Native grasses book now available free online
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu
Indiangrass is one of many native grasses pictured in the new free ebook.
Gardening with Native Grasses in Cold Climates is now available through the University of Minnesota’s Press Books. With help and guidance from University of Minnesota librarian Kristen Mastel, authors Diane M. Narem and Mary Hockenberry Meyer released the new digital version of this book in November 2020.
Gardening with Native Grasses in Cold Climates and a Guide to the Butterflies They Support was originally published in May 2018. The previous version was only available on Apple platforms, limiting who could access the information.
The new version is available for free from the University's digital library collection. You can download the entire book or read it online.
The book is divided into five chapters:
- Introduction to Grasses
- Benefits of Native Grasses
- Common Native Grasses of the Northern Midwest
- Planting, Maintenance and Management
- Grass Selection and Butterfly Pairings
Gardening with Native Grasses in Cold Climates, is written for inexperienced as well as seasoned gardeners, landscape designers, garden center employees, and anyone interested in native grasses that grow well in cold climates. New information on the benefits of native grasses including their importance as host plants for native Lepidoptera is included. Combinations of specific grasses used by larvae and perennials that the adult butterflies feed on is new and timely information.
Information in the book is based on research conducted by Narem and Meyer. Tables, plant lists and numerous illustrations are also included.
