Planting the Natural Garden

An amazing book, full of wonderful illustrations and perfect for any keen gardener like me.
I loved this book, it was informative and entertaining and a pleasure for the eyes.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

A good reference book although a little overwhelming at times. As a very much of an amateur when it comes to gardening, I was hope to get more ideas and thoughts about creating a garden to attract more birds and butterflies, and there is a little of that in this book., but mainly more of an alphabetical listing of plants, using the scientific names, which sadly also turned me off a bit. Would recommend, but not exactly what I was looking for. Would be a useful book of reference in any gardeners' library.

Wonderful photos of plants and gardens designed using them. make this a valuable reference, likely to be even better enjoyed in the traditional book format than the KIndle version provided by Netgalley as an ARC. The progression from focus on individual perennials and grasses to garden designs using these plants to create varied atmospheres and finally to actual design. Listings of plants to use to create each of the different atmospheres along with photos illustrating their use provide guidance. After visiting Laurie Gardens in Chicago, the book provided an idea about the plants used in Oudolf’s designs. I am looking forward to visiting NYC to visit the Highline someday soon.

There are lots of books about planting native plants and making "natural gardens." But this one is not only a classic, but very different. A new edition of a book previously published in 1990, it focuses primarily on perennials with a nice additional section on ornamental grasses. The plant profiles included are not your average "new release" hybrids, but rather more traditional but sturdy cultivars of popular perennials. I can't wait to see if I can find these for my garden next year. A list of nurseries both in Europe and North America is included at the end of the book.
Another unique feature of this book is the section on design, called "Uses." I am the first to admit that I have no design talent whatsoever. Most landscape design books don't hold my interest. But this treatment is very practical and versatile. I actually learned some things that I'll apply in my own landscape. The introduction to this section is followed by several themes that include photos and a list of species that would work for the theme. The themes include Lush, Airy, Tranquil, Exuberant--theme names that really reflect the designs. There are also several design diagrams included, but it would have been more helpful to see the finished product with them. I can't envision them just from the diagram.
An outstanding resource for anyone who wants to plan a landscape that doesn't look like all the other landscapes in the neighborhood. Highly recommended!

I love this gardening book for so many reasons! The photos are inspiring (and don't look like the 'regular' gardens I see everywhere), the Latin names are provided with plenty of information, and the focus is on perennials, which I adore!