Trusted Source Community Picks

  Trusted Source Partners 

One of the great pleasures of  shopping for books is the experience of combing through dozens of interesting titles to find just the right book. But finding the right book isn't always easy. Bookshop tries to help by talking (sometimes incessantly) about our favorite books. However, Bookshop always felt that it would be great to reach out to the many experts we have in our community to learn more about which titles they recommend.

Bookshop's Trusted Source Program features books that are recommended by experts in our community. We choose a Trusted Source Partner to hand-select titles in their area of expertise; titles customers can rely upon to be great books. Whether it is a respected doctor recommending books on health or a vintner giving their favorite picks on the subject of wine, you'll know that Trusted Source titles have a "stamp of approval" from your community experts.

 

This month's Trusted Source Partner is

UCSC's Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems.

At UCSC's Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems, we envision a day when no one goes hungry and our food system is in balance with nature. To achieve that vision, we conduct research and education to improve organic farming techniques, develop a more just, sustainable food system, and train the next generation of organic farmers and gardeners.

Our 25-acre organic Farm and 3-acre Alan Chadwick Garden are open daily on the UCSC campus, offering a year-round series of gardening classes, seasonal celebrations, plant and produce sales, and tours. The community-based Friends of the Farm & Garden support our work with volunteer energy, membership contributions, and community education programs. The Life Lab program, located at the UCSC Farm, offers a range of children and youth programs and teacher training workshops.

Learn more about the Center's activities at http://casfs.ucsc.edu, and about Life Lab at www.lifelab.org.

By Whitney Cranshaw
$29.95
ISBN-13: 9780691095615
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Princeton University Press, 03/01/2004
Though written with a national audience in mind, this book contains a wealth of information useful to Central Coast gardeners. Excellent photography throughout. Particularly valuable are the appendix of host genera, allowing gardeners to look up their plants and thus anticipate potential problems. Excellent glossary and useful layout by type and/or location of damage. -Christof Bernau, Garden Manager at the UCSC Farm

By Betsy Clebsch, Carol D. Barner
$19.95
ISBN-13: 9780881929133
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Timber Press (OR), 04/01/2008
Beautifully written book. The author displays an incredible connection, love for, and knowledge of this amazing Genus. Excellent photography throughout and comprehensive information about the growing of Salvias; particularly useful chapters for Central Coast growers on water-wise and shade-tolerant salvias. -Christof Bernau, Garden Manager at the UCSC Farm

By Virginia McNaughton
$19.95
ISBN-13: 9781604691252
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Timber Press (OR), 02/01/2010
Marvelous photography of this beautiful and complex Genus. The author does a wonderful job of parsing the intricate relationships and diversity that is Lavenders. Useful and detailed information on culture, botanical classification, propagation, and pest and disease issues. -Christof Bernau, Garden Manager at the UCSC Farm

By Suzanne Ashworth, Kent Whealy
$24.95
ISBN-13: 9781882424580
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Seed Savers Exchange, 04/01/2002
The essential reference tool for anyone interested in saving seed. Provides good context and overview on the importance of seed saving and preservation of genetic diversity in a clearly written and approachable delivery. Includes reference, tools, techniques and methods on pollination processes, maintenance of varietal purity, population size, seed harvesting, seed cleaning, and storage. -Christof Bernau, Garden Manager at the UCSC Farm

What to Eat (Paperback)

By Marion Nestle
$16.00
ISBN-13: 9780865477384
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: North Point Press, 04/01/2007
Marion Nestle is a champion of engaging the public in the obscure conditions of understanding our complex food choices. With a clear and concise approach she lifts the veil behind product labels and categories found in the retail environment to empower the reader to walk the grocery aisles with the knowledge to make informed buying decisions. Find out more online at www.foodpolitics.com. -Tim Galarneau, Sustainable Agrifood System Fellowship Coordinator, and Food Systems Education and Research Specialist, Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems