The Informed Gardener

The Informed Gardener

Winner of the Best Book Award in the 2009 Garden Writers Association Media Awards<br><br>Named an "Outstanding Title" in University Press Books for Public and Secondary School Libraries, 2009<br><br>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:<br><br>o Are native plants the best choice for sustainable landscaping?<br><br>o Should you avoid disturbing the root ball when planting?<br><br>o Are organic products better or safer than synthetic ones?<br><br>o What is the best way to control weeds-fabric or mulch?<br><br>o Does giving vitamins to plants stimulate growth?<br><br>o Are compost teas effective in controlling diseases?<br><br>o When is the best time to water in hot weather?<br><br>o If you pay more, do you get a higher-quality plant?<br><br>o How can you differentiate good advice from bad advice?<br><br>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. <i>The Informed Gardener</i> is based on basic and applied research from university faculty and landscape professionals, originally published in peer-reviewed journals.<br><br>After reading this book, you will:<br><br>o Understand your landscape or garden plants as components of a living system<br><br>o Save time (by not overdoing soil preparation, weeding, pruning, staking, or replacing plants that have died before their time)<br><br>o Save money (by avoiding worthless or harmful garden products, and producing healthier, longer-lived plants)<br><br>o Reduce use of fertilizers and pesticides<br><br>o Assess marketing claims objectively<br><br>This book will be of interest to landscape architects, nursery and landscape professionals, urban foresters, arborists, certified professional horticulturists, and home gardeners.<br><br><br><br>For more information go to: http://www.theinformedgardener.com