In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

What do cacti, roses, and succulents have in common? They’re all plants that poke! This book explores these plant species and more, providing an in-depth look at this important plant defense. Readers learn about the function of thorns and burs, and how they’re successful in keeping enemies and predators away. Written to support elementary science curriculua, this volume covers concepts that are important for young science students, including survival and adaptation, ecosystems, and life cycles. Age-appropriate text and detailed photographs make it fun and accessible to learn about science!

What do cacti, roses, and succulents have in common? They’re all plants that poke! This book explores these plant species and more, providing an in-depth look at this important plant defense. Readers learn about the function of thorns and burs, and how they’re successful in keeping enemies and predators away. Written to support elementary science curriculua, this volume covers concepts that are important for young science students, including survival and adaptation, ecosystems, and life cycles. Age-appropriate text and detailed photographs make it fun and accessible to learn about science!

"'Harvesting Color' presents the entire process of infusing your life with color--finding the right plants, harvesting them at the best time, transforming the crop into beautiful dye, and, finally, marring pigment to fiber. In this beautiful book, Rebecca Burgess showcases thre dozen common plants that yield striking hues. Citing fascinating botanical lore, she demystifies the process of recognizing each plant in the wild. For those you can grow yourself, she details when to sow the seed and how to nuture the plant. For all the plants, you'll learn the optimal time to harvest, as well as how to extract the best dyes" --Cover flap.

"The book celebrates the intrinsic worth of all plants and animals in order to motivate people in a unified effort to preserve the Earth's rich array of life forms."--Cover.

Incredible Wild Edibles is an invitation to enjoy the best food on Earth. This guide provides complete information on 36 traditional fruits, nuts, herbs, and vegetables that have nearly disappeared from our modern diets. Rediscover these wholesome, super-nutritious, gourmet foods for free! In a humorous but authoritative style, the author tells how to identify these plants with confidence, where and when to find them, what parts to use, and how to prepare them for the table. He gives practical advice on harvesting and discusses safe and responsible foraging practices. Contains index, bibliography, glossary, range maps, foraging calendar, and more than 350 color photos. For all experience levels, from novice to expert.

The Study of Plants in a Whole New Light “Matt Candeias succeeds in evoking the wonder of plants with wit and wisdom.” ―James T. Costa, PhD, executive director, Highlands Biological Station and author of Darwin's Backyard #1 New Release in Nature & Ecology, Plants, Botany, Horticulture, Trees, Biological Sciences, and Nature Writing & Essays In his debut book, internationally-recognized blogger and podcaster Matt Candeias celebrates the nature of plants and the extraordinary world of plant organisms. A botanist’s defense. Since his early days of plant restoration, this amateur plant scientist has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection. Using gardening, houseplants, and examples of plants around you, In Defense of Plants changes your relationship with the world from the comfort of your windowsill. The ruthless, horny, and wonderful nature of plants. Understand how plants evolve and live on Earth with a never-before-seen look into their daily drama. Inside, Candeias explores the incredible ways plants live, fight, have sex, and conquer new territory. Whether a blossoming botanist or a professional plant scientist, In Defense of Plants is for anyone who sees plants as more than just static backdrops to more charismatic life forms. In this easily accessible introduction to the incredible world of plants, you’ll find: • Fantastic botanical histories and plant symbolism • Passionate stories of flora diversity and scientific names of plant organisms • Personal tales of plantsman discovery through the study of plants If you enjoyed books like The Botany of Desire, What a Plant Knows, or The Soul of an Octopus, then you’ll love In Defense of Plants.