Natural and wild gardening Books

Book SynopsisNatural gardening taken to the next level, for a truly ecological and planet-friendly garden that is full of bountiful life.

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive, single source of information on the plants and animals that live alongside us. This updated edition features new material on climate change, recycling and wild spaces in gardens.This friendly handbook is full of practical advice on attracting wildlife to your garden and encouraging creatures to stick around. A helpful introductory section includes expert tips on green gardening, seasonal planting, how to deal with garden predators and how to get children involved in gardening. A DIY chapter, with a step-by-step guide on creating projects for your garden from building nest, bat and hedgehog boxes to making your own pond is also included. From foxes to finches and from lizards to ladybirds, colour photographs illustrate almost 400 garden species, including mammals, birds, insects, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, flowers, trees, shrubs and fungi, while the comprehensive text explains everything you need to cultivate a haven for nature.Trade ReviewNature lovers will find this handbook full of great advice, from seasonal planting through to recycling, with lots of information on climate change, too. * People's Friend *Remarkably comprehensive... This is a great book and one that should be on the shelves of all green-fingered naturalists – whether you’ve a few acres or a window box! -- Steve Willis * British Trust for Ornithology *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Foreword The RSPB Introduction Species Accounts DIY in the Garden Glossary Index Image Credits

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Book SynopsisThis friendly, practical guide includes everything you need to know to help wetland wildlife flourish outside your back door.The Wildlife Pond Book offers a fresh and unique perspective on ponds, encouraging readers of any budget to reach for the spade and do something positive to benefit their shared neighbourhood nature. With up-to-date, clear guidance on a range of innovative pond designs, this new book aims to encourage a wider audience to connect with freshwater habitats and offers readers unique and creative tips on how to observe, study and enjoy pond wildlife through microscopy, dipping, torching and traditional wildlife spotting. Written by zoologist, science writer and conservation practitioner Jules Howard, The Wildlife Pond Book is filled with creative ideas never before put to paper (and not found online) that Jules has trialed over ten years of pond building and kept secret until now. This will be the go-to pond guide for swathes ofTrade ReviewIf you are considering installing a pond this season, this is an invaluable book to hand. - English Garden -- English Garden * English Garden *This is a handy, accessible softback, filled with clear images that illustrate practical concepts. - English Garden -- English Garden * English Garden *Table of ContentsForeword by Kate Bradbury Introduction – the wonder of ponds What makes ponds so special? Prehistoric ponds Ponds and civilisation The birth of the ornamental pond The state of Britain’s ponds Hidden values of ponds The Idea Stage Preparing your pond Managing your pond Planting up your pond Pond animals to look out for Exploring your pond Glossary Useful organisations Taking inspiration from nature Further reading Image credits Index Acknowledgements

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Book Synopsis*As seen in The New York Times and MarthaStewart.com "It’s time to rebuild meadows wherever we can. . . Owen Wormser explains why, and how to do this, with oodles of highly readable, ecologically sound advice."—Douglas W. Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home and Nature's Best Hope Landscape designer Owen Wormser explains how to replace the deadscape we call lawn with low-maintenance, eco-friendly meadows. In this second edition of his award-winning book, he includes photos of meadows in progress plus more ways to cultivate your own organic meadow. This how-to book on growing your own wildflowers and native grasses is also about sustainability, regeneration, and beauty. In a world where lawns have wreaked havoc on our natural ecosystems, meadows offer a compelling solution. It is garden landscaping that is beautiful, all year round. Meadows establish wildlife and pollinator habitats, are low-maintenance and low-cost, have a built-in resilience that helps them weather climate extremes, and can draw down and store far more carbon dioxide than any manicured lawn. Wormser describes how to plant an organic meadow garden or traditional meadow, that’s right for your site. His book includes guidance on: Preparing your site Designing your meadow Planting without using synthetic chemicals Growing 21 starter native grasses and wildflowers, including butterfly weed, smooth blue aster, purple coneflower, wild bergamot, blue grama grass, switchgrass, and many more Building support in neighborhoods where a tidy lawn is the standard. He also shares 28 color photos that highlight the multitude of ways you can cultivate your own organic meadow. To illuminate the many joys of meadow-building, Wormser draws on his own stories, including how growing up off the grid in northern Maine, with no electricity or plumbing, prepared him for his work.Trade Review"It’s time to rebuild meadows wherever we can, including the deadscape we call lawn. Owen Wormser explains why, and how to do this, with oodles of highly readable, ecologically sound advice."–Douglas W. Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home and Nature's Best Hope"I love the voicing in this book. It brought meadows and flowers to life for me in many ways that I am going to continue to enjoy."–Jon Kabat-Zinn, Scientist, writer, and founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction"This wonderful book by Owen Wormser has a humble title, Lawns Into Meadows. But it is all about a very big idea, namely the conversion of lawns into meadows as a powerful way to help save the lands, protect the waters, and stabilize the climate. Lawns are a very destructive force in an ecological sense. They consume huge amounts of water and depend on toxic chemicals, fertilizers, and fossil fuels for their maintenance. Meadows do just the opposite. They employ biodiversity and nature’s genius to heal landscapes, build soils, and sequester atmospheric carbon while supporting pollinators and other beneficial insects and plants. The author tells us how to grow a meadow, and become a positive force on behalf of the planet. I highly recommend this book."–Dr. John Todd, author of Healing Earth"The practical organization and clear-cut instructions provided in this book make it an indispensable guide for growing and maintaining a meadow. With its charming cover and interior illustrations, it is also a beautiful addition to any gardener’s library. Recommended for anyone interested in rewilding their landscape."―Casey Laine, Butterfly Gardener"I just made the mistake of sticking my nose into Owen Wormser's Lawns into Meadows and before I knew it, it had interrupted my plans because I kept reading it. Lovely book, lovely ideas, and graceful illustrations. Highly recommended."–Christopher Madden, Woodhall Press"I like the straightforward, can-do approach of Lawns Into Meadows―whether for a replacing a curbside stretch of grass, or an island bed in your backyard, or something bigger. This is a really accessible, how-to book that's also about sustainability, regeneration, and beauty. I'm so glad to get this book."–Margaret Roach, A Way to Garden, New York Times contributor

