We’ve pulled together a list of 10 especially worthwhile books that will inspire and assist you (and your kids) to create colorful, fragrant, plantings around the perimeter of your fake lawn and throughout your yard. So pull up a patio chair or take a shady seat directly on your soft, inviting artificial grass, and have a read.
By Michelle Slatalla, with the editors of Gardenista
This author lives in Mill Valley, so she knows Bay Area gardening. She shares whole-garden tips on everything from plants to furniture, hardscape, and tool suggestions.
By Jessica Walliser
Learn how to tell friend from foe in this excellent, illustrated guide.
By Pam Pierce
Veggies and herbs are beautiful additions to any garden, and you can harvest them, too. Well-known Bay Area horticulturist, Pam Pierce introduced this comprehensive book in 1993, and it’s still a favorite (updated, of course) with local gardeners.
By Edward C. Smith
Learn how to grow veggies in wide raised beds. Surrounding the beds with artificial turf walkways keeps everything tidy and provides a gorgeous finishing touch.
By Rose Marie Nichols McGee and Maggie Stuckey
Get the low-down on creating container gardens to spice up any size or shape space.
By Leslie Bennett and Stefani Bittner
Who better to inspire you than professional landscape designers? If you weren’t convinced yet to plant edibles, you will become a true believer.
By Stefani Bittner and Alethea Harampolis
Why do the same old expected things with the flowers or foods you grow? This book reveals unexpected ways you can use 47 plants, from salads and summer backyard beverages to hand creams and herb-infused oils.
By Louesa Roebuck and Sarah Lonsdale.
These Bay Area ladies share their love for gathering dried flowers and grasses from native landscapes as well as home gardens to create interesting, lasting arrangements.
By Edith Hope Fine and Angela Halpin, illustrated by Colleen M. Madden
Waiting is hard when you’re a kid, but it’s part of gardening. This story about a school project engages youngsters while teaching about the basics of raising flowers and food.
By Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
A lovely story about a real family’s garden that teaches kids to appreciate the broad ecosystem that is a home garden.
We saved the #1 must-have for last. Published for 80 years, this tome remains the go-to resource for everything from detailed plant information to inspiring ideas and how-to instructions and tips.
Of course this hearty reference is just the beginning for the iconic Sunset. So while you’re taking a break to enjoy your artificial turf, grab your tablet so you can go online and read up on Sunset’s great gardening ideas and outdoor DIY projects.