This is a long-needed reference book and it couldn't have come from a more knowledgeable and reliable source. Everyone involved in creating gardens in this climate should have this book in their collection." -Wendy Mackie, former Director of Assiniboine Park Conservatory in Winnipeg

Groundcovers and vines are among the most useful hardy plants for the challenging prairie region, but until now gardeners have lacked a prairie-specific source of information about these versatile plants. Sara Williams and Hugh Skinner draw on their years of prairie gardening experience to provide landscaping and cultivation advice, along with comprehensive descriptions and photographs of the very best groundcovers and vines for the area.

In this book, gardeners will find plants for every situation, from sheltered bogs to windswept gravelly berms, from moist shaded woodland to hot west-facing gardens. Most exciting to the keen prairie gardener are the extensive descriptions of over two-hundred species of prairie-hardy groundcovers and vines, from tried-and-true favourites to exciting new cultivars. Each featured plant entry includes a handy "Plant at a Glance" section, a quick and easy starting point for plant selection that summarizes the plant's size, characteristics, suggested uses, and cultural requirements. In addition, each plant is described in detail with fascinating information provided about its origins, traditional uses, and folklore. Further detailed information explains how to grow each plant, followed by a list of the best cultivars available.

Hugh Skinner received a B.S.A. (Horticulture) from the University of Manitoba prior to returning to manage the family nursery where he grew up. In 2002, he received the Prairie Garden Award for Excellence, and he is currently the Vice President of the Manitoba Horticultural Association. He has developed course materials for Assiniboine Community College, including an Integrated Pest Management course for the nursery, greenhouse and golf course industry. In addition to the books he has cowritten with Sara Williams, he is a regular contributor to Manitoba Gardener and The Prairie Gardener magazines.

Hugh Skinner's profile page

Sara Williams’ previous books include A Photographic History of the Forestry Farm Park, Perennials for the Prairies, In a Cold Land: Saskatchewan’s Horticultural Pioneers, Creating the Prairie Xeriscape and, with co-author Hugh Skinner, Best Trees and Shrubs for the Prairies, Gardening Naturally and Best Groundcovers and Vines for the Prairies. She was the founder and first editor of The Saskatchewan Gardener. Sara Williams has a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. in Horticultural Extension from the University of Saskatchewan, as well as a B.A. in English and History from the University of Michigan. She served as the horticultural specialist with the Extension Division of the University of Saskatchewan for 12 years, retiring in 2001.

Sara Williams' profile page