Ground rules 100 easy lessons for growing a more glorious garden

This book offers 100 rules for growing a successful garden, organized into 6 sections that take readers from the planning stages to enjoying their established garden. Each rule is accompanied by a full-page color photo (or collage of two or three images) illustrating the idea and a paragraph or two of explanation. This is not a comprehensive how-to book but, rather, a somewhat-arbitrary collection of basic tenets a gardener might learn through years of experience, such as using native plants, being water-wise, making good compost, and knowing what is invasive in one's area. The central philosophy is to create a self-sustaining mix of flora and fauna that brings joy to those who visit. Throughout, readers are urged to go with what works in their locale, and although details are not provided, an appendix of resources includes books that contain specifics about particular regions and zones. Many of these rules will ring true to experienced gardeners, and, collectively, they provide a solid groundwork for anyone who aspires to create a gratifying garden.--Anne Heidemann Copyright 2018 Booklist

Frey's broad horticultural background includes organic vegetable production and management of gardens in California wine country, with an emphasis on environmentally balanced landscape design. A two-time gold-medal winner at the Chelsea Garden Show in London for biodiversity and sustainability, she's also directed the Sonoma State University Sustainable Landscape Program and currently writes gardening columns, lectures, and does consulting. Frey's first book, The Bee-Friendly Garden: Design an Abundant, Flower-Filled Yard That Nurtures Bees and Supports Biodiversity, focused on healthy habitats for pollinators. This new title presents six interrelated sections covering all aspects of planning and growing gardens that support wildlife and are compatible with local environmental conditions. These 100 lessons consider practical landscape design, how to choose and install plants and trees correctly, ways to be water wise, why good soil is critical, means to provide habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife, and the psychological rewards of creating a personal haven. Following Frey's straightforward instructions should prevent frustrating mistakes and result in a successful garden plan. VERDICT Recommended for a wide range of ecologically friendly gardeners with any level of experience.-Deborah A. Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Dunwoody © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Introduction Some of us are born with a talent for gardening; others come to gardening later in life. Whether you're experienced or a novice, there is much to learn in order to be able to create and maintain a successful garden. This book contains 100 essential "rules" for you to discover and use. It's my hope they will steer you toward success at every step and help you avoid mistakes. Successful gardens are healthy, thriving places that lift us up and create joy. They are places where practicality and aesthetics are wedded. A garden must work well within its local conditions and the framework of your life. Gardens form an important link with nature and the changing seasons--the cycle of life. Many studies have shown time spent in nature benefits us by lowering stress levels and making us feel better emotionally. A garden that focuses on plants rather than hardscape like pools, decks, and patios can be an extension of nature. Gardens give us the satisfaction of creating and tending a special place with our own hands. They are places where we both give and receive. Imagine sweet fragrances wafting, soft leaves rustling in the breeze, shade on a hot afternoon, and an ever-changing array of flowers embroidering the yard. Imagine too the joyful songs and forms of bright yellow goldfinches against the clear blue sky, a velvet-upholstered bumblebee on a purple salvia, butterflies like snips of tapestry, and hummingbird duels over crimson blooms--all elements of life you have enabled. Gardens can be your own personal paradise. This book is divided into six complementary sections that take you from the very first planning stages, through the joy that plants bring, soil and its important underground processes, how to be wise with water, how to be a good garden parent, ways to invite wildlife into your garden, and finally to creating a garden of earthly delights. Taken as a whole, it offers a system of practices and design considerations that address every aspect of gardening. This is a distillation of what I have learned through my many years of gardening and designing gardens professionally in the United States and around the world. It is an effort to engage everyone with the many pleasures gardening offers. I love the subject more and more each day, and I hope you will too. Excerpted from Ground Rules: 100 Things You Need to Know to Grow a Glorious Garden by Kate Frey All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.