The Northwest Garden Manifesto: Create, Restore, and Maintain a Sustainable Yard [B0870]

2018 signed PB in nice clean condition. In his new book, The Northwest Garden Manifesto, scientist and gardener John J. Albers teams up with photographer, David E. Perry to create a comprehensive and visually stunning guide to encourage and enable each of us to consider the local ecosystem in our own gardens. The ideas and concepts in this book reflect the most up-to-date thinking on urban ecology and how to best make our yards reflect the natural world around us. The key to Albers's approach is for gardeners to first assess the current state of their property and then focus on the following key principles: 1-Protect, conserve and create healthy soil; 2-Maintain healthy plants and create a sustainable landscape; 3-Conserve water and other natural resources; 4-Protect water and air quality; 5-Protect and enhance wildlife habitat; 6-Conserve energy; and 7-Use sustainable methods and materials. Through clear explanation, practical examples, and full-color photos, Albers and Perry show how to evaluate any yard in terms of these principles and then challenges the reader to improve each element, one step at a time. From creating better soil to starting a compost pile, attracting pollinators to adding more native plants, or creating a simple circulating water feature to building a fence from recycled wood--gardeners will ultimately turn their backyards into beautiful, healthy, and happy habitat for all.

About the author: Dr. John J Albers, research professor of medicine emeritus, is an educator for the Washingotn State Nursery and Landscape Association, an ecoPRO-certified sustainable landscape professional, and a former Washington State / Kitsap County Master Gardener. He is the creator of the Albers Marcovina Vista Gardens, a 4+ acres sustainable garden containing about 450 different conifers. He lives in Bremerton, WA.

From recent-ish Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "There are many helpful suggestions in this book that I hadn't read online, particularly about a sustainable yard. I expect to try the lawn mix and hydrozones, where plants with similar watering needs are grouped together. A seasoned gardener may not need all the wonderful information, charts, and pictures, but I certainly benefited from reading this."; "Lots of useful information on all aspects of sustainable gardening."; "Covers everything from planning through plants-in-the-ground. The feature I like most in this book is the set of plant profiles and lists. These are grouped by factors like blooming season, moisture/light requirements, and yard feature (bog, shelter/privacy belt, etc.). It can be difficult to know which plants will pair well, so these lists are useful templates to start with. There is also information on how to install and care for plants, and on incorporating complementary hardscapes, drainage and watering options."