, from basic designs to historical, specialty, educational and formal gardens. Each design includes a list of plants and full-page design plan. With index and black and white photographs and illustrations. 155 pages

* Tucker, Arthur O. and Thomas DeBaggio. The Big Book of Herbs: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference to Herbs of Flavor and Fragrance. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 2000.
Introductory chapters cover "Plant Identification," nomenclature, "Maximizing Flavors and Fragrances," "Container Cultivation," creating the best growing conditions, "Propagation and Planting," "Keeping Herbs Healthy," and harvesting. Includes profiles of over 100 herbs. Individual profiles include common and botanical name, names in various languages, family, growth form, hardiness, light, soil, propagation, uses, chemistry and botanical description. With black and white line drawings, extensive reference list and index. An important resource from two of HSA's expert members. 688 pages.

All of the titles in this list are included in the HSA Library collection. Items denoted with an * circulate to HSA members.

Websites

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

American Horticultural Society Heat Zone Finder
http://www.ahs.org/publications/heat_zone_map.htm

See the HSA Library Links pages for additional websites.

Back to Contents