Product Description
The beauty, resources, and natural processes of the California landscape are brought to the home garden in Mark Francis and Andreas Reimann’s fine testament to ecological gardening. The authors connect history, culture, region, and design to help us understand how California and its human population have evolved historically and how individuals today can make a difference in the state’s future in their own backyards. The authors’ goal is to bring the history … More >>
The California Landscape Garden: Ecology, Culture, and Design
Tags: andreas reimann, backyards, California, california landscape garden, Culture, culture region, Design, ecological gardening, Ecology, Garden, history culture, home garden, human population, Landscape, natural processes, testament
#1 by riotbrrd on May 22, 2010 - 10:57 am
This book manages to be both inspirational and incredibly informative at the same time. The book integrates principles of native landscaping, sustainable design, habitat restoration, and traditional garden design. It also provides rich details about many of California’s plant communities and wildlife species.
While the authors strongly advocate for sustainable practices, I found the book refreshingly non-dogmatic. For example, they say it’s fine to incorporate non-native species into your garden; they even recognize the value of lawns.
I only wish the book had more and larger photos. As I read about all the amazing plants and landscapes the authors discussed, it would have been nice to see what they were writing about.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Bugs on May 22, 2010 - 11:54 am
Francis and Reimann have covered all bases of native landscaping in this fine statement of integral composition. A sensitive awareness of local and regional native flora/fauna
should govern choices of construction materials to plant selection for a harmonic flow and consistency between the untouched native environs to the project site for a “….sense
of connection with the larger harmonies of the biosphere…” (Page 36, quoted from William Carney).
The book includes lists of regional native flora and fauna- birds, animals, insects, amphibians, etc. and many resources for further information- books, native landscape architects, plant nurseries, and many illustrations including demonstration gardens.
This book is a must for all those interested in incorporating native plants into their landscape, especially architects, builders and landscape designers who want to learn about beautiful and environmentally beneficial native plants.
Rating: 5 / 5