You can track down the 'Western Garden Book' — with a little help

Q: One of your answers to a gardening question, you mentioned the book “Western Garden Book” which I would like to find. In my search, I found several books with that title. Would you please let me know the exact title and author so I can find the book? — D.S., Albuquerque

A: For the most current book, because I believe I explained my edition is dated, I have since poked about online and this is what I’ve found. If my search is correct, you are going to find that this book was printed last in February 2012. The title is “The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide.” Type that into your search engine and you should be guided to several sites that can offer you the ninth edition of this book.

A few list new copies, or if you want to spend less, there are used books available. The cover shows a brilliant orange gaillardia flower. That’s the most current edition. This book is authored by the staff from Sunset Books & Magazines and Sunset Publishing Corporation is the publisher. I did come up with International Standard Book Numbers that might be of assistance too, ISBN-10 0376039205 or ISBN-13 978-0376039200. Type in either whole ISBN and you’ll get guided to sites that have the book for sale. Hope this helps you get your own gem of a book.

Dear readers: I have been talking about fallen leaves in several articles lately and there are so many trains of thought. Well, indulge me one more, then enough.

Q: My husband read in your article that he should leave the leaves as they fall because they insulate the earth and help with moisture retention. Anyway, we have a small plot of sod in the backyard and it’s now nearly covered with the neighbors’ cottonwood tree leaves. I don’t like the look at all! Is it true that the leaves should stay on the lawn all winter long? — N.C, Albuquerque

A: Please do not leave the leaves on the lawn. This is one space that needs to be raked and kept tidy throughout the winter. Spaces of turf need fresh air in order to stay healthy. Here’s why.

If you leave the leaves and we get periods of precipitation, the leaves are going to mat. Beneath that layer of leaves there is likely going to be a party of mold and mildew happening and that will not be good for the grass. If you’ve never had to grow a turf lawn out of a fungal or mold infection, count yourself lucky. Leaving the leaves to sit on the turf all winter long is nothing but an invitation for trouble next spring.

Now if the leaves are dry and you own one of those super-duper, leaf blade mincing lawn mowers, and again, the leaves are dry, mow the lawn. That will usually mince the leaves into wee small pieces that, as they work down into the turf, become food for the lawn. Beware mowing larger twigs and branches, since you don’t want to injure the mower.

Now, if you don’t mow the area, please rake up all the leaves. Place them in a stout plastic bag and if you have an out-of-the-way space, store them until next spring and then they’ll be ready to be whisked away with next year’s spring green-cycle event. If you can’t do that, put them in the trash (not the recycle bin) and be done. Or if you have trees and shrubs that the leaves could be worked around for that insulation factor, do that. Just do not leave the leaves on the turf. It’s gotta breathe unhampered by a covering of leaves.

I’d do it quickly before we do hopefully get any precipitation and they’ll be easier to tidy up.

Happy holiday season to you all and keep on Diggin’ In!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson St. NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.