Rating: 4 of 5
The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener: How to Grow Food in Harmony with Nature
by Tammi Hartung
I knew there had to be a way to garden WITH bugs, birds, rabbits, etc. WITHOUT going medieval on said wildlife OR losing one’s sanity, and this book offered great ways to do just that.
What I loved most was Tammi’s obvious love of nature, gardening and wildlife – it was contagious and inspirational. She definitely walks the walk! (There’s nothing worse than reading a how-to or DIY book and realizing its author probably never implemented the techniques they’re writing about.) The book featured gorgeous illustrations and informative call-out boxes, and I lost count of how many new ideas I bookmarked.
I also appreciated that, right in the beginning of the book, Tammi encouraged readers to have FUN gardening and to abandon the notion of “perfection.” So many times I’ve seen people advise the “right” way to garden, which triggers my ever attentive inner perfectionist, but I’ve quickly discovered the most fun is had diving in and experimenting with what works best in MY garden. When the inevitable happens and a plant or flower doesn’t thrive (or even survive), I make note of what I did, adapt, and test out another way.
Highly recommended to all gardeners – vegetable and flowers – who want to stop the war on wildlife and start gardening in peace.
Check out a preview on the book’s official website.
(Review cross-posted on LibraryThing and Goodreads.)