Back to Research GuideReturn to Research Guide page.
To aid in your search, log on to CyberMars with your library card to reserve any titles that interest you, or ask a librarian for assistance.

 A. Introduction

If you are like the rest of us, you may need a little help when it comes to gardening and planting in Oklahoma. You may need answers to questions such as, what variety of plant is best? Is it a native species? When does it bloom? How much light does it need? When do I prune it and how do I make it all look beautiful? Your Metropolitan Library System has numerous resources such as books, reference guides and videos to help you make informed gardening decisions. So please avail yourself of the following information or just follow your eyes to the color green.

 B. Subject Headings and Shelf Numbers
  • Gardening
  • Gardeners
  • Gardens
  • Herbs
  • Plants
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Arbors
  • Flowers
  • Flower Gardening
  • Bulbs
  • Browse Call numbers 631 to 635 and 712 to 717
  • Square Foot Gardening
  • Landscape Plants
  • Shrubs
  • Fruit
  • Earthworm culture
  • Trellises
  • Climbing Plants
  • Wild Flowers
  • Container Gardening

 C. Frequently Mentioned Texts

Oklahoma Gardener’s Guide by Steve Dobbs 635.909766/D632ol

Best Garden Plants for Oklahoma by Steve Owen635.909766/OW978b
Image Unavailable

A Guidebook to Oklahoma Landscaping by Tom Clote Ref. 712.09766/C646g
Image Unavailable

Putting Down Roots: landscape guidelines for the selection, care and maintenance of trees in central Oklahoma. Published by The City of Oklahoma City 635.909766/P9935p

Image Unavailable

Landscaping for Wildlife: a guide to southern Great Plains by Jeremy D. Garrett 639.920978/G2395l

 D. General References, e.g. Guides, Encyclopedia, or Dictionaries

Encyclopedia of Gardening 635.03/AM512al

Westcott’s Plant Disease Handbook Ref. 632.3/W524w6

Water Garden Encyclopedia 635.9674/SW9783w

An Encyclopedia of Shade Perennials 635.932/SCH3488e

Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers 635.903/EN5636e

Encyclopedia of Garden Plants 635.903/T2478t
The Complete Encyclopedia of Garden Flowers 635.903/C7375c
Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening 635/P7771
The Encyclopedia of Planting Combinations 635.9/L867e

 E. Magazines or Newspapers
  • Oklahoma Gardener
  • Organic Gardening
  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • Fine Gardening
  • Garden Design
  • The Library System has a subscription to the EbscoHost database that you may use either from home or in the library to search for magazine articles related to gardening. Try using the different subject headings as search terms.

 F. Internet Resources
  • You Bet Your Garden with Mike McGrath - Mike offers organic advice on caring for plants, pests, weeds, disease and much more.
  • OSU Extension Service - OSU offers a 250,000 page online resource guide with practical science-based information pertaining to agricultural issues, a calendar of local events, extension offices by county and more.
  • National Arbor Society - provides a tree guide, tree identification, a tree forum, a calendar of national events, membership opportunities, kids activities and more.
  • Oklahoma Gardening - provides quality education and how-to information on all aspects of horticulture, a calendar, helpful links and is sponsored by the OSU extension.
  • Oklahoma Gardening Forum - an on-line discussion board for those in Oklahoma who wish to discuss various aspects of gardening. Plus a FAQ to read previously asked questions and answers.
  • Oklahoma Food Cooperative - a grassroots network uniting Oklahoma folks interested in sustainably produced, locally grown food.

 G. Other Media, e.g. Video, Audio
Image Unavailable
 Perennials in the Landscape 635.932/P4373p/VIDEO/DISC
Martha’s Spring Gardening 635.9/M377m/VIDEO/DISC
Prepared by W. Gabrielson
Updated March 2013