Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, Revised and Expanded

Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, a classic guide to sustainable landscaping, offers practical information for home gardeners and professionals on using indigenous plants to preserve insect and bird habitats. The book covers the Eastern United States and provides chic yet eco-friendly landscape designs for different settings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2024
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

As the alarming decline of insect and bird populations in many states has become increasingly evident, more and more gardeners have come to recognize the crucial role of incorporating native plants into their landscapes. This shift has been driven by the desire to support these vital pollinators and preserve local ecosystems. However, when so many popular landscaping designs revolve around exotic cultivars and invasive plant species, creating a garden that is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically responsible becomes a challenge.

In this fully revised second edition of the classic guide Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, gardening expert Carolyn Summers, in collaboration with her daughter, landscape designer Kate Brittenham, delves into the latest research on sustainable landscaping. Through an intergenerational dialogue, they emphasize the importance of using indigenous plants that not only support insect and bird habitats but also contribute to the overall health and vitality of local ecosystems.

The practical information provided in this edition is invaluable for both home gardeners and professionals. Detailed descriptions of keystone trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, and grasses native to the Eastern United States are included, along with updated plant lists. Accompanied by entirely new illustrations, the authors offer chic yet eco-friendly landscape designs that can be tailored to different settings, from suburban yards to corporate office parks.

The states covered in this book span from Connecticut to West Virginia, as well as southern Quebec and Ontario. By incorporating native plants into their landscapes, gardeners can create gardens that not only enhance the beauty of their surroundings but also play a significant role in the conservation of biodiversity and the preservation of local ecosystems.

In conclusion, Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, in its revised and expanded edition, provides a comprehensive guide for creating gardens that are both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically responsible. By embracing the use of native plants, gardeners can contribute to the health and vitality of their local ecosystems and create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space for themselves and future generations.

Dimension: 229 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978833630
Edition number: Revised and Expanded, now with more color