Books
I believe in getting to the core, the science, on subjects that I take a strong interest in. This would obviously include the landscape and gardening. Below you will see some of our favorites, books that have helped us understand sub-subject areas.
This is a great primer on all things soil. The text is grounded in the science of soils without becoming a full-on University textbook. Start here. Everything garden starts with the soil.
I really like the author. Jeff Lowenfels has the ability to get the mix of technical content / readability just right. When you want to deep dive into the macro and micro nutrient aspects of gardening, read this.
Before you look at specific garden designs, planting plans or the selection of other landscape elements, do yourself a favor and understand your land. Location, drainage. sight lines, existing trees. This book can be used in any setting; commercial, strata, residential. A very well written, albeit maybe a bit difficult to source, book. I picked one up from Powells Books while in Portland Oregon.
Now, your ready to look at how to plan the landscape and design specific areas within the landscape. John Brookes was an English gardener, he passed on in 2018, with a ***** five star reputation. He has a fairly long Wikipedia page with a list of over twenty books published. The book I have focused on is a picture heavy book and has real meat on the bones with regards to building a landscape. A real gem.
Moving onto plants. The great thing about the Sunset Western Garden reference book is that you find the plant hospitable zones specific to the Vancouver West Coast. It offers each plant’s water requirements and sun/shade preferences. Not super laden with pictures, just enough. You can always do a web search and review additional images.