Author(s): Mary Horsfall

Gardening

This book shows people how to create an eco-friendly garden from scratch or by redeveloping an existing garden. It is practical, simply written and based on the author's own first-hand experience and knowledge amassed during her work as editor of Grass Roots, Australia's most popular self-sufficiency magazine. The author's aim is that readers gain the confidence and knowledge to develop a garden that suits the needs of their family in an environmentally friendly manner and for little cost. The book advises the reader on how to assess their own situation regarding soil, climate, orientation and influence of surrounding buildings and vegetation. It then guides them in deciding on the style of garden that suits them best and gives advice on obtaining plants, planting times, watering options and drought-proofing a garden and pest management following organic principles.The concept of maintaining a biodiversity-friendly garden runs throughout every aspect of the book. Environmental values feature strongly too: water efficiency; biodiversity; soil conservation; use of recycled materials; organic methods; use of native and similarly water-hardy, biodiversity-friendly plants; avoidance of environmental weeds, are all dealt with.