Wildlife-Friendly Plants: Make Your Garden a Haven for Beneficial Insects, Amphibians and Birds

Guide to choosing and caring for plants that will attract and sustain wildlife, including a directory of 95 plants describing their blooming season, height, width, U.S. zones and beneficial wildlife.

"Enthusiasm for attracting wildlife has influenced gardeners on both sides of the Atlantic with ecologically admirable results. Creeser, who lives in London and is active in organic efforts in Canada and the U.S., focuses on plants that attract helpful creatures in Britain and/or North America. Three succinct chapters give cursory but sound advice on 'Creating a Haven for Wildlife,' 'How to Plant' and 'Encouraging and Sustaining Wildlife.' An alphabetical 'Plant Directory' follows, listing desirable plants with general descriptions, recommended cultivars, preferred locations and suggestions for care. These are generally reliable, but there are problematic exceptions. The attractive color photographs, almost exclusively closeups of flowers in bloom, are seductive but uninformative. Readers learn what the flower looks like at its prime, but nothing of the habit of the plant. Cultural recommendations are inconsistent and often do not address local requirements. Esthetics are also at risk. Readers are exhorted to let spent flowers go to seed, leave the detritus from pruning on the ground for days and permit brush to pile up. This will encourage birds, amphibians and bugs, but probably won't make for an attractive landscape. For those who already embrace wildlife gardening, Creeser may have some useful tips. Newcomers, however, will find her guidance confusing at best. 180 color photos." Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

A practical and inspiring guide.

Wildlife gardening books have traditionally focused on large gardens in rural areas where there is ample space to plant large trees and hedges. For many new gardeners or those living in urban areas, working with a small space presents a variety of challenges when trying to attract beneficial wildlife.

Wildlife-Friendly Plants is a practical guide specifically designed to help gardeners chose the best plants for encouraging and supporting wildlife. By attracting beneficial wildlife, gardeners can eliminate the use of a range of chemicals and create a healthier environment. This book is intended for any size garden from large to small in the city or country.

Wildlife-Friendly Plants includes: Beautifully photographed directory of wildlife friendly plants Helpful step-by-step projects for planting, pruning and dividing Extended backflap with a guide to the symbols used throughout the book.

Many of these plants are perfect for use in small spaces, such as a patio, terrace or window box. With the valuable suggestions for use, planting and maintenance, anyone can create a safe haven for beneficial insects, amphibians and birds.

Wildlife-Friendly Plants is the ideal book for gardening and wildlife enthusiasts everywhere.