The Northwest Garden Manifesto: Create, Restore and Maintain a Sustainable Yard

• A primer for growing a beautiful, healthy, wildlife-friendly, and sustainable garden
• Science-based advice from the author's three decades of experience with his four-acre garden
• Lays out earth-healthy principles and explains how to work towards them

Gardens are extensions of our homes, places in which we get outside to relax, entertain, and get some physical exercise. But our gardens are also extensions of the natural world. Through our gardens, as well as other neighborhood greenspaces, we can help counter some of the woes faced by larger environments: rampant development, loss of plant and animal habitat, spread of invasive species, exploitation of natural resources, air and water pollution, and the impacts of global warming. Yes, even small urban backyard landscapes can combat such man-made strains on our local environment--and it's easy to do

In his new book, The Northwest Garden Manifesto, scientist and gardener John J. Albers provides a comprehensive guide to encourage and enable homeowners to consider the local ecosystem in their own gardens, and in their larger communities. The ideas and concepts in this book reflect the most up-to-date thinking on urban ecology and how to best make our yards reflect the natural world around us.

The key to Albers's approach is for gardeners to first assess the current state of their property and then focus on the following key principles:
1. Protect, conserve, and create healthy soil
2. Maintain healthy plants and create a sustainable landscape
3. Conserve water and other natural resources
4. Protect water and air quality
5. Protect and enhance wildlife habitat
6. Conserve energy
7. Use sustainable methods and materials

Through clear explanation, practical examples, and full-color photos, Albers shows how to evaluate any yard in terms of these principles and then challenges the reader to improve each element, one step at a time. From creating better soil to starting a compost pile, attracting pollinators to adding more native plants, or creating a simple circulating water feature to building a fence from recycled wood--gardeners will ultimately turn their backyards into beautiful, healthy, and happy habitat for all.

Author: John Albers
Publisher: Skipstone Press
Published: 12/14/2017
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 8.40h x 6.90w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9781680511093

About the Author
Albers, John: - John J. Albers is a Research Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington, where he has also attended numerous classes in environmental horticulture and related topics: horticulture, landscaping, and environmental stewardship have been his passion for more than three decades. Dr. Albers is the creator of Albers Vista Gardens in Kitsap County, Washington, which encompasses more than four acres and contains approximately twelve hundred different species and cultivars.Perry, David: - Seattle-based David E. Perry is a noted Northwest photographer. His work has appeared in a variety of gardening and lifestyle books and magazines, including Sunset, Garden Design, LEAF, Pacific Horticulture, and Fine Gardening.