Ann Ralph's Grow a Little Fruit Tree yields both a hands-on how-to for planting and tending a backyard orchard of judiciously pruned trees as well as a poetic homage to the bounty of nature. A fruit tree specialist with decades of nursery experience in central California and the Bay Area, Ralph shares her "evangelical zeal" for the benefits of small-scale trees: they require less space, offer manageable harvests and are sturdier and easier to tend than trees that soar out of reach.
The 12 chapter titles are illustrated on plant markers, one of the book's many graphic delights that also include photos, watercolors, literary quotes and sidebars; tiny drawings of insects, seeds and shears accompany the page numbers. Ralph takes the aspiring tree-pruner from a convincing introduction through pruning principles, choosing varieties, the critical first cut, watering and maintenance, and includes advice on apples, figs, cherries, apricots and more. Anecdotes reinforce Ralph's persona as a knowledgeable neighbor eager to help: her grandfather planted a tree at age 96 ("fruit trees are about the future"); she has strategized around thieving birds, deer, raccoons and squirrels ("just grow more fruit" works); her family savors the grapefruit from her late parents' tree.
While this handbook grows out of Ralph's California experience, the rules and encouragement apply anywhere, and she notes the "chill science" and varieties a gardener "in whatever region you call home" needs to know. Bursting with tips and advice, this enthusiastic directory to succulent homegrown fruit is something even an apartment dweller can enjoy. --Cheryl Krocker McKeon, manager, Book Passage, San Francisco