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Book SynopsisFrom cocoa farming in Ghana to the orchards of Kent and the desert badlands of Pakistan, taking a practical approach to sustaining the landscape can mean the difference between prosperity and ruin. Working with Nature is the story of a lifetime of work, often in extreme environments, to harvest nature and protect it - in effect, gardening on a global scale. It is also a memoir of encounters with larger-than-life characters such as William Bunting, the gun-toting saviour of Yorkshire's peatlands and the aristocratic gardener Vita Sackville-West, examining their idiosyncratic approaches to conservation. Jeremy Purseglove explains clearly and convincingly why it's not a good idea to extract as many resources as possible, whether it's the demand for palm oil currently denuding the forests of Borneo, cottonfield irrigation draining the Aral Sea, or monocrops spreading across Britain. The pioneer of engineering projects to preserve nature and landscape, first in Britain and then around the world, he offers fresh insights and solutions at each step.Trade ReviewPraise for Jeremy Purseglove's Taming the Flood: 'Jeremy Purseglove has a gift that is increasingly rare in these days of scientific specialization - of joining practical wisdom about working with nature and the land to an imaginative appreciation of their place in our history and culture.' -- Richard MabeyA pioneering and counter-culture work -- Oliver RackhamIt is a celebration of life in and around the water and it is an eloquent plea to water engineers, to farmers and to Government to respect that life * BBC Wildlife *

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Book SynopsisThis third guide in the 'Gardening with Nature Series' gives step by step advice on where, when and how to create a pond to enrich the wildlife in your garden.

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Book SynopsisCreate your own natural apothecary using readily available ingredients with the easy, step-by-step instructions and straightforward advice in From Earth. Inspired by author Charlotte Rasmussen's Scandinavian upbringing and the botanicals she has discovered since moving to Australia, this is a perfect guide for anyone wanting to find a more holistic way of life. Within these pages you will discover expert knowledge tailored to your lifestyle, whether you need moisturiser for dry skin or a decongestant for your child. You will be become confident combining herbs and oils and be inspired to create your own essential oil blends to infuse your home with the perfect ambience. The heart of From Earth is about taking the natural resources provided by our planet and using them to improve your life. Instead of buying products filled with unintelligible chemicals, using this book you will be able to take control of your own skin care, fragrances and home remedies. You will be able to connect with your environment and body, restoring your health and wellbeing with a variety of homemade, naturally sourced recipes.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive go-to wildlife guide for all 16 million British gardens.' Mike DilgerEven the smallest garden can be an important haven for wildlife, and this authoritative guide enables everyone to explore this wealth on their back doorstep. It covers all the main animal groups including pond life likely to be found in a garden in Great Britain and Ireland.Detailed descriptions and information on life history, behaviour and occurrence are provided for more than 500 species, as well as practical information on creating a pond for wildlife, making nestboxes and feeding birds. Richard Lewington, acknowledged as one of the finest natural history artists in Europe, has teamed up with his brother Ian, one of our most respected bird artists, to provide nearly 1,000 superbly detailed colour artworks to complement the text.Presented in an accessible, easy-to-use format, this fully updated and expanded edition covers everything from blue tits to bumblebees and hedgehogs to hawkmoths.Table of ContentsPreface to the second edition Introduction Identification guide to garden wildlife Glossary Top ten tips for wildlife gardening Further reading Further resources Photographic credits Index

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Book SynopsisThere is something uplifting about having butterflies in your flowerbeds, frogs in your water feature and birds in your bushes, and knowing they''re there because of you. Rich in detail and accessible in style, Gardening for Wildlife is the crucial companion to novices and expert gardeners alike. Adrian Thomas dispels myths and offers new insights and ideas, helping everyone understand what to do so gardens, large or small, can become ideal homes for wildlife.Building on the success of the award-winning first edition, this expanded and updated edition reflects the latest research and developments in nature-friendly gardening.The book serves as an expert guide to the practical aspects of this rewarding pastime and educates readers about the ecological principles involved, while exploding commonly held misconceptions that often deter people from pursuing a kinder approach to gardening.Adrian Thomas provides a detailed guide to the many and varied species that caTrade ReviewAdrian Thomas's highly attractive book will inspire all those who pick it up to turn their gardens into wildlife sanctuaries. * Sunday Express *An excellent book that brings together a lot of information in one place, challenges preconceived wisdom and manages to be informative and entertaining. It's possibly the most definitive work on the subject in recent years. * Garden Illustrated *Written in a friendly tone, RSPB Gardening for Wildlife offers a huge amount of information...It will help you make the most of what you've got in your backyard. * BBC Wildlife *...stuffed with hundreds of colour photos and shows how wildlife gardening can fit any garden (and any gardener!) * The Lady *A practical and contemporary look at how to embrace the little pockets of wildlife that exist in every garden, this book teaches you how to create habitats for all manner of butterflies, bees and other creatures. * BBC Countryfile *Gardening for Wildlife is the crucial companion to novices and expert gardeners alike. -- Emily Peagram * Grow Your Own *Table of ContentsForeword Gardening for Wildlife Why Everyone Should Garden for Wildlife Myth-busting So What Is Gardening for Wildlife, Then? How Wildlife Sees Gardens Gardening for Wildlife at a Glance The Right Home for the Right Species Gardening for Birds Gardening for Butterflies Gardening for Mammals Gardening for Reptiles and Amphibians Gardening for Bees Gardening for Dragonflies and Damselflies Gardening for Moths Gardening for Creepy-crawlies Gardening for Primitive Plants and Fungi Creating Different Habitats Making a Woodland Home Making a Scrubland Home Making a Wildflower-meadow Home Making a Heathland Home Making a Cornfield Home Making a Wetland Home Making a Hot-rot Home Gardening for Wildlife in a Big Garden Gardening for Wildlife in a Small Garden Balcony Gardening for Wildlife Low-maintenance Gardening for Wildlife Gardening for Wildlife in the Function Zone Gardening for Wildlife in the Leisure Zone Gardening for Wildlife in the Production Zone Gardening for Wildlife in the Aesthetic Zone Gardening for the Planet The Top 400 Garden Plants for Wildlife Gardening for Wildlife Calendar Measuring Success Acknowledgements Recommended reading Index Photo credits The RSPB

