Ecology for Gardeners [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Steven B. Carroll (Author), Steven D. Salt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2004

Even a relatively small garden is a miniature ecosystem. It includes a surprising diversity of organisms that interact in a myriad of ways. Some are permanent residents, others come and go in search of a meal or a mate. An insect feeding on a garden plant is simultaneously hunted by predators and weakened by parasites; it competes with other herbivores for choice food plants; it is hindered in its feeding by the plants' chemical and physical defenses; and it challenges other members of its species for the best mates and locations for egg-laying. Ecologists Carroll and Salt argue that the more completely we understand these interactions, the better gardeners we become. The authors cite hundreds of examples drawn from personal experience and from literature on gardening and ecology.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In this age of global warming and a dwindling biodiversity of all species, gardeners are focusing more and more on the ecology of their own small plots. Carroll and Salt write with the home gardener in mind, opening up and illuminating a world of interactions taking place among plants of all sorts and the crowd of characters that may reside or simply pass through the garden: from birds, snakes, and salamanders to insects, fungi, and nematodes. The clarity of the writing style communicates enthusiasm and regard for readers, showing Carroll and Salt to be excellent teachers who are able to explain, in accessible ways, concepts relating to plant botany, biology, and the environment. This book promises to fully engage gardeners in the wonders of horticulture while expanding each one's individual garden horizon to the natural world beyond. To garden responsibly is a key principle, and the final chapter points out how soil management and an overall attitude of stewardship will positively affect and help sustain the greater community of humankind. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"There is much here to tantalize the gardener with a scientific bent."—Carol Bishop Miller, Horticulture, December 2005 (Carol Bishop Miller Horticulture )

"For most gardeners, the more plants they grow, the more they want to know about how it happens. Here's where to find out."—Kym Pokorny, Oregonian, November 25, 2004 (Kym Pokorny Oregonian )

"This book should be applauded."&8212;John Bagnasco, Garden Compass, October 2004 (John Bagnasco Garden Compass )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 328 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (May 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881926116
• ISBN-13: 978-0881926118
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #359,684 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoying this book, March 13, 2007

By 

A. M. Gladding (Coastal Mountains, Northern CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ecology for Gardeners (Hardcover)

I am enjoying this book, although it can be a slowish read and is a little textbook 'ish' at times. It is well written and presents a lot of good information in an understandable way.

It starts off with basic chemistry and biology of soil, plants, microbes, fungi, and insects, and ties them all together as you would expect in a book with "ecology" in the title.

It is well illustrated with color photographs which are refered to through out the book.

Not a begining gardening book by any means, but ideal if you have the basics and want to learn more about how the entire system works together.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid textbook for organic growers, February 21, 2008

By 

Cecil Bothwell "Author of "Whale Falls: A... (Asheville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ecology for Gardeners (Hardcover)

I am of the go-with-the-flow school of cultivation, versus the invade and conquer approach. If you are similarly inclined, this is a superb textbook for working with nature. The two scientists (one an ecologist/botanist, the other a Ph.D. in biochemistry and microbiology) explain the garden-as-ecosystem in clear, vernacular language. Beginning with plant parts and their functions to other garden inhabitants (from elephants -- yes, elephants -- to prions, prions?), to micro-environments, plant interactions with natural forces and other garden organisms and on to gardening as applied ecology, this is a splendid educational tool. I learned a lot reading it and I have been a garden writer as well as an organic gardener for many years.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book in the World!!!!!!! If You Are A Gardener., July 3, 2011

By 

J Moon - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ecology for Gardeners (Hardcover)

This book is awesome. I love that the authors explain everything. They take a more scientific approach to gardening than other gardening books I have read, which is precisely what I was looking for when I purchased the book. I recommend this book for anyone to use as a reference in the garden. Love it!!!!!