These books are grouped in categories to help distinguish their purpose and focus. Of course, many books do not fit neatly into a single category, so you can also filter them by topic or subject matter. To search by author, enter his or her last name into the keyword search field.
All of the books here are valuable resources for learning. While this list is long, we have not included every publication on the subject of native plant landscaping, but only those we feel are the most useful, well researched, and based on sound ecological science. Enjoy your reading!
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We Are The Ark: Returning Our Gardens to Their True Nature Through Acts of Restorative Kindness — by Mary Reynolds In this heartfelt appeal, activist Mary Reynolds reminds us that the time for gardens to be "canvases for our creative pleasure" is over. To help save our planet from cascading environmental disasters, we must instead provide "space and sanctuary for our shared kin, the rooted and the unrooted."
In contrast to similar calls to action that we have heard from Doug Tallamy and Benjamin Vogt, Mary's message is grounded in a deep sense of sacred kinship with the natural world characteristic of Earth-based cultural traditions. Many passages read like a folktale, a feeling reinforced by the lovely, evocative artwork found throughout the book. Amidst this more spiritual framing, the text is still quite practically minded, summarizing why and how to create an A.R.K.
Mary has adopted the term "ark" (i.e. a sanctuary that serves as protection against extinction) to describe a plot of land that has been restored to nature. This symbolism is quite compelling, especially when she adds another layer of meaning by using it as an acronym: Act of Restorative Kindness. Though most of her guidelines are broadly applicable, readers gardening far afield from Ireland should delve into resources specific to their home region before diving in. For all those who want to become "caretakers of the Earth and all the magical beings we share her bounty with," don't miss this inspirational read.
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