I really like Lauren Springer Ogden's books.. She's a good writer and makes her subjects interesting.. She's in Colorado, but I remember that her take on things was applicable to my garden in California, and perhaps Rhode Island too.
Any of these...
Plant-Driven Design: Creating Gardens That Honor Plants, Place, and Spirit
The Undaunted Garden: Planting for Weather-Resilient Beauty
Passionate Gardening: Good Advice for Challenging Climates
There's also one by Owen Dell, (who I had a big horticultural crush on at one time) on sustainable landscaping. Here's a review:
https://www.pacifichorticultur...
I don't know if these are what you're looking for, but I'm a horticultural omnivore.. After 44 years in the field, I'm still amazed at how much there is to learn, and how much I enjoy learning...
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