Larner Seeds Bookscape

In the twenty years that we have been offering books, we have learned that books of this specialized nature go in and out of print. In some cases, in an effort to keep these books available, we offer used copies of valuable books that are no longer in print. Some of them, like Crazy Weather by Charles McNichols, are true collector's items. Others like Ed Weilmunster's amazing book Streams of the San Joaquin, are self-published gems. The message is clear. Get them while you can. We invite you to dip into the literature of California. 

Exciting to us are two additions, our section on Rare and Out-of-Print Californiana, available at the Larner Seeds Shop (ask for list), and a wonderful collection of novels of California.

The Landscaping Ideas of Jays
by Judith Larner Lowry
University of California Press, 2007
paperback, hardcover

Elegantly organized by season, this lyrical yet practical guide to backyard restoration gardening celebrates the beauty, the challenges, and the rewards of growing native plants at home. Judith Larner Lowry, winner of the prestigious John Burroughs award, here builds on themes from her best-selling Gardening with a Wild Heart, which introduced restoration gardening as a new way of thinking about land and people.

Drawing on her experiences in her own garden, Lowry offers guidance on how to plan a garden with birds, plants, and insects in mind; how to shape it with trees and shrubs, paths and trails, ponds, and other features; and how to cultivate, maintain, and harvest seeds and food from a diverse array of native annuals and perennials.

Working in passionate collaboration with the scrub jays, quail, ants, and deer who visit her garden, and inspired by other gardeners, including some of the women pioneers of native plant horticulture, Lowry shares the delights of creating site-specific, ever-changing gardens that can help us better understand our place in the natural world.

Gardening with a Wild Heart
by Judith Larner Lowry
University of California Press, 1999
paperback, hardcover, line drawings and color photos

This lyrical and articulate mix of the practical and the poetic combines personal story, wildland ecology, restoration gardening practices, and native plant horticulture. Extremely well-received, this book is a classic in the fields of nature writing and restoration. Though based on California gardens, it has inspired readers from all over the country.

Hard cover version is now out of print. Hurry - only a few left!
Ask for an autographed copy in your Shopping Cart.

Field Guide to Butterflies of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento Valley Regions
by Aurthur Shapiro & Timothy Manolis

A compact and information filled, well-written little gem in a handy backpacking size. The best butterfly book we know of.

"With superb illustrations and concise, up-to-the minute synopses of butterfly biology..." - Robert Michael Pyle
"A masterpiece on the butterflies of the San Fancisco Bay and Sacramento Valley regions." - Paul Opler
"An accessible and entertaining guide to the natural history of Bay Area and Sacramento Valley butterflies" - Carol Boggs

Blithe Tomato
by Mike Madison

A captivating series of short essays on the life and musings of one of California's dedicated organic farmers, this book is delicious, both funny and profound. The author provides a no-holds-barred look at the internal workings of farmer's markets, farmer's chores, and most importantly, land use in the Central Valley. I was intrigued by the glimpse he provides of the hardworking often brilliant ingenuity still able to find a human-scale outlet in the fields of California's most fertile valley.

Wildflowers of Northern California's Wine Country & North Coast Ranges
A photographic guide to native plants of Marin, Sonoma, Napa & Mendocino Counties
by Reny Parker

Dedicated naturalist and wildflower aficionado Reny Parker presents 358 species of wildflowers, an easy to use guide grouped by color, with glowing, helpful photos, information on bloom times, habitats, garden tips, native uses, natural history, and wildflower hot spots.

Hardy Californians
by Lester Rowntree

First published in 1936, this unique volume introduces the reader to the duenna of native plant horticulture, the intrepid and eloquent Lester Rowntree (1869-1969). An excellent biographical essay by her own grandsons sets off this jewel, and an essay by Judith Lowry on Rowntree's horticultural legacy is included.

Native Treasures
by M. Nevin Smith

Another Great New Book! Native Treasures provides well- illustrated, expert advice for successful cultivation of essential groups of California native plants. The author enhances our appreciation of these gems both in the wild and in our gardens by telling us of their natural history, ecological value and beauty.

