Profusely illustrated with photographs, Gardening on California’s Coast is both a practical guide and a beautiful addition to any gardener’s library. Julie Monson provides advice for novice and experienced gardeners who garden on California’s Coast and in inland areas with a similar climate. The nine chapters include advice on landscaping, garden design and garden practices, using the gardens of West Marin, San Francisco, Kyoto, and England as inspiration. Throughout, beautiful photographs illustrate the book’s practical ideas and suggestions for successful gardening. Her nine chapters cover landscaping with trees, shrubs, flowers, food and ground covers; pruning and maintenance; ending with a chapter on the positive links between gardening, gardens and health.

Julie Monson has had a lifelong interest in gardens and gardening. Yet, it wasn’t until she and her husband, Jim, retired to Point Reyes in 1998 that she became an avid student of horticulture and landscape design. She designed and nurtures her own garden, inspired by gardens they have visited in Kyoto, England and France. Her gardening and garden writing is informed by ten years as an active member of the Marin Master Gardeners Program.