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http://entire-of-itself.blogspot.com/2007/07/book-review-perennial-vegetables-by.html

Book Review: “Perennial Vegetables,” by Eric Toensmeier

Book Review: “Perennial Vegetables: From Artichokes to Zuiki Taro, A Gardener’s Guide to Over 100 Delicious and Easy to Grow Edibles” by Eric Toensmeier

* Paperback: 224 pages
* Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing (May 16, 2007)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1931498407
* ISBN-13: 978-1931498401
* Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.8 inches
* Price at Amazon.com (new) - $23.10

I very seldom buy new books, and even more seldom buy books as expensive as this. But I had a $25 Amazon gift certificate, so I went ahead and bought it, and I’m very glad I did.

The first section of the book is useful information on growing perennial vegetables (and other perennials, for that matter), and on landscaping using these plants, many of which have great ornamental value.

Part Two is a listing of each of the more than 100 (I didn’t count) perennial vegtables, with information on each species. About half the listed plants have quite extensive growing information, and about half have shorter descriptions. A map is included for each species, showing where it will grow as a perennial and where it can be grown as an annual. Toensmeier has not included plant ‘thugs’ such as kudzu or Japanese knotweed, and warns the reader if any of the other plants may naturalize.

The author’s inclusions of certain species (as vegetables) may be slightly questionable: we are more apt to think of them as fruit or as herbs, for example, rhubarb and lovage. (However, my daughter cooks a lot of Persian food, and uses rhubarb as a vegetable in a meat and vegetable stew.) Also, this book will be of even more use to people who live in a warmer climate than I do (northern Pennsylvania in the mountains, with Zone 4 weather). I actually already grow four of the vegetables in the book: rhubarb, lovage, Good King Henry, and sorrel. I discovered some others that I’ll definitely try - two of which I had never even heard of before. Those who live considerably further south than I will find a wealth of species to try.

The book is well written, and carefully edited. It includes a list of recommended reading, a list of recommended web sites, a list of sources for seeds and plants, a list of sources for garden supplies and equipment, a bibliography, an index by both scientific and common names, and a really valuable list of perennial vegetables that will grow in each of the various climate types in the USA (including Hawaii).

If you’re at all interested in growing perennial vegetables - or in permaculture in general - I think you’ll want to read this book and probably to own it. I think it’s a very useful book and a pleasure to read. I recommend it most highly to all gardeners.

Pat

posted by Pat Meadows @ 12:07 PM 2 comments links to this post
2 Comments:

At Thursday, 26 July, 2007, Blogger Pat Meadows said...

Hi Weaseldog: Yes, I think this would be a good choice of book for your lawn-into-edible landscape project. Living where you do, you would find MANY suitable plants in the book.

Pat

At Saturday, 22 September, 2007, Blogger A Nameless Face in Western MA said...

I love your blog! Its been a great source for me lately as we, as a family rarely eat meat and I struggle to take in enough protien. If you dont mind, I have added your blog to my link list.

http://barbschram.blogspot.com/2008/12/just-little-something-day-8.html

Especially in the winter and all year through, I make a hot chocolate mix to have on hand for my family and a small gift giving. You have seen a few of the gift items the youth at church have been making lately in my posts. Today I show you cups of hot chocolate we made! 50 in all! First the recipe:

Kim's Instant Hot Chocolate Mix

1 box instant milk (8 qt size)
6oz. instant dairy creamer, like Cremora
1 large Nestle Quick
16 oz. powdered sugar
Mix 1/4 cup to 1 cup boiling water and stir well.

We heard quite a few buyers comment they would be giving these handy little gift items to bus drivers, a school secretary, and Sunday school teachers to name a few. The paper folded “cups” were not new to the students. They had made them before in Sunday school. The lesson we used them with, was “Cup of Forgiveness” and can be found in Lois Keffer’s book, Sunday School Specials 2. I googled and found it HERE, scroll down to page 26 for the details and illustration on the cup folding.

1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix was placed in small zip lock bags. We use jewelry size bags from Hobby Lobby. Small marshmallows were placed in bags too. A clear plastic spoon to complete cup package makes this ready to go!

The papers used in these photos are Stampin'Up and old papers from Office Max. Miscellaneous ribbons and embellishments were selected after cups were put together. I think this particular one is my favorite! Love the green with the red. And those buttons are perfect! We used our pre-inked stampers from JUST RITE. If you have not tried these pre-inked stampers, you are missing out! Especially if you work with children. They stamp crisp and clean, no ink pads, no fuss or mess. And look how much they add to a project like this Cup of Hot Chocolate!

Another favorite because these look like they are more for the guys on the gift list! Tree buttons with shank cut off and adhered with glue dots do the trick on this manly paper!

Love the simple button and hemp on this one! This paper must be at least 6 years old! It has been great to get all the old stuff out and used!

SU two sided paper for this one! The stripe flap is striking and with that Joy bling, it packs a little punch to the overall look. Coordinating ribbons were tied on each spoon for a little extra. We loved all the oooohs, and aaaahhs! The youth were very proud of their work! And they sold out of all 50 of these hot chocolate items. SU scallop punch, and word window punch were utilized.

I wish I had pictures of all 50! But this gives you an idea of the variety we had. Lastly, here is the mitten and scarf paper that so many loved! The soft blue and red is appealing and a favorite. Again, this is old paper from my stash that the youth selected. The flatback friends embellishment is adhered with glue dots.

Now, we know that the paper cup will not be used for drinking the hot chocolate, obviously a mug or cup for hot liquids would have to be utilized. But this makes a simple little something to present a refreshing, thinking of you gift for someone special. It is fairly economical, as it makes a lot of mix! I don't have the number of the exact cups, but it fills my large Tupperware fix and mix bowl!

Hope you enjoyed Julie's challenge, “Just a Little Something” and get some ideas for your gift giving list! I so appreciate you stopping by! Commenting for my blog candy ends tomorrow night! I will be back tomorrow with info about a new blog I discovered, reflection on your favorite ornament comments and share my personal ornament favorites! Enjoy your day! Take good care and thanks so much for visiting!