California's Wild Gardens
A Guide to Favorite Botanical Sites
edited by Phyllis M. Faber

Published under the auspices of The California Native Plant Society and the California Department of Fish and Game. A gorgeous full-color book showcasing native plants in their natural settings in all of California’s diverse climates from coastal rain forest to deserts, grasslands to high alpine meadows- no geographic area is slighted. 100 special botanical sites are presented included preservation threats and successes and current efforts. Inspirational and educational. UC Berkeley press offering, a big coffee table book!

California Native Plants for the Garden
by Carol Boornstein, David Fross, and Bart O'Brien

This book is a landmark publication in native plant horticulture. It is the compliation of the lifetime experiences of 3 highly respected professionals in the field. Featuring 500 plants and illustrated with 450 color photographs, this is a comprehensive resource that will appeal to gardeners of all levels. Not only does it describe the best California species for gardens, but also provides detailed advice on their cultivation including watering, pruning, and pest control. Also included is landscape advice such as which cultivars are most readily available in nurseries, and which plants to group together for optimum aesthetics and care, all in concise and clear language. Invaluable!

Wild Lilies, Irises, and Grasses
Gardening with California Monocots
edited by Nora Harlow and Kristin Jakob
illustrated by Kristin Jakob

This long-awaited collaboration introduces the native plant gardener to the wonderful possibilities included in the monocots - lilies, irises, grasses, orchids, agaves, and palms. Some of the most beautiful flowering plants in the world are in this group, from our beloved mariposa tulips to the gorgeous native irises and handsome grasses from all over California. Kristin Jakob's award-winning line-drawings are a delight, and it is lavishly illustrated with color photos as well. A real treasure.

Growing California Native Plants
by Marjorie Schmidt
paperback, color photos, line drawings

The classic text on growing California natives. The author gives in readable form the benefit of 40 years of experience in growing native plants. Charts and illustrations are helpful and her suggestions of plant combinations invaluable. 

Gardening for Wildlife with Native Plants

A special full-color insert for Bay Nature Magazine, which includes a 2- page article on Larner Seeds with splendid photographs of our demonstration garden. Also included are articles on two other Bay Area gardens, native bees, other informative articles on gardening for butterflies, insects, etc, botanical drawings, and a resource guide.

Louise Lacey's Native Plant Horticulture Bundles

A beloved author and native plant aficionado, Louise Lacey published Growing Natives Research Newsletter for 10 years. Issues included interviews of the experts, experiences from Louise's own garden and life, as well as information from the whole community of native plant gardeners. We are happy to be able to offer these "bundles" updated from and expanded upon those rich and informative newsletters, whose arrival was always met with anticipation and satisfaction. Topics include:

California Native Perennials, with a detailed description of 175 native perennials, as well as "The Basics of the Basics," and two bonuses "Propagating Perennials from Cuttings," by Shirley McPheeters, and a chart of "Best Methods of Perennial Propagation" created by Louise. Each species is described with the following information: Appearance, bloom time, aroma size, water needs, habitat, longevity, medicinal properties, propagation info, and more.

California Native Shrubs, with list of both evergreen and deciduous shrubs. Bonuses include Betty Young on propagating shrubs and a shrub propagation chart. Each species is described with the following information: Appearance, bloom time, aroma size, water needs, habitat, longevity, medicinal properties, propagation info, and more.

The Basics, which includes "8 Rules to Success" and Louise's popular recently reprinted manuscript "The Basics of Growing California Native Plants." Detailed info on what, when, and how to plant California natives. Bonuses include "California's Native Plant Communities, "The Evolution of A Manual of California Vegetation," "Finding Your Place," and "How Soils Determine Plants," by Paul Zinke.

Wildlife/Inspirational - a compendium of one of my favorite parts of the newsletter. Articles by different authors on bees, gophers, snakes, nightsounds, dragonfly parties, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and a classic hotspring story. A unique Lacey blend of the factual and the wondrous.

