Lois Hole (1933–2005)

Sound advice for choosing trees and shrubs. The zone classifications seemed a bit off, considering the author lived in the prairies. Many species listed for a Zone 3 or 4 do thrive in Zone 2 and 2b, although perhaps just in urban settings.

I take this book to the greenhouses when I go shopping for roses. Excellent photos and descriptions. I choose my 9 roses based on her recommendations for northern Alberta gardens.

With Alberta's short growing season, it is important to get an early start with tomatoes and Lois tells us which ones to grow. She left out Tula and Blondkompfchen.

wonderful gardening resource from an authority on cooler climes of Canadian gardening...
sound information with colourful illustrations of the bedding plants in question. the inside scoop so to speak! tips and tricks to help make wiser decisions in what to grow for western / northern Canada. great intros to new options and plants to be watching for or searching to add for beautifully creative flower gardens...a book i continue to turn to.

Lois Hole established her credibility with 16 books to show more her name and efforts along with an illustrious career of warmth and trendsetting in the political field.

Lois Hole's renown as a gardener, author and businesswoman, as well as her remarkable years of community service, brought her international acclaim. She was named Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta in February 2000, member of the Order of Canada, also serving as Chancellor of the University of Alberta. Lois' was endeared to people across the country by her 'Queen of Hugs' personality that included politicians, journalists, and diplomats.

Lois and her husband built up a vegetable and market garden business in St. Albert, Alberta, through the 1950s and 1960s. In 1979, the operation was incorporated as Hole's Greenhouses and Gardens Ltd. The business went on to become one of the biggest retail greenhouse operations in western Canada. Despite the challenges of running a business, raising a family and serving on the boards of local school districts and multiple community organizations, Lois found the time and energy to write 16 gardening books. All have gone on to become Canadian best-sellers. She also has been a regular contributor to the Globe and Mail, the Edmonton Journal and the Old Farmer's Almanac Gardening Companion.

She passed away beginning of 2005 while still in office as Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, leaving a rich legacy of gardening beauty among her life accomplishments. show less