Review:No mention whatsoever of Poison Ivy. Not a tree, true. But there are several non-trees mentioned and described in this book. I would think Poison Ivy would be one of the very first plants anyone spending time in the outdoors would want to learn to identify. Read more

Review:I love these field guides. They are compact, full of information, contain high quality photos of each entry to make identification unmistakable, and contain every bird I have ever needed to look up. These may be the best field guides out there. Read more

Review:Susan Orlean obviously did a lot of research, which is spewed back at the reader. Sadly, the book is a confused cross between local history and cultural analysis. Reads like an extended version of a lesser New Yorker piece. That said,I did learn how to transport orchids after primary bloom. Read more

Review:Beautiful and informative in the extreme. I doubt if I will ever be able to see even half of these plants in a lifetime. However, it is imperative to know enough to survive and thrive. Everyone should have this book as well as Thayer's other book on edible plants. Thanks and blessings! Read more

Review:This book is down to earth with accessible information. It will made me think and excited me with all the possibilities mushrooms represent. Most of all, it encouraged me to try.
My first batch of Pearl Oysters are fruiting right now on straw and rye, with Shiitaki, and Turkey Tail running through the spawn bags of wood pellets.

I have all the Paul Stamets books, which are beyond wonderful, but this book is something special. The section on at home experiments and extracts is top notch... Read more

Review:I've enjoyed reading all of Elizabeth Gaskell's books. She teaches some good lessons about how we should treat one another. The fact that we don't have the end of the story isn't such a bad thing. Life is kind of like that. Read more