We have some exciting news, both for me (Mary, your faithful editor and blogger) and for the Minnesota Horticultural Society. This week The Northern Gardener: From Apples to Zinnias, 150 Years of Garden Wisdom will be published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

This book covers the A-to-Z of gardening in the North, much of the wisdom culled from the pages of Northern Gardener and earlier publications of MSHS, including Minnesota Horticulturist. The book would be a great gift for both new gardeners and experienced gardeners who are interested in traditional techniques and plants. The book includes some history (you will meet some fascinating Minnesota gardeners, such as the English war bride who became a dean of Minnesota garden writers and the tenacious apple breeders who are the great-great grandfathers of Honeycrisp and other Minnesota apples) as well as plenty of solid how-to information.

The a-to-z format will allow readers to nip in and out of the book, depending on their interests. Want to know the best varieties and techniques for growing tomatoes in the North? Check out the T chapter. Interested in the toughest perennials for cold climates? Check out P for peonies and learn about peonies and much more. You’ll never guess what gets covered in the Q chapter!

The book is available at the MSHS Bookstore and all your favorite book retailers and online sellers. We’re having a book release celebration from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Lakewood Garden Mausoleum and Reception Center, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN. The Lakewood Garden Mausoleum is a gem of an event space. During the event, you’ll hear more about the book and then join us for apple pie. MSHS will be selling copies of the book, with a 15 percent discount for hort society members.

I hope you will join us for this fun event!