Notes on Growing California Wildflowers

In our contact with the public, we find certain questions arise over and over. Our new version of this publication, probably our best-selling pamphlet, presents in depth the theory and practice of growing our fabulous native wildflowers. 

Discover California Wildflowers
by Mary Ruth Casebeer

A richly informative book with line drawings and watercolor illustrations, describing 45 different wildflowers in depth. 

Gardener's Guide to California Wildflowers
by Kevin Connelly
paperback

A prime example of the kind of literature we like to carry. The author devoted a good part of his professional life to working with our native wildflowers, The color plates are stunning and useful for identification.

Wildflowers of California
color photography by Larry Ulrich, text by Susan Lamb
135 pages, paperback

Representing the best of wildflower photography, including both close-ups and landscape scenes of the "flower trail" in California. Accompanied by Susan Lamb's excellent text, this book will inspire and educate the wildflower gardener. Useful for identification as well. Good accompaniment for a gift of wildflower seeds. 

Notes on Native Grasses

Planting a wildflower meadow without including native bunchgrasses is like eating dessert with no entree. Our demonstration coastal prairie, in its fourth year, is thriving, with wildflowers and herbaceous perennials filling the spaces between the bunchgrasses - the original configuration of the vast grasslands of California. Includes the natural history of our grasslands, specifics of planting bunchgrasses, and also controversial aspects. 

Grasses in California
by Beecher Crampton
paperback

At last this book is again available to the student of California's native grasses. Color photos of many of the grasses found in California, both native and non-native. 

Distribution of Native Grasses in California

Reprint of distribution maps of native grasses makes it easy to pick out the appropriate grasses for your area.

Prairie Relics of California

A guidebook to the remnant bunchgrass prairies of California. 

Seed Propagation Techniques
by Judith Lowry

Our seed propagator describes in detail pre-germination techniques and planting procedures. A basic introduction for the beginner. 

Seed Propagation of Native California Plants
by Dara E. Emery
paperback, 115 pages

An easy-to-use reference with an excellent basic discussion of seed propagation techniques as well as a species by species listing of individual seed treatments. A must for the serious propagator. Suggested treatments for over 900 different species. 

This book is the Bible for propagators of native California plants. No grower should be without it.

Tending the Wild
Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources
by M. Kat Anderson

This long-awaited, meticulously researched compendium of indigenous land management practices includes stunning chapters on California when first encountered by Europeans and detailed explication of the care of, harvesting of, and use of California's native plants. A fascinating blend of anthropology, ethnobotany, and natural history, it is elegantly and concisely written and beautifully illustrated. Highly recommended!

Edible and Useful Plants of California
by Charlotte Bringle Clarke
paperback, color photographs, line drawings

The place to begin for anyone interested in traditional or modern uses of California plants. Leafing through its pages combines the gustatory delights of looking through an enticing cookbook with the fascination of an excellent flora.

Temalpakh:
Cahuilla Indian Knowledge and Usage of Plants
by Lowell John Bean and Katherine Siva Saubel
paperback

This treasure represents a ten year collaboration between an anthropologist and a member of the Cahuilla tribe. Katherine Siva Saubel is one of the founders of Malki Museum on the Morongo Reservation and has spoken and written widely about her people. Certain to become a classic. Features some unique black and white photos. 

Acorns and Eat 'Em (video)
by Suellen Ocean
video

Also available is the delightful, homey video of the same name. You can see for yourself how to collect, prepare, store, and most of all, enjoy acorns. Especially valuable is Suellen's modern adaptation for leaching acorns. Must be seen to believe how easy it is!

Indian Uses of Native Plants
by Edith Van Allen Murphy
paperback, line drawings

Known as "Seed-Seeker" by the California Indians she befriended, Edith Van Allen Murphy, along with Lester Rowntree, is one of the early California women whose adventurous nature and advanced appreciation for the California they were lucky enough to roam, has inspired several younger generations, for whom she managed to salvage much firsthand and priceless information. She worked on several reservations in the West during her career. 

