At home with trees

Last update: February 3, 2009 - 3:07 PM

At home with trees

Don't know a black spruce from a white spruce? You will after checking out "Trees and Shrubs of Minnesota: The Complete Guide to Species Identification" (University of Minnesota Press, $59.95).

Billed as "the complete guide to species identification," the latest offering from Minnesota botanist and author Welby Smith is ambitious. It's 700 pages of facts, photos, drawings and maps that aim to identify all native and naturalized trees, shrubs and woody vines in Minnesota. That means the ones that were here before European settlers arrived and the ones that have established themselves since.

Every county was visited repeatedly. Multiple photos of a plant help make positive IDs.

This serious work hopes to find an audience among gardeners and nature lovers as well as scientists, environmentalists and teachers. Fun facts -- like the location of the state's oldest red pine -- spice up the botanical details.

While it's hard to picture people lugging this heavy hardback on walks, it is easy to see them running home to page through it and find matches for the plants they saw outdoors.

MAUREEN MCCARTHY

A rose with taste

It's buttery gold with a spicy licorice fragrance. Could it be a new spice rub? Maybe a Greek wine? Try a rose. And an award-winning one, at that.

The American Rose Society has named 'Julia Child' its Member's Choice Award for 2009. The floribunda rose was chosen by the 13,000 nationwide members of the society for its big bloom, growing habitat, disease resistance and hardiness. But the rose also wins points from foodies for its name alone. According to growers Weeks Roses, the famous chef selected this rose to bear her name before she died.

The rounded, bushy plant features full, glossy leaves and old-fashioned blooms with a strong fragrance. Though 'Julia Child' would need winter protection in Minnesota, it sounds like a tasty addition to any rose garden.

Bon appétit!

CONNIE NELSON

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