Customer Reviews

The California Landscape Garden: Ecology, Culture, and Design

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Francis and Reimann have covered all bases of native landscaping in this fine statement of integral composition. A sensitive awareness of local and regional native flora/fauna
should govern choices of construction materials to plant selection for a harmonic flow and consistency between the untouched native environs to the project site for a "....sense
of connection with the larger harmonies of the biosphere..." (Page 36, quoted from William Carney).

The book includes lists of regional native flora and fauna- birds, animals, insects, amphibians, etc. and many resources for further information- books, native landscape architects, plant nurseries, and many illustrations including demonstration gardens.

This book is a must for all those interested in incorporating native plants into their landscape, especially architects, builders and landscape designers who want to learn about beautiful and environmentally beneficial native plants.

This book manages to be both inspirational and incredibly informative at the same time. The book integrates principles of native landscaping, sustainable design, habitat restoration, and traditional garden design. It also provides rich details about many of California's plant communities and wildlife species.

While the authors strongly advocate for sustainable practices, I found the book refreshingly non-dogmatic. For example, they say it's fine to incorporate non-native species into your garden; they even recognize the value of lawns.

I only wish the book had more and larger photos. As I read about all the amazing plants and landscapes the authors discussed, it would have been nice to see what they were writing about.