Plants Used by the Indians of Mendocino County
by V.K. Chesnut
line drawings, black and white photographs

This publication is crammed with valuable information about aboriginal uses of California native plants. It's a scholarly and authentic document with rare photos and information that we've found nowhere else. Highly recommended. 

The Pinon Pine:
A Natural and Cultural History
by Ronald M. Lanner
paperback

A beautifully written survey of the natural history of pinon pines. Including a section on pine-nut cookery, this book provides an almost perfect description of the place where plants and people meet. 

Malki's Museum's Native Food Tasting Experiences

A 32- page booklet replete with black and white photographs and detailed descriptions of collecting and preparing Cahuilla ( so. Ca) traditional foods. Chronicles events produced by the Malki Museum to teach Indians and non-Indians about traditional foods and customs. Malki Museum continues to be a pioneer in preserving and presenting native culture. At the time of their founding, over 40 years ago, they were the sole publisher of books on California Indians.

Invasive Plants of California's Wildlands

Edited by Carla C. Bossard, John Randall, & Mark Hoshovsky

The book consists of species accounts of exotic pest plants of greatest concerns with specific, clear information about the biology and control of each. A close-up photo, habitat photo, and line drawings aid in identification. A massive endeavour. 

Weeds of the West
by The Western Society of Weed Science
paperback

A lavishly illustrated compendium with excellent color photographs of our western weeds. Each plant is clearly described, along with its occurrences and control. Pictures include the entire plant, the flower, and the seed. Valuable resource.

The Weed Workers Handbook:
Techniques for Removing Bay Area Invasive Plants
paperback, color illustrations, 128 pages

This brave little book takes on 35 of the Bay Area's worst weeds. Published by The Watershed Project, they commit themselves to choosing the most effective, least toxic treatments to control these species. Techniques of tool use and ways to guide volunteer efforts are included.

A desperately needed practical guide to tackling the critical problems of invasive plants control. Highly recommended.

Yellow Starthistle:
Biology and Control

A summary of the research done on the biology and control of this horrific pest plant, now occupying about ten million acres in California, describing eight different methods. Invaluable for formulating a practical, workable plan of control. 

Invasive Plants of California's Wildlands
Edited by Carla C. Bossard, John Randall, & Mark Hoshovsky

The book consists of species accounts of exotic pest plants of greatest concerns with specific, clear information about the biology and control of each. A close-up photo, habitat photo, and line drawings aid in identification. A massive endeavour. 

Dragonflies of California
by Kathy Biggs

This compact treasure will slip easily into a stocking and includes color photos and descriptions of every dragonfly in California. Also a concise introduction to the biology of these darting, colorful creatures. Include one of our sterling silver dragon-fly pins for $18.

Common Butterflies of California
by Bob Stewart
127 full-page color photographs, paperback

A splendid new book by the well-loved Marin county naturalist Bob Stewart, who took all of the photographs as well. Info includes key field marks, larval food plants, and pertinent biological and behavioral notes. The illustrations are remarkably helpful in identification and stunningly beautiful in their own right. 

The Voice of the Coyote
by J. Frank Dobie
paperback, black & white illustrations

Thirty years' worth of anecdotal and scientific research about the coyote, presented by one of the West's most readable authors, will offer a new level of understanding of the position that Coyote plays in the mythologies of so many native American tribes. A book of stories and revelations. 

The California Quail
by A. Starker Leopold

The classic treatise on quail, the birds that bridge the gap between wilderness and the garden. Black and white photos and line drawings. 

A Natural History of Western Trees
by Donald Culross Peattie
woodcuts

Written in 1950 by this knowledgeable and infectiously enthusiastic naturalist, this book and its companion about East Coast trees are classics that have gone in and out of print for the last fifty years. Fortunately, they are available now. I constantly return to this book, for historical information about the uses of native trees that I can find nowhere else, and for a sense of the character, aesthetics, and value of each species. 