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Book Synopsis“An invaluable resource” Huw Richards If you want to grow your own food, become more self sufficient, zero waste or eco friendly, or even go fully off grid, Liz Zorab is the perfect guide to help you explore the world of green living and permaculture. Grounded is the story of her gardening journey: from bare field to bountiful feast; from poor soil to fertile abundance; from rookie errors to successful sustainability. Liz and her husband, Mr J, transformed a tired 0.8 acre field into a fertile homestead that provides 80% of their food and drink – with enough left over to stock a community veggie box scheme! An inspiring blend of practical tips and ideas with personal narrative and a good smattering of humour, Grounded will show you how to: ` Fill your garden without emptying your pocket ` Make the most of the space you have ` Be creative with resources ` Achieve more without exhausting yourself ` Become more resilient ` Enjoy the process as much as the results This is a tale of courage and imagination that will inspire you to grow your own productive paradise and live your dreams.

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Book SynopsisOne tree, in one garden. Can it really make a difference?In RHS The Tree in My Garden, award-winning wildlife author Kate Bradbury reveals the amazing effect planting a single tree in your garden can have - and dares to imagine what would happen if every gardener up and down the country did the same. Combining practical gardening advice, eye-opening scientific research, reflections on the cultural importance of different species, and evocative accounts of how vital trees are for countless different forms of wildlife, this book will leave you in no doubt that every garden needs a tree!This terrific tree book features a directory of 50 key species, each one beautifully illustrated by Lucille Clerc and packed with information about each tree''s appearance, care needs, and the wildlife it supports - to help you choose the best tree for your own garden, or learn more about the trees you may already have. Dive into the pages of this tree identification book to discover: - 50 illustrated profiles of a wide range of trees suitable for different gardens and preferences- Eye-opening accounts of the importance of trees for our planet, our wildlife, and ourselves- Essential practical information to help readers choose, plant, prune, and care for their tree- Ideas for making your own leaf mould and ways to get involved in community planting projects- Stunning illustrations by Lucille Clerc that convey the beauty and the mystery of treesThis book is perfect for anyone wanting to attract more wildlife to their garden! So whether you''re an environmentalist intent on reducing your carbon footprint, a budding gardener looking to choose the best tree for your outdoor space or you''re simply seeking a guide about the natural history of the trees in your garden, RHS The Tree In My Garden is something the whole family can explore, discover and love. No garden should be without a tree. Plant one, watch it grow - and become part of something bigger!Trade ReviewWith the exception of the smallest plots, I'm in complete agreement with the author that no garden is complete without at least one tree. This book harnesses Bradbury's expertise and eloquent style, and encourages us to choose a tree with wildlife in mind, from a useful selection of garden-worthy suggestions. A message that's further enhanced by Lucille Clerc's enchanting illustrations. -- Rachel de Thame * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisGuy Barter is Chief Horticultural Advisor at the Royal Horticultural Society. He began his horticultural career in commercial field vegetable production and plant breeding, and joined the RHS in 1990. He also worked for Gardening Which? as a horticultural journalist. In 1998, he took over the running of the RHS Gardening Advice Service, and has held his current position since 2016. He has authored and contributed to many DK books, including RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening (DK 2022), RHS How to Garden (DK 2016) and RHS Vegetable and Fruit Gardening (DK 2016).

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Book SynopsisThe Flowerpot Forager is a beginners' guide to growing wild food in pots, making foraging easy.The Flowerpot Forager details 30 wild edible plants that can be grown at home in containers with as much effort as you would put into your tending your herb pot from the supermarket, plus a very simple recipe or two on how to use them – think pink clover lemonade, water mint pesto and dandelion salad. Foraging is a perennially aspirational hobby for gardeners and cooks alike, but it’s now entering the mainstream; from supermarkets stocking wild garlic to Fever Tree spiking their tonics with elderflower, wild food is everywhere. Historically, location has hampered the accessibility of foraging – if you don’t live near a wood, riverbed or meadow, it can be difficult to find those lusted-after ingredients in cookbooks and on TV shows. But The Flowerpot Forager is here to solve that.

