A successful garden is rewarding, stimulating, and environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, traditional gardening practices don't often deliver on that promise. Not only are these outdated methods resource- and time-consuming, they result in gardens that are weedy, labor-intensive, and at odds with wildlife and local ecosystems. For decades, Larry Weaner has been at the forefront of ecological landscape design. With horticulturist Thomas Christopher, he shows us how to garden in a way that is responsible, exciting, and revolutionary. By understanding the ecological processes of change in our native landscapes and incorporating them into our designs, we can create beautiful, dynamic landscapes that require less labor and are more aesthetically rewarding and environmentally sound. The book abounds in practical advice. For example, instead of yanking weeds, cut them off at ground level so that more weed seeds aren't brought to the surface. Rather than amending your soil, simply choose plants that are adapted to your site-they'll thrive and keep invasive plants from gaining a foothold. Forget about dividing and replanting; just allow your plants to establish pleasing patterns that evolve over the years. The stunning landscapes and easy-to-follow techniques showcased in this book will forever change the way you think about what a garden should do and be. Forget about nonstop weeding, fertilizing, and watering. It's time for a garden revolution. AUTHOR: Larry Weaner is a leading figure in North American landscape design and founder of the educational program series New Directions in the American Landscape. His firm Larry Weaner Landscape Associates is known for combining ecological restoration with traditions of fine garden design and has received the top three design awards from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Thomas Christopher, a graduate of the New York Botanical Garden School of Professional Horticulture, has created gardens for clients for forty years. He is the author of many books, including 'Essential Perennials: The Complete Reference to 2700 Perennials for the Home Garden'. REVIEW: "An invaluable and provocative resource for gardeners who want to collaborate with their local ecologies-and save themselves both heartbreak and backbreak." -The New York Times Book Review 71 colour photos, 9 illustrations