All That the Rain Promises, and More
by David Arora
color photos

A presentation of the science and art of wild mushroom gathering, this unique little book, funny and appealing, combines the science of mushroom identification with the culture of wild mushroom gatherers, from Japanese poems about matsutake mushrooms to recipes for chantarelle soup and tiny essays about "My Most Memorable Mushroom Hunt." 

Pollinator Conservation Handbook
by Xerces Society in association with The Bee Works

This is an outstanding guide to understanding the importance of native bees and arresting their alarming decline due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, influx of invasive plant species, and pesticides. Native bees often prove to be far better pollinators than the imported honeybee species, which have experienced an even greater decline recently due to diseases to which the native bees seem to be immune. This book will guide you through creating and maintaining habitat for these amazing and vital creatures right in your own backyard.
WARNING: This book may cause you to develop "bee fever" - an incurable fascination and delight in bees!

Notes on Growing California Wildflowers

In our contact with the public, we find certain questions arise over and over. Our new version of this publication, probably our best-selling pamphlet, presents in depth the theory and practice of growing our fabulous native wildflowers. 

Notes on Natural Design:
The California Backyard Restoration Gardener
by Judith Larner Lowry, illustrations by Kathleen O'Neill

A revised and expanded version of this basic text, first written in 1989. See the results of thirteen years of experience in the field. Kathleen O'Neill's elegant pencil drawings enrich and illuminate the text. All the pamphlets in the "Notes on Natives" series are being redone; this is the first to be completed. Coming soon: "Notes on the Real California Cuisine."

Notes on Native Grasses

Planting a wildflower meadow without including native bunchgrasses is like eating dessert with no entree. Our demonstration coastal prairie, in its fourth year, is thriving, with wildflowers and herbaceous perennials filling the spaces between the bunchgrasses - the original configuration of the vast grasslands of California. Includes the natural history of our grasslands, specifics of planting bunchgrasses, and also controversial aspects. 

Notes on a Coastal Garden

Our Demonstration Garden, and the interest it generates, inspired this pamphlet. Most of the people in California live within 30 miles of the coast, yet coastal natives are rarely used in gardens. Our demonstration garden of coastal native plants amazed us with its beauty and ease of cultivation. Here's the story. 

Notes on Wildland Seed-Collecting

A seed-collector of 15 years' experience looks at the obvious and less obvious results of spending time engaged in this ancient occupation. These notes were featured as part of a local museum exhibit called "Stories from the Land." 

Notes on Larval Food Plants of Some Bay Area Butterflies
by Jeffrey Caldwell

A straightforward list of larval and nectar food plants for those wonderfully-named creatures, like Sad Duskywing, Sara Orange Tip, and Pygmy Blue. 

Before the Wilderness:
Environmental Management by Native Californians

compiled and edited by Kat Anderson and Thomas C. Blackburn
paperback, black & white photos and drawings, 476 pages

This collection of fifteen essays explores the hypothesis that "the various plant communities that early European visitors to California found so remarkably fecund were largely maintained and regenerated over time as a result of constant and purposive human intervention." An important collection for anyone interested in land-use history and current land management issues. 

Mirror and Pattern:
George Laird's World of Chemehuevi Mythology
by Carobeth Laird
hardback, 374 pages

Married for twenty years to George Laird, a Chemehuevi, Carobeth Laird was able to combine the skills she had acquired during her previous marriage to anthropologist John Harrington with the deep love and respect she bore her husband to produce this remarkable book. In the introduction, she says of their unlikely association, "The fragments of ancient lore he taught me were destined to be preserved, destined eventually to be made available to those who truly care about such knowledge." Malki Museum Press is to be commended for keeping this book in print. 

In the Land of the Grasshopper Song
by Ellicott and Reed
black & white photos, paperback

These two remarkable women went to work with the Karuk Indians in 1908. The detailed journals they kept were made into a book that conveys a sense of that time and place with a richness and texture not to be found in ethnographies. One customer was so taken with the journey of these two women