ECOLOGY FOR GARDENERS. by Carroll, Steven B. & Salt, Steven D - 2005

Portland: Timber Press, 2005. 328 pp, large 8vo (9 1/4" H). Colour photographs, b&w drawings. "(T)he authors look at the structure, development, genetics, and reproduction of plants, the most prominent actors in garden ecosystems. They describe other garden organisms, focusing on those with the most influential roles - insects, nematodes, and microorganisms - as well as garden denizens ranging from microscopic prions to elephants. (They) explore nutrient cycles, sunlight, air, water, and the soil - the physical environment within which garden organisms live and function - and they consider the ways plants function in their environment and form communities. They then examine the intricate interactions among garden-dwelling organisms, ranging from the harmful to the beneficial. Once this groundwork is laid, they introduce humans into the garden ecosystem and consider how gardeners can use ecological principles to wisely manage their garden ecosystems. Throughout the book, the authors cite hundreds of examples drawn from personal experience and from the gardening and ecological literature. It becomes clear that gardens - whether a group of potted plants on a patio, a few beds carved out of a lawn, or extensive plantings over several acres - are indeed connected to the natural world in endless and important ways." Light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine. Dust jacket has light edge wear/wrinkling, a few tiny dents on spine and hinges.. Reprint. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good. Illus. by Errol D. Hooper Jr..