In a 2009 study, “Belt Tightening in Bad Times,” the Pew Research Center found that gardening had soared during the recession as Americans economized by growing food, firing groundskeepers, and staying home. Now, urgency over climate change, habitat loss, and struggling species (e.g., bees)—along with concerns over food security and obesity—are enticing newbies and prompting veteran gardeners to modify methods or abandon resource-intense lawns.

Last winter’s poll by the American Society of Landscape Architects indicated that water management issues, enthusiasm for native plants and pollinators, and edible landscapes were foremost on clients’ minds. The Garden Media Group’s Synching with Nature 2016 Annual Garden Trends Report noted that many people balance busy, digital-focused lives by reconnecting with nature—gardening to promote healthy lifestyles, protect natural resources, and foster community.

Specialty publishers such as Timber, Rodale, Cool Springs, and Storey offer a bevy of useful books. Listed here are recommendations emphasizing hot topics important to gardeners nationwide, such as water management, responsible plantings, and edible gardening. While classics by experts such as Alan Armitage (Armitage’s Native Plants for North American Gardens, LJ 1/06) remain relevant for years, Rebecca Vnuk’s The Weeding Handbook endorses keeping the 600s up-to-date by carefully reviewing technical titles older than three to five years. Laws pertaining to chemicals (such as neonicotinoids), graywater use, and rainwater harvesting are evolving particularly quickly. Keep in mind, too, that gardening has fads (e.g., fairy gardening); you may be able to reduce duplicates or deselect when demand has waned.

Starred () titles are essential for most collections.

Bonnie L. Poquette gardens in Milwaukee and has reviewed gardening books for LJ since 1996

BEING WATER-WISE

Bainbridge, David A. Gardening with Less Water: Low-Tech, Low-Cost Techniques Use up to 90% Less Water in Your Garden. Storey. 2015. 127p. photos. index. ISBN 9781612125824. pap. $14.95; ebk. ISBN 9781612125831.

Bainbridge (The Straw Bale House; Passive Solar Architecture) describes efficient DIY irrigation ideas, touching on responsible water use. (LJ 12/15)

Chatto, Beth & Steven Wooster. Drought-Resistant Planting: Lessons from Beth Chatto’s Gravel Garden. Frances Lincoln. Jul. 2016. 192p. photos. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780711238114. $25.99

Chatto provides an indispensable introduction to gravel and scree gardening, sharing plans and plant ideas from the UK garden she began in the 1990s.

Filippi, Olivier. Planting Design for Dry Gardens: Beautiful, Resilient Groundcovers for Terraces, Paved Areas, Gravel, and Other Alternatives to the Lawn. Filbert. May 2016. 240p. tr. from French by Caroline Harbouri. photos. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780993389207. $55.

This historical overview of lawns explains their inappropriateness for Mediterranean climates (such as California’s). Filippi (The Dry Gardening Handbook) suggests 200 alternatives for dry climate grasslands, flowering steppes, and gravel gardens. (LJ 6/1/16)

Penick, Pam. The Water-Saving Garden: How To Grow a Gorgeous Garden with a Lot Less Water. Ten Speed. Feb. 2016. 233p. photos. index. ISBN 9781607747932. pap. $19.99; ebk. ISBN 9781607747949.

Penick (Lawn Gone!) showcases attractive, water-wise gardens, introducing such concepts as check dams and gravel gardens before detailing DIY techniques and tools. In addition, she presents artful ideas for creating the illusion of water.

Silver, Johanna & Marion Brenner. The Bold Dry Garden: Lessons from the Ruth Bancroft Garden. Timber. Oct. 2016. 235p. photos. index. ISBN 9781604696707. $34.95

The American garden, located in Walnut Creek, CA, that inspired the Garden Conservancy is handsomely portrayed precisely when people should follow ­Bancroft’s lead of using xerophytic plants, challenging convention, and paying attention to climate cues.

Sunset Western Garden Book of Easy-Care Plantings: The Ultimate Guide to Low-Water