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Book SynopsisWhat are the amazing healing effects of trees and shrubs? How does tree bark effectively reduce inflammation? How can fruits and leaves help recovery and build resilience? Discover therapeutic benefits of trees and shrubs, ranging from forest bathing to soothing remedies, from painkillers to stressbusters. Anne Stobart draws on her direct experience as a medical herbalist, and shares how to recognise useful trees and shrubs and then harvest and create a range of herbal supplies, from fir needles to jujube fruits. Anne includes profiles of 80 trees and shrubs suited to temperate climates with recommendations on their uses. Learn the abundant and sustainable sources of healing available from trees and shrubs and how they can be safely used within a range of settings, from gardens and food forests to woodlands and permaculture projects. Ideal for foragers, gardeners and growers, walkers and wilderness lovers, agroforesters and forest schoolers, and anyone interested in herbal medicine. The book is laid out in two parts. Part One introduces the potential of the medicinal forest for therapeutic use, remedies for common complaints, medicines for repair and recovery from illness, and how these healing plants can be grown and used for the health of people and planet. Anne explains the importance of reconnecting with medicinal trees and shrubs through sustainable use and the benefits for environmental concerns. Part Two incorporates a directory of 80 woody species, from large trees to small shrubs, offering a range of plants for any sized growing space. Each profile comes with illustrated and accessible content on identification and habitat, medicinal parts and uses, safety advice, suggested preparations alongside a suggested recipe for each medicinal tree or shrub.Trade Review"Anne Stobart offers us another sumptuous insight into the majestic contribution trees make towards enabling healthy human life." Julian Barker, author, botanist and medical herbalist

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisIn 2003 a MORI poll for the Royal Horticultural Society revealed that an extraordinary number of us are interested in attracting wildlife into our gardens. It also indicated, however, that many of us have no idea how to go about it. Information is sparse, and public opinion seems to suggest that gardens that are plentiful in wildlife are unattractive, expensive to upkeep and hard work to maintain. But this couldn't be further from the truth.In this illuminating book, Ken Thompson explains that encouraging wildlife is actually entirely compatible with ordinary gardening, costs next to nothing and is almost completely effortless. Packed with helpful hints and tips, the book shows us how easy it is to fill our gardens with everything from foxes, frogs and mice to butterflies, ladybirds and literally thousands of fascinating creepy-crawlies. Why should we? Because we'll be promoting the biodiversity of the UK, we'll be reconnecting with nature, getting more from our gardens, and we'll be doing our plants a favour.Trade ReviewA well-researched gem. I love it. Buy it and read it. -- Cleve West * The Independent *BOOK OF THE MONTH...Attractive and highly readable follow-up to his excellent An Ear to the Ground * The Telegraph, Gardening supplement *A good read: informative and well-explained. * Bob Flowerdew, Gardener's Question Time *A cheerful hand grenade of a book...fantastic science writing for a lay audience. * New Scientist *I finished this book torn between wild feelings of omnipotence and a nagging sense of guilt for poisoning the mice in my garden shed...he guides us around the millions of varieties of insects that most of us either ignore or abhor...even slugs, the gardener's most persistent foe, are given respect. -- Ludovic Hunter-Tilney * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisGrowing flowers to cut and enjoy at home can sharpen our awareness of the world around us and make us more attuned to nature. We find it impossible to walk anywhere without spotting a prized rose in a front garden, a brassica gone to seed on a neighbouring allotment plot or a weedy verge in a carpark and considering its potential for cutting. ‘Tuning into the flowering seasons, observing and being compassionate to nature and seeking beauty in the unexpected not only makes us better gardeners but custodians of the planet.’ – Camila and Marianne Like the food revolution that focuses on provenance, locality, climate and sustainability, Camila and Marianne use these principles to address the flower market. With not much space, it is possible to use the flowers from your garden to decorate your home as well as giving bunches to friends and family instead of buying cellophane wrapped flowers from the shops that may have been covered in pesticides and travelled many miles to get to you. Flowers are something we are irresistibly drawn to and turn to at the milestone moments of our lives, at births, marriages and deaths, to connect with an estranged friend, to send love or say we’re sorry. They colour our most formative experiences and are our gateway to finding our own personal relationship with the planet we inhabit. No matter the size of your garden, this practical, but approachable guide will instill the confidence in you to grow flowers to bring into your home and enjoy all year round.Trade ReviewHow to Grow the Flowers is ‘practical and informative, and the emphasis is on seasonality and sustainability, all hand in hand with an invitation to enjoy the beauty and share the joy of flowers.’ Rachel de Thame, The Times 10 Best Gardening Books of 2022 ‘My word it is gorgeous! A book that is both beautiful and informative.The photos are stunning, and the text is highly informative’ – Charles Dowding ‘A joy of a book in every way. I long to fill my garden with flowers with this book as my guide.’ – Anna Jones

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Book SynopsisIn the depths of the Cotswolds, near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, lies one of the most beautiful tree gardens in the world, known as Westonbirt Arboretum. Here you can find around 15,000 trees, each one lovingly labelled. They offer the perfect, picturesque setting for escaping from the pressures of everyday life.Now, for the first time, 100 of the most popular British trees form the basis of this beautiful pocket guide. Illustrated with artwork depicting the tree and leaf, this covetable little book will educate and entertain with wonderfully concise text by one of the world’s leading tree experts from the Arboretum. Pop this book in your pocket for a great day out spotting some of the most celebrated features of our landscape!Trade Review[A] gorgeous, pocket-sized book. . . [A] handy little aid for a family day out. -- Natasha Harding * The Sun *[I]deal to take on a woodland excursion. * The English Garden *[...] information and illustrations of 100 trees you might see when out and about in our parks or countryside [...] handily pocket-sized. * My Weekly *

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Book SynopsisForest gardening is a way of working with Nature which is not only productive and requires minimal maintenance, but creates great environmental benefits. As Herbert Girardet says in his Foreword, "Robert Hart was a rare person . . . For decades he waged a battle for life, patiently writing books and articles and quietly planting trees on his small farm in Shropshire. Robert created a magnificent forest garden which had a profound influence on the way people cultivated their land. It was a garden dedicated to human needs for fruit, nuts, vegetables and plant medicines. But it was at the same time a celebration of the myriad interactions of life, based on profound observations, both intuitive and scientific, of how different life forms interact in order to stimulate and support one another." Table of ContentsForeword by Herbert Girardet Prologue: The Mini-forest 1. Towards a Forest Economy 2. Unity and Diversity 3. Health & Wholeness 4. Personal Pilgrimage 5. The Wenlock Edge Project 6. Plant Life: Its Infinite Potentialities 7. Design & Maintenance 8. Water and No Water 9. Stored up Sunshine: Energy Yesterday and Tomorrow 10. The Thinking Hand: Skills of the Craftsman 11. Agroforestry Against World Want 12. Green is Real 13. Where Do We Go From Here? Epilogue: A New Twist in the Evolutionary Spiral Appendix 1 Recommended Species: Temperate Appendix 2 Recommended Species: Tropical and Sub-tropical References Suggested further reading Recommended suppliers in the UK Membership organisations Index

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Book SynopsisIn this beautifully illustrated book, Glennie Kindred inspires us to celebrate the bounties of our wild native plants and find a richer relationship with the natural world around us. Season by season, we are shown how to grow and manage native edible and medicinal plants in our gardens or on the wild edges of the land. Included are foraging tips and many recipes for making kitchen medicines and delicious food from our finds. By letting the wild native plants into our lives, Glennie helps us reconnect with our rich herbal heritage and enter into a new relationship with our local environment. She encourages us to forage, grow, and eat our edible natives, season by season, and also to strengthen our health with their healing properties. She explores many different ways to mark and celebrate the seasons, especially outside on the land, which support our ability to adapt and grow for the benefit of the Earth and ourselves. This is a practical, optimistic and inspirational treasure trove for a more creative, integrated, self-reliant future.Trade ReviewThere is so much in this beautifully illustrated book: walking ideas, gardening and foraging inspiration, ways to use native herbs and plants as food and medicine, and chapters on the cycles of seasons and festivals and how we can celebrate them. Kindred is evangelical about encouraging us all to benefit from the outdoors and allow the seasonal cycles of incubation and regeneration to be reflected in our own lives and she points out how it can contribute to inner resilience, holistic health and healing. Letting In The Wild Edges is a challenge for us all to let go a little, to try walking barefoot in the grass, engage with the Earth and reflect on how this changes our world perspective. Saffia Farr, Juno Magazine

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Book SynopsisA forest garden is a place where nature and people meet halfway, between the canopy of trees and the soil underfoot. It doesn't have to look like a forest - what's important is that natural processes are allowed to unfold, to the benefit of plants, people and other creatures. For three decades experimental forest gardens have been planted in temperate cities and rural sites, in households, neighbourhoods, community gardens, parks, market gardens and plant nurseries. Forest Gardening In Practice is the first indepth review of forest gardening with living, best practice examples. It highlights the four core skills of forest gardeners: ecology, horticulture, design, cooperation. It is for hobby gardeners, smallholders, community gardeners and landscape professionals. Forest Gardening In Practice features: A history of forest gardening; Step-by step guide to creating your own edible ecosystem; 121 in-depth case studies of established forest gardens and edible landscapes in Europe and the USA; Chapters on integrating animals, learning, enterprises, working in community and public settings.

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Book SynopsisMartin Crawford is an internationally acknowledged expert on growing perennial food systems. It features a selection of the 100 best trees to grow. It includes appendices with lists of suitable trees for specific situations. Martin Crawford has researched and experimented with tree crops for 25 years and has selected over 100 of the best trees producing fruits, nuts, edible leaves and other useful products that can be grown in Europe and North America. The appendices makes choosing trees for your situation easy, with lists of suitable trees for specific situations plus flow charts to guide you. If you want to know about and use the large diversity of tree crops that are available in temperate and continental climates, then this book is both fascinating and essential reading by an internationally acknowledged expert.Trade Review'Martin Crawford is Mr Tree, and what he doesn't know about these sentinels in our landscape is hardly worth knowing. I've reaped the benefit of his root-and-branch expertise myself: he helped me establish my modest Devon nuttery and forest garden, and my flourishing chestnuts, hazels and autumn olives (to name just three) are a testament to his generous advice. But what's really inspiring and persuasive is Martin's view of trees as a vital and sustaining life force that we need to recognise and nurture. Like any good arboriculturist (or tree-man, if you like), he has an emotional connection to trees and an infectious sense of awe at their sheer magnificence. But this book is really about their importance as the bedrock of a sustainable ecology. Martin celebrates the sheer practical value of trees and explores the uses we have found for them, past and present, that makes them not just things of beauty, but icons of resilience, resourcefulness and regeneration.' Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, multi-award-winning writer and broadcaster widely known for his uncompromising commitment to seasonal, ethically produced food

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Book SynopsisWork in harmony with nature to create a more climate-friendly garden, with practical solutions for real-life spaces. An updated new edition of a classic and timely guide.Table of ContentsIntroduction Gardening and the environment Climate-friendly gardening Eco garden greenprints Eco-fitting your garden City courtyard garden Intensive food garden Eco allotment Dry garden Rain garden Eco garden basics Establishing an ecosystem Choosing tools Choosing compost Types of container Sowing seeds Feeding your plants Pest barriers and deterrents Slugs and snails Companion and mixed planting Using and controlling weeds Tackling tough weeds Soil care and composting Improving your soil Soil cultivation Choosing and using a mulch Sheet mulching The importance of composting Cool composting Composting with worms Leaf mould Harvesting sunlight and rain Renewable gardening Using a sunny wall Greenhouses and polytunnels Green manures or cover crops Water in the garden Harvesting and storing water Watering techniques Food gardening Planet-friendly food Planning a food garden Sowing vegetables Planting vegetables Sprouting seeds and microgreens Vertical vegetables and fruits Growing potatoes Fruit in containers Growing tree fruits Boosting biodiversity Why garden biodiversity matters Encouraging wildlife Attracting beneficial insects Self-seeding plants Making a simple pond Transforming your lawn Building an insect hotel Sustainable landscaping What is sustainable landscaping Choosing sustainable materials Eco paths and paving Living or green roofs Sustainable fences and screens Directory of eco-friendly plants Eco-friendly annuals Eco-friendly perennials Eco-friendly shrubs and climbers Eco-friendly hedging plants Eco-friendly trees Eco-friendly annual vegetables Eco-friendly bush and tree fruits Eco-friendly herbs Eco-friendly pond and bog plants Calendar of care Further information Index Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisInsects, birds, bats, foxes, badgers, shrews. These beautiful and fascinating creatures need somewhere to live, as their own natural habitats become more and more endangered. Learn how to make your space from a windowbox to a suburban garden to a farm inviting to nature. And learn all about Ireland's wildlife, from tiny plants to large mammals.

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Book SynopsisForest gardens are much in the news as an exemplary form of resilient, sustainable, small-scale agriculture and plenty has been written about them already. But little has been written about the role of those who 'look after' them. A forest garden is edible, fertile, abundant and beautiful because it functions as an ecosystem. The forest gardener is an integral part of this ecosystem - which raises the question of what exactly the forest gardener should be trying to do. This book answers that question. At the heart of a forest garden is the unique relationship between the garden and the gardener. The 'garden of equal delights' after which this book is named is Anni Kelsey's forest garden high on a wet and windy Welsh hillside. Rejecting control and a regimen of planned interventions in favour of a more intimate, knowing and connected relationship with her garden, Anni describes how she learned to garden as an intrinsic - and equal - part of the ecosystem. She uses her years of experience to formulate and explain in very practical terms a set of principles that other forest gardeners can follow in their own preferred way. So this is a challenging and inspiring story for experienced, new and would-be forest gardeners and for anyone with a love of nature and a longing to engage with it on a deeper level. A forest garden is a different garden which needs to be gardened differently by a different gardener.Trade ReviewThis is a book about how to be a forest gardener. It is not a 'how to' garden book. The emphasis is on being and becoming, rather than doing. Anni shows us that forest gardening is a different type of gardening from the horticultural norm; one which requires a different type of gardener. Her book shows how the garden and gardener can grow together in a process of co-creativity in which an abundant ecosystem emerges. The job of the forest gardener, suggests Anni, is largely one of learning to keep out of the way; to sit on ones hands. To watch, and wait, and learn from the garden about how it wants to grow. The gardener may then make gentle, informed interventions - a nudge here, a suggestion there - without being wedded to the outcome. But this isn't necessarily as easy as it sounds; it takes practice. By telling the story of her own garden, Anni shows us how she developed this practice. The work of the forest gardener, she suggests, shifts from traditional tasks of digging and weeding, to more observational 'tasks' of watching, waiting, and learning how the garden develops as an ecosystem. She acknowledges that watching and waiting can be uncomfortable, as the gardener gives up their enculturated urges to tidy or weed and lets the garden run rampant. The gardener allows this to happen. Their job is to watch carefully as an ecosystem slowly develops that no longer requires pest management, weeding, or added fertility. Only once the forest gardener begins to understand this ecosystem, and the many interactions occurring within it, can they begin to gently intervene.Table of Contentspreface introduction tribute to all gardeners part 1: a different garden 1 a different garden 2 how does the forest garden? 3 gardens of delight 4 principles of forest gardening 5 fertility, health and abundance part 2: is gardened differently 6 stop 7 don't do anything until you have to 8 the twin story of watching and waiting 9 only do the minimum 10 gardening with the forest 11 polyfloral polycultures 12 life cycle gardening 13 nature's transformational magic 14 harvest only enough 15 beauty and joy part 3: by a different gardener 16 polyculture learning 17 appreciation 18 the polyculture path to the heart of the garden 19 welcome the wild 20 gardening with life appendices 1 trees and plants in the garden of equal delights 2 discussion - David Holmgren's principles of permaculture

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Book SynopsisTwenty years ago, Dan Pearson was invited to make a garden at the 240-hectare Tokachi Millennium Forest in Hokkaido, Japan. Part of the intention was to entice city dwellers to reconnect with nature and improve land that had been lost to intensive agriculture and this was achieved along with much more. By tuning into the physical and cultural essence of the place and applying a light touch in terms of cultivation, this world-class designer created a remarkable place which has its heart in Japan's long-held respect for nature and its head in contemporary ecological planting design. The bold, uplifting sweep of the Meadow Garden mixes garden plants with natives while the undulating landforms of the Earth Garden bring sculptural connection with the mountains beyond. Under the skilful custodianship of Midori Shintani, the garden has evolved beautifully to reflect principles that lie at the heart of Japanese culture: observation of seasonal changes, practical tasks carried out with care and an awareness of the interconnectedness of all living things. This beautiful, instructive book allows us all to experience something of the Tokachi effect, gain expert insights into how to plant gardens that feel right for their location, and reconnect with the land and wildlife that surround us.

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Book SynopsisFederal Twist is set on a ridge above the Delaware River in western New Jersey, USA. It is a naturalistic garden that has loose boundaries and integrates closely with the natural world that surrounds it. It has no utilitarian or leisure uses (no play areas, swimming pools or outdoor dining) and the site is not an obvious choice for a garden (heavy clay soil, poorly drained: quick death for any plants not ecologically suited to it). The physical garden, its plants and its features, is of course an appealing and pleasant place to be but Federal Twist's real charm and significance lie in its intangible aspects: its changing qualities and views, the moods and emotions it evokes, and its distinctive character and sense of place. Monty Don commented after his visit, "it made me rethink what a garden can be and do." This book charts the author's journey in making such a garden. How he made a conscious decision not to "improve the land", planted large, competitive plants into rough grass, experimented with seeding to develop sustainable plant communities. And how he worked with light to provoke certain moods and allowed the energy of the place, chance and randomness to have its say. Part experimental horticulturist and part philosopher, James Golden has written an important book for naturalistic and ecological gardeners and anyone interested in exploring the relationship between gardens, nature and ourselves.

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Book SynopsisSarah Glover loves to cook, whether it’s on the edge of a windswept cliff, in a clearing in the forest, or on a sandy stretch of beach. Although she’s made a career as a chef in Australia and New York City, her heart lives outdoors. Filled with gorgeous photographs from the shores of Tasmania and beaches of Sydney to the mountains of Australia’s east coast, this cookbook shares her recipes and secrets to inspire others to cook and eat outside. She offers tips for preparing food over an open flame as well as a list of basic outdoor cooking equipment. Anyone who thinks camping food begins and ends with coffee and toasted marshmallows will be surprised to discover how easy it is to create a stunning four-course meal with a few pots and one fire. From solid staples like tender roast chicken and potatoes to dinner-party-worthy kumquat bellinis and quail with truffles, Glover sets the stage for any kind of outdoor experience. Her recipes are simple and straightforward—often involving only a handful of ingredients—and her instructions are breezy and clear. Whether it’s a quiet retreat in nature or a dawn-to-dusk beach party, Sarah Glover has a menu that will satisfy your hunger for fresh, modern food eaten in the great outdoors.Trade Review“Her book, Wild: Adventure Cookbook (Prestel) shows off her creative creations, which range from Bone Marrow Rice and Quail Eggs to Fish on Log, a recipe calling for four tree stumps. The book contains photographs of the chef in action as well as shots of her family and friends at her frequented beaches along the country's coasts. Cue the wanderlust!” -Vogue"The gorgeous photos in this book absoutely take you away—to isolated beaches and rugged camping spots all over Australia." –HOBNOB Magazine

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Book SynopsisTiny & Wild is the essential guide to creating a small-scale mini meadow that’s filled with low-maintenance plants to please both pollinators and people. Trade Review“The Introduction of this book asks you a question: ‘Why a Mini Meadow?’ You may have picked the book up because you are curious, along with emotional, about living a life shared with other living beings aside from people. You want to come to know how to find a small space and have it fulfill your imagination by creating a natural community of plants that live well together. Here you’ll find beauty in plants and the acts of planting, caring, and discovering a life within that community.” * Roy Diblik, co-owner of Northwind Perennial Farm and author of The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden * “Graham shows how to grow in tune with local site conditions – thinking of garden plants not as high-maintenance individuals but as a community that can adapt and thrive together. By bridging ideas from traditional and wilder design methods, this practical introduction to natural landscaping helps those with any-sized landscape create an aesthetically and environmentally purposeful space.” * Benjamin Vogt, author of A New Garden Ethic and Prairie Up *“This beautifully illustrated guide distills years of small meadow making experience into clear and inspiring tips and techniques that guide you through design, installation, and meadow management.” * Claudia West, Principal at Phyto Studios, co-author of Planting in a Post-Wild World *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why a Mini Meadow? The benefits of growing a small-scale Meadow. 1 Finding Wild inspiration in natural and Man-Made spaces Using natural plant communities and existing public gardens to spark your creativity. 2 Bringing the Meadow home Site selection advice to find the ideal spot for planting and learning how to work with the existing conditions. 3 Designing Your Mini Meadow Function and aesthetics combine to create the perfect Meadow planting. 4 Preparing the Meadow site How to get rid of existing vegetation and manage the soil to get ready for growing. 5 Planting Your Mini Meadow Planting methods, tools, and timing for success. 6 Meadow Maintenance How to water, mow, weed, and care for your micro prairie. 7 What to plant Plant lists and charts to choose the best plants for your (micro)climate. Conclusion Resources + Inspiration About the Author Acknowledgments Index

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Book SynopsisAward winning author and self-sufficiency practitioner Liz Zorab takes readers on a highly entertaining and joyful celebration through the seasons. Following on from her hugely popular debut book, Grounded, Liz returns with The Seasoned Gardener, inviting you on a personal and yet totally relatable journey of growing and learning through the gardening year. Illustrated with a delicious selection of Liz's own photos, The Seasoned Gardener provides an abundance of friendly advice and hundreds of top tips on what to and what not to do as she inspires gardeners of all levels to have a go at growing tastier and healthier food for themselves and to benefit the natural world. The Seasoned Gardener inspires you to connect with your garden and surroundings and explains how the veg garden sits within the wider context of the landscape, highlighting the importance the seasons, weather, microclimates, water cycles and light levels play on growing successful and healthy crops. Liz's down-to-earth writing style has been likened to having a helpful neighbour chatting over the garden fence. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and every chapter is filled with plenty of advice on what to grow, when to seed and plant out, what pitfalls to avoid - having learned from her own mistakes - and how to be creative with what you have around you.

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Book SynopsisDig into eco-gardening and cultivate your green thumb.Discover how to care for the planet while you care for your garden. This is your no-fuss guide to planet-friendly gardening.Do you want a beautiful and productive garden that won''t cost the earth but don''t know where to start? This wildlife gardening book for beginners will introduce you to all aspects of sustainable gardening. It includes a wide selection of recommended plants including trees, climbers, and wildflowers, to help encourage local biodiversity in your garden.Whether you''re growing in pots on your patio or have a fully-fledged garden, this organic gardening book explores everything you need to know to create your own eco-garden. Discover how to minimise garden waste and make soil-building compost. Learn how to do your bit to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive contribution to slowing down climate change. You don''t have to be a horticulture expert to get started, this indispensable reference book will take you through every single step! It includes: - Tips on how to turn your outdoor space into a refuge for local wildlife - Packed with practical, jargon-free know-how and simple gardening techniques- Easy-to-follow format to help grow your gardening knowledgeLet It Grow!Gorgeous, full-colour photography provides plenty of inspiration and environmentally-friendly ideas. Expert tips and step-by-step instructions on every page guide you on how to be more sustainable and why it''s important. Grow Eco Gardening covers everything you need to work in harmony with nature. It''s the perfect book for beginner gardeners who want to do their bit for the climate.Complete the Series:Make your green-fingered dreams a reality with the Grow series from DK. Learn how to brighten up even the trickiest areas in Grow Containers, or discover how to prune your garden in Grow Pruning & Training. Alternatively, there are more titles to explore such as Grow Easy Veg and Grow Houseplants.

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Book Synopsis“Tallamy lays out all you need to know to participate in one of the great conservation projects of our time. Read it and get started!” —Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sixth Extinction Douglas W. Tallamy’s first book, Bringing Nature Home, awakened thousands of readers to an urgent situation: wildlife populations are in decline because the native plants they depend on are fast disappearing. His solution? Plant more natives. In this new book, Tallamy takes the next step and outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation. Nature’s Best Hope shows how homeowners everywhere can turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitats. Because this approach relies on the initiatives of private individuals, it is immune from the whims of government policy. Even more important, it’s practical, effective, and easy—you will walk away with specific suggestions you can incorporate into your own yard. If you’re concerned about doing something good for the environment, Nature’s Best Hope is the blueprint you need. By acting now, you can help preserve our precious wildlife—and the planet—for future generations.

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Book SynopsisWho doesn't want a yard filled with birds, bees, and butterflies? In The Ultimate Wildlife Garden, Stacy Tornio makes it easy. This hardworking, photo-filled guide will enable you to create the earth-friendly, plant-filled garden of your dreams. Readers will find plant-specific information on attracting species-specific varieties of birds, hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. Additional information includes advice on finding the right type of feeder, avoiding pesticides, and native plant options. Ten garden plans allow homeowners to build specific gardens from scratch, including a hummingbird garden, a songbird garden, a bird-habitat garden, and more. Whether you want to entice birds with black-eyed susans or attract bumblebees by planting bee balm, this must-have guide will help bring your garden to life.

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Book SynopsisFirst published in 1942 (and retailing at 1s 6d) in response to the growing use of factory-made foods and essences, Wild Berries, Fruits, Nuts & Flowers demonstrated how tasty dishes could be made using the wild fruits and flowers of the countryside. Today there is a growing interest in foraging. People have become more connected with nature and are heading into the countryside and collecting edible plants, mushrooms and fruits. This is combined with an increasing desire to eat local seasonal produce in the interests of sustainability. This timely reissue of a classic of its kind is the perfect gift for the modern forager. It features 101 recipes for using wild berries, fruits, nuts, flowers, mushrooms and seaweed. Nothing is known about the original author, but this edition has a foreword by Barbara Segall, who suggested republishing this book.Trade Review"There is a saying, 'good stuff comes in little packets' and one might say this also applies to 'little books' for a delightful pocket volume landed on my desk recently that perfectly encapsulates that phrase. The informative and entertaining foreword by Barbara Segall is a perfect introduction to what lies beyond and we are grateful to Barbara for bringing this amazing collection of recipes to a 21st century audience... delightful." * Reckless Gardener *"Useful...illustrated with attractive line drawings, the book presents recipes and suggestions ranging from bramble chutney, crab-apple marmalade and wild flower vinegars to edible seaweeds." * Garden News *

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Book SynopsisThe Netherlands is steeped in horticultural history and its gardens have long been a place for innovation and progressive thinking, exemplified by iconic figures such as the landscape architect Mien Ruys and naturalistic plant pioneer Piet Oudolf. In this book, Noel Kingsbury and Maayke de Ridder explore how the particularities of landscape, history and culture in the Netherlands have given rise to distinctive gardens and demonstrates how a new generation of Dutch designers are reimagining outdoor space in such a revolutionary way. At the heart of the story is a people intimately engaged with their surroundings, as proud of the feats of engineering used to reclaim their land from the sea as they are passionate about nature and biodiversity. This creative tension is played out in their parks and gardens: a clean, pared-back aesthetic contrasts with billowing planting; water is managed and made accessible with boardwalks; and meandering paths lead to inviting outbuildings for work and relaxation. These inspiring examples of sustainable, modern, liveable outdoor spaces will appeal to forward-looking garden makers wherever they live.

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Book Synopsis50 Healing Plants is a collection of 50 cards featuring plants and herbs from around the world that are known for their healing powers and properties.Exquisitely illustrated with prints from Elizabeth Blackwell, the pioneering herbalist of the 18th Century, and with an accompanying booklet describing the importance of Blackwell's work, and that of the renowned Chelsea Physic Garden as it celebrates its 350 year anniversary. This is a gift for anyone with an interest in botanical art, botany or the healing properties of plants.

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Book SynopsisTake an inspirational journey through the seasons with this beautifullyillustrated guide to discover the wonders of nature.

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Book SynopsisGarden Wildlife is a book that looks at the habitats in our gardens from the point of view of wild animal and plants. If we understand our gardens in this way, then we can appreciate that different parts of our gardens essentially mimic wild habitats in microcosm. This means that we can provide places for wild animals and plants to flourish in our gardens, whether they happen to be in rural, suburban or urban settings. Above all, we need to get away from the current obsession with tidiness and sterility in our gardens, and allow odd corners to go wild, so that our native species can live alongside us in the modern world. Without wildlife to discover and observe in our gardens, our lives are impoverished, so we have a duty to ourselves and our children to invite nature back into our outside spaces.

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