Books We Like

Following is a list of books that the staff and volunteers at Markham have found especially helpful.

 

 

Drought Tolerant Plants  

 

Plants and Landscapes for Summer Dry Climates

East Bay M.U.D. Water Conservation Staff (eds.)

 

Lavish photographs and clear descriptions of over 650 plants suitable

for the warm, dry region where Concord is located.

 

• Photographs are crisp and informative, e.g., Provide an idea of what the plant looks like when mature and what else looks good with it.
• Useful lists, e.g., “Plants for Hot Sites”.
• Many of the experts consulted live or work right in Contra Costa and frequently give classes and lectures.

 

 

The New Book of Salvias  

Betsy Clebsch

 

In-depth handbook on a plant species that thrives in Concord.

 

• Beautiful photographs and illustrations of more salvias than you have ever heard of.
• Descriptions include useful information on plant characteristics, care, and complementary plants.

 

Edibles

 

How to Grow More Vegetables

John Jeavons  

 

Now in an 8th edition, the classic manual on a method of growing food sustainably in modestly-sized spaces.

 

• Unparalleled data on nutritional content and growing requirements of practically every edible plant.
• Advice on how to build gardens of varying sizes, for the greatest yield, without tiring or injuring oneself.
• Plainly explains the reasons for “wild” ideas such as growing organic and use of compost.

 

 

The Edible Herb Garden and The Edible Flower Garden

Rosalind Creasy  

 

Two separate books by the woman who wrote the founding “text” on the edible landscaping…in 1982.

 

• Excellent introduction to many decorative plants that are edible.
• Many photographs that aid in identifying plants.
• Thoughtful sections on plant care.

 

 

Native Plants   

 

California Native Plants for the Garden  

Carol Bornstein, David Fross, Bart O'Brien  

 

Comprehensive guide to over 500 CA native plants that can thrive in our gardens.

 

• Well-produced photographs and succinct, consistent information about plant requirements for light, soil, and water.
• Handy section on plants good for several dozen conditions (e.g., “Deer Resistant”).
• Plants featured cover a broad spectrum of size, shape, color.

 

 

Plants of the East Bay Parks  

Glenn Keator  

 

Field book on several hundred of the most representative plants that can be found in Contra Costa or Alameda counties.

 

• A self-educating tool, supported by easy to use plant keys and interesting descriptions of the plants.
• Contains only those natives that are in our local area, i.e., not just in California.
• The author is another Bay Area educator who frequently speaks & teaches in the East Bay.

Park Hours
Open from dawn till dusk
365 days a year

Free Admission

Plenty of Free Parking

2.4 miles of trails

International Garden
Learn which plants from around the globe will work in your garden.

Tree Walk
Take an hour stroll and learn
about more than 35 trees.

Plant Sales Every Tuesday
9am till Noon year round at the Nursery. Turn left on the gravel road just before the main entrance to the park.

2013 Saturday Sales
From 9am till 1pm

March 16th
April 6th
May 5th
May 18th
June 22nd
September 7th
October 12th
 

Plant Sale Location
1202 La Vista Avenue
Concord, Ca 94521

Park Rental
Rental information for the
Bud Hansen Wisteria Arbor
is available from the City of Concord at 925-671-3466
and at their Website.

Copyright © 2012