Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife by Nancy Lawson

"This gorgeously written, well-argued title will help backyard gardeners see all creatures, from insects to elk, as visitors to be welcomed rather than pests to be removed. . . . Highly recommended for gardeners at all levels in all regions.” —Library Journal Starred Review A philosophical and practical guide for the gardener who wants to create a backyard garden in harmony with nature. An eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, The Humane Gardener “does the important work of speaking for the trees—and the bees, butterflies, and other living creatures that need healthy ecosystems” (BookPage). In these beautifully illustrated pages, master naturalist Nancy Lawson uses engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the United States, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists to demonstrate how and why to welcome wildlife to our backyards and how we can apply the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address: Planting for wildlife by choosing native species Read more

From the Publisher Meet the Author Nancy Lawson is the author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife. A columnist for All Animals magazine, she founded Humane Gardener, an outreach initiative dedicated to animal-friendly landscaping methods. Her book and garden have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, O: The Oprah Magazine, and other media outlets. In Nancy's words "A humane gardener challenges herself to see the world through the eyes (and ears and noses and antennae) of other species, from the easy-to-love butterflies and birds to the more misunderstood moles and beetles and wasps and groundhogs. She appreciates all the creatures just trying to make a life outside her door, rather than applying compassion selectively to some species and not others." "Highly recommended for gardeners at all levels in all regions." —Library Journal, starred review "a dreamy book with ribs of steel." —The Blazing Star "important, insightful and beautifully produced" —Mother Nature Network "a gentle read with a powerful message." —The Gardener’s Path