Winner of the Best Book Award in the 2009 Garden Writers Association
Media Awards
Named an "Outstanding Title" in University Press Books for Public and
Secondary School Libraries, 2009
In this introduction to sustainable landscaping practices, Linda
Chalker-Scott addresses the most common myths and misconceptions that
plague home gardeners and horticultural professionals. Chalker-Scott
offers invaluable advice to gardeners gardeners who have wondered:
Are native plants the best choice for sustainable landscaping?
Should you avoid disturbing the root ball when planting?
Are organic products better or safer than synthetic ones?
What is the best way to control weeds-fabric or mulch?
Does giving vitamins to plants stimulate growth?
Are compost teas effective in controlling diseases?
When is the best time to water in hot weather?
If you pay more, do you get a higher-quality plant?
How can you differentiate good advice from bad advice?
The answers may surprise you. In her more than twenty years as a
university researcher and educator in the field of plant physiology,
Linda Chalker-Scott has discovered a number of so-called truths that
originated in traditional agriculture and that have been applied to
urban horticulture, in many cases damaging both plant and environmental
health. The Informed Gardener is based on basic and applied research
from university faculty and landscape professionals, originally
published in peer-reviewed journals.
After reading this book, you will:
Understand your landscape or garden plants as components of a living
system
Save time (by not overdoing soil preparation, weeding, pruning, staking,
or replacing plants that have died before their time)
Save money (by avoiding worthless or harmful garden products, and
producing healthier, longer-lived plants)
Reduce use of fertilizers and pesticides
Assess marketing claims objectively
This book will be of interest to landscape architects, nursery and
landscape professionals, urban foresters, arborists, certified
professional horticulturists, and home gardeners.
For more information go to: http: //www.theinformedgardener.com
