Thomas Christopher (1)

Timber Press often publishes books with lush, flashy covers. The New American Landscape is very understated, but the contents are good and solid. We’re offered 11 essays with a reasonable amount of material detail to introduce each subject. The author names that jump out for me are Rick Darke, Eric Toensmeier and Douglas Tallamy. I only scanned the chapter on waterwise gardens because my location doesn’t suffer a lack of water; but it appears to have some good thoughts. The soil health show more chapter seemed weak to me, offering biology rather than advice. [[John Greelee]]’s essay on meadow gardening was good, up until he recommended repeated treatments with glysophate. Uh, NO! Darke’s essay on natives vs. exotics was thoughtful, and Tallamy’s chapter on how to encourage wildlife (mostly insects and birds) and why you should was excellent. His photos of vast yards consisting of mowed grass and little else were compelling. I picked up a couple more authors to check out. The summary chapter, by Toby Hemenway, is written compellingly, arguing that we are missing so many aspects of goodness if we neglect to model our work after nature.

The chapter notes are generous and point to articles, books and websites. One could wish for a flashier cover so that this particular material is more widely read. show less

I've read many of the popular and helpful books about ecological/naturalistic gardening (Tallamy, Rainer, Oudolf, etc) but I've found them either too simple or too theoretical. This was the first that helped me understand how to approach figuring out exactly how to make it work in my own garden. Weaner frequently works on a much larger scale than the average home gardener but the principles still apply. This book might be a bit overwhelming for a new gardener but if you're looking for show more something more specific than plant natives/plant an oak, I highly recommend. show less

This is definitely my philosophical/ideological wavelength. Really densely-packed with information and wonderful. Another reviewer commented that the book is "textbook-like" and that's accurate. This is not a light and fluffy gardening book.

Garden Revolution is appropriate for experienced gardeners looking for a paradigm shift and some practical advice as well as those who have academic or personal interest in ecology as it relates to garden planting, landscape design, and land management.

The 20-minute Gardener by Tom Christopher and Marty Asher presents a very different view to gardening. The subtitle proclaims that you can have a garden “of Your Dreams without Giving Up Your Life, Your Job, or Your Sanity” – a tall order.
Christopher and Asher take turns narrating in a chatty, conversational tone. Each chapter discusses more theoretical aspects of planning, planting, and maintaining a garden. Lists of rules help illustrate the discussion and provide further tips. show more Practical projects are highlighted throughout the book. Zones and plan suggestions for different climates are also given. The main concern, always, is easy maintenance.
While I’m sure some of the tips are adoptable by everyone and cut down the amount of yard chores, I doubt that you can actually cut your gardening down to 20 minutes a year.
EJ 08/2012 show less