The Conscientious Gardener

December 15, 2010
Inspired by Aldo Leopolds visionary environmental philosophy, Reichard positions its tenets vis--vis home landscapes, and examines how even the most routine gardening functions can affect todays increasingly fragile ecosystems. Although gardeners are perhaps more intimately involved with the natural world than most people are, they can still fall prey to products and practices that may unwittingly do more harm than good. Hardscape materials that waste precious rainwater, asbestos-laden potting soils, and invasive alien plants are just some of the dilemmas facing home gardeners on their mission to be better stewards of the earth. Drawing on current scientific research and personal experience, Reichard identifies horticultural methods and merchandise that will benefit the environment rather than continue to deplete its dwindling resources. From soil amendments and pesticides to wildlife management and native plants, Reichard covers every aspect of both suburban and urban gardening with an eye toward sustainability. Succinct guidelines and extensive plant lists transform Reichards cogent and considered ecological discourse into a practical and illuminating handbook for concerned and responsible gardeners.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)