The Sunset series of garden books is also available. Some of the texts may have a western touch when landscape and gardens are illustrated, but the concepts will apply on either coast. They have a number of very well prepared titles on garden design, structures and landscape construction. For the gardener ready for a little more detail, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Handbooks are very good. Articles in the handbooks are frequently prepared by university people who supply information based on years of research.
Gardeners also contribute practical material based on their years of experience.
The handbooks are publications printed separately in special editions and released quarterly by the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. I find they offer a good source of information and are easily understood. For slightly more colorful publications consider the Time-Life series. These are topic oriented and contain color photos. There are also a variety of comprehensive garden encyclopedias available by Donald Wyman or Norman Taylor.