Most garden books lead midwestern gardeners down the Primrose Path with gardening advice meant for friendlier climates with cool, still growing seasons and plenty of moisture. Here in the Midwest, that kind of advice doesn't hold water.

Gardeners here face tougher conditions: constant wind, extremes of both heat and cold, sudden and violent weather changes, and drought, not to mention periodic insect explosions.

But breathtaking flower gardens and bountiful vegetable gardens are just as achievable in the country's midsection as they are on either coast, writes Rachel Snyder. The key...