Customer Reviews

Ecology for Gardeners

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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.

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.

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!!!!!