The (Arroyo Grande) Times-Press-Recorder ran a story today about "a splendid crop of new gardening books for Central Coast gardeners," including one produced by UC Cooperative Extension. Reporter Joan Bolton noted that there are scores of gardening books published every year, though few target California gardeners.

"But we lucked out this year, with inspired writing, great photographs, and tips and techniques that specifically apply to our mild, coastal climate. Any local gardener would be happy to unwrap at least one of the following books on Christmas morning," she wrote in her article.

On her list is Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees, by farm advisors Chuck A. Ingels and Maxwell V. Norton and Master Gardener academic coordinator Pam Geisel.

"If you grow — or have ever even considered growing — deciduous fruit trees, this is the go-to book," Bolton raves.

The book has step-by-step photos and illustrations of selecting, maintaining, pruning and harvesting backyard fruit and nut trees.

"There are also excellent photos of specific maladies, such as phosphorous deficiency in pear leaves and potassium deficiency in prune leaves, as well as close-ups of pests and beneficial insects," the article says.