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 creating a garden that is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically responsible. It includes detailed descriptions of keystone trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, and grasses that are native to the Eastern United States and offers chic yet eco-friendly landscape designs for different settings.

Format: Hardback
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 realization that nurturing these pollinators and sustaining local ecosystems is essential for the health and vitality of our environment. 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, offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of sustainable landscaping. Through an intergenerational dialogue, they emphasize the importance of using indigenous plants that not only preserve insect and bird habitats but also contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of our 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 accompanied by stunning new illustrations and updated plant lists. This comprehensive guide offers chic yet eco-friendly landscape designs that can be tailored to suit 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 vital role in preserving the natural world for future generations.

In conclusion, Designing Gardens with Flora of the American East, in its revised second edition, provides a valuable resource for anyone seeking to create a garden that is both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically responsible. By embracing the use of native plants, gardeners can contribute to the preservation of insect and bird populations, support local ecosystems, and create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that benefits both themselves and the environment.

Dimension: 229 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978833647
Edition number: Revised and Expanded, now with more color