Pat Welsh's Southern California Organic Gardening -

While she is an organic pioneer, some of her design advice leans toward a more traditional, lush aesthetic. Gardeners looking strictly for "low-water/xeriscape" only might find some sections (like those on lawns) a bit dated.

At nearly 500 pages, it can be overwhelming for a true beginner. It’s more of a reference manual than a light afternoon read. Pat Welsh's Southern California Organic Gardening

is widely considered the "Bible" of regional gardening for a reason. Unlike generic gardening guides, Welsh treats the unique Mediterranean climate of Southern California as a specific science and an art form. While she is an organic pioneer, some of

Reading Welsh feels like standing in a garden with a wise, no-nonsense grandmother who has spent 50 years getting her hands dirty. Her passion is infectious. The Not-So-Good While she is an organic pioneer