In Nature’s Best Hope, Douglas W. Tallamy offers a new approach to conservation that starts in your yard. After weaving together the latest scientific findings on climate change, ecology, and insect behavior with his own personal journey as an amateur naturalist, he makes the persuasive case that creating sustainable landscapes is not only necessary but also achievable for homeowners of all levels of experience. Tallamy provides step-by-step instructions for designing a garden that will support local ecosystems and attract native birds and insectsāa practice he calls “citizen science.” He also profiles dozens of plants that can be used in any landscape to create healthy habitats rich in biodiversity. With beautiful color photographs and clear explanations of how best to grow each species, Nature’s Best Hope is an essential guide for greening our homes and communities one backyard at a time.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for those who are passionate about gardening and want to learn how they can help make a difference in conservation. Douglas W. Tallamy provides clear instructions on how to garden in a way that will support local ecosystems, as well as tips on which plants work best for this purpose. The reader will also learn about the positive effects of having native wildlife visit their backyard gardens.
Pros :
- The book stresses the importance of creating sustainable landscapes, which is necessary for the health of our planet.
- The author provides step-by-step instructions for designing a garden that will support local ecosystems and attract native birds and insects.
- This book is full of beautiful color photographs and clear explanations of how best to grow each species, making it an essential guide for greening our homes and communities one backyard at a time.
Cons :
- The book is dense and may be overwhelming for a beginner gardener.
- Tallamy’s love of insects may turn off some readers who are not interested in bugs.
- The focus on native plants might limit gardeners’ choices when it comes to what they can grow in their own yards.
Learn more about the author
Douglas W. Tallamy is a professor of entomology and wildlife ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored more than 200 scientific papers on insect-plant interactions. He is also the author of Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, which was published in 2007.
Reader Reviews
“If you’re looking to green your yard and garden, this book is a must read. Tallamy provides clear instructions on how to create a sustainable landscape that will support local ecosystems and attract native birds and insects.”
“This is an important bookāperhaps the most important books on gardening I have read in a long time.”
“If you are looking to create a backyard ecosystem, this is the book for you.”
“This book is the perfect guide to attracting birds and other wildlife to your backyard. The author provides clear instructions on how to create a diverse landscape that will support native ecosystems. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in creating a sustainable landscape.”