Product Review

Gardens are extensions of our homes and imaginations, havens where we can spend time outdoors, relaxing, entertaining and relishing useful, physical exercise. But our gardens are also extensions of the natural world, conversations between us and the lands we live upon and beside. Through our gardens, as well as other neighborhood greenspaces we can actually help counter some of the woes faced by larger environments: rampant development, loss of plant and animal habitat, the spread of invasive species, the exploitation of natural resources, air and water pollution, and the impacts of global warming. Yes, even our small, urban, backyard landscapes can help combat such man-made strains on our local environments. And it's surprisingly easy to do!

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
7. Use sustainable methods and materials.