The Wild Garden: making natural gardens using wild and native plants

Wild gardens are not only more attractive than manicured gardens, they are also easier to manage. This practical guide to planning and planting wildflower gardens reflects the growing interest in conservation and ecology, and shows gardeners how to bring the beauty and tranquility of the countryside into a wide range of urban and suburban gardens. The book demonstrates how, through careful control and thoughtful maintenance, a garden can be a natural haven for the fast-diminishing stock of wild flowers and small creatures. It includes all the practical information needed to plan, plant and maintain a wide range of wild gardens, as well as the propagation and growing requirements of more than 300 plants suitable for naturalization in the garden. There are photographs, planting plans and comprehensive techniques for creating: wildflower lawns and meadows, from adapting a formal lawn to managing a wildflower meadow; wooded gardens, including trees for small gardens and wild hedgerows; heath and heather gardens for dry, moist and wet sites; fern and foliage gardens for shady areas; the wild herb garden, including a herb bank to attract bees, butterflies and birds; water gardens, from marsh and bog gardens to a wildlife oasis; and rock gardens, including scree, limestone and gravel gardens and "wild" walls. Violet Stevenson is the author of "A Garden Full of Flowers", "Dried Flowers for Decoration", "Flower Craft" and "The Encyclopaedia of Floristry".