While deeply knowledgeable, Mary Reynolds wrote a book focusing far too much on advancing her “ARK” brand. This completely thwarted the book for me, though the science was otherwise well written and extremely valuable. I regret that the book’s wisdom will be overshadowed by the rather obnoxious branding.

This is such an incredible book, I immediately put it on bibliographies and readers' advisory lists. I found myself screenshooting and taking notes so often when reading it. It's just such an important read and I also feel vindicated reading it because I didn't realize what I was already doing with my own yard was what is being described in this book and that--unknowingly--I myself was part of a movement.

This is absolutely a recommendation.

This book has passionate information on why to create ARK land (native-habitat ground plots that support native creatures as well as plants) and how to do it. I will certainly buy it if someone wants it, but much of the book is centered in Ireland (where the author lives) and it's a practice that won't interest a lot of people. The art is charming and inclusive of people of various ethnicities. Also I'm a bit uncomfortable with how the author linked indigenous people with local animals and plants--I know that treating them as not quite human was not the author's intention but it came across with some of that element.

I think this is an interesting and informative read if you are new to the topic. I know people who work on searching lost seeds to restore biodiversity but I never thought of doing something similar when it comes to gardens.
It made me think and appreciated it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Loved the artwork in the book but the format of the unpublished text was a bit hard to read. Still an interesting read though.