The NDSU Extension Service has several educational publications available at www.ag.ndsu.edu. The publications make great holiday gifts for someone interested in topics such as landscaping or controlling weeds.
Some of the publications are free, while others are available for a minimal charge. The publications are divided into five categories on the Web site:
• Agriculture and natural resources
• Lawn, garden, flowers, trees and shrubs
• Business, community and leadership
• Family, home, youth and 4-H
• Food, food safety and nutrition
One example is "Trees and Shrubs for Northern Great Plains Landscapes." Dale Herman, horticulture professor in the NDSU Department of Plant Sciences, and Vernon Quam, horticulture and forestry consultant, are the authors of the publication.
The publication serves as a starting point in selecting woody plants for home landscapes. It contains descriptive information and color photos of more than 100 species and many superior cultivars.
Another example is "Weeds of the West." Weed scientists who are members of the Western Society of Weed Science Weeds have selected the weeds featured in the publication. The weeds were selected because of their abundance; ability to reproduce, compete and spread rapidly; or their toxicity to livestock or humans. Each weed listed includes a photo, description and soil conditions needed for the weed to flourish.
For more information, contact the NDSU Agriculture Communication Distribution Center at 1-7882 or e-mail NDSU.distributioncenter@ndsu.edu. The publications also are available through county NDSU Extension Service offices.
Dec. 16, 2008