While at the library, I saw this book sitting in a display on gardening. I had been eyeing the book for a while and immediately took it out of display and checked it out. (I’ve always wondered if this is proper library etiquette. Should one keep the display intact, or is the display made to get the books checked out?) This book is now added to my increasingly long list of books I’ve checked out from the library and read but now want to actually own. I’d love to add some notes and mark it up a bit. In the meanwhile, a short book review will at least capture some of the information in this book.

The book is a collection of essays from various experts and authors. The different viewpoints contributed to an arching theme of sustainability. The editor writes this about sustainability:

The accepted definition of sustainability is to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Applied to gardening, this means using methods, technologies, and materials that don’t deplete naturals resources or cause lasting harm to natural systems. (pg. 9)

Within the collection of voices, the interpretation of sustainability in the garden was varied, although there are several principle that hold true throughout. Some principles that I found include:

• Reduced resource use, including chemicals, fertilizer and water
• Planting adapted plants
• Working with, not against, nature
• Using more natives
• Contributing to soil health
• Creating landscapes that are productive
• Planting a larger variety of plants

I actually wrote a senior paper for my horticulture degree that was in the same topic as this book. I’ve always liked the idea of making our landscapes more a part of nature, rather than a doorstep from inside to wherever else we are going. This book is a great intro and in-depth look at sustainable gardens, including information on sustainable solutions, meadows, natives, wildlife, climate change, edibles, green roofs, waterwise gardens, and soil health. I gained a better grasp on water gardens and permaculture, two concepts that I head a lot about but had yet to understand how to go about.

Most of the authors avoided being too doomsday sounding or preachy, instead presenting tangible benefits of gardening sustainably, and using scientific references. (One essay did make be cringe a bit. I would rather be persuaded to do something, not guilted into it.) This is a great read if you are at all interested in sustainable gardening.