The Water-Saving Garden

November 16, 2015
Penick (Lawn Gone!) proves that conserving water does not mean giving up gardening with her engaging, instructing, and nudging treatise. She approaches the politics of water conservation firmly and frankly, especially in her powerful introduction, asserting that “there’s no one ‘right way’ to plant a garden that saves water.” Before the how-to, Penick wisely offers a rotogravure of seven gardens that manifest the gorgeous of her subtitle. Next, she turns practical with water-holding techniques, such as grading soil, barreling rain, shaping rain gardens, and installing water-permeable paving. Part three introduces plant alternatives to thirsty thugs left by developers; she includes ideas for containers and patios. Part four, the most imaginative, explores the symbolic display of water in garden design, suggesting illusions of liquid via colored-glass “waterways,” or cascading plants, borrowing traditions from the Moors and Japanese. The last part lists drought-tolerant plants, from ground covers up to trees. Penick is practical and reassuring throughout, convincing readers that vibrant water-saving gardens are viable.

Starred review from December 1, 2016

Penick (Lawn Gone!) showcases attractive, water-wise gardens, introducing such concepts as check dams and gravel gardens before detailing DIY techniques and tools. In addition, she presents artful ideas for creating the illusion of water.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2015
With the recent drought in California and water shortages already reaching a crisis point in many countries around the world, gardeners everywhere have good reasons to be concerned about their flowers and vegetables getting enough moisture to thrive. In this well-organized and lucidly written handbook, landscape designer and award-winning gardening blogger Penick provides invaluable information about conserving water without sacrificing plant variety. Although Penick herself lives in arid Austin, Texas, readers will be happy to learn that more than just cacti and other succulents are featured here, including trees and flowers for both drier climates and more temperate ones. Penick also gives thorough guidance on rainwater storage, gray water management, choosing permeable paving, and irrigating without irritating, along with chapters on mulching, balcony gardens, and how to lose the lawn in favor of creative, grass-free landscaping. With the growing popularity of permaculture and sustainable cultivation techniques, Penick's how-to offers gardeners at all levels of experience much timely advice on working with one of the Earth's most precious natural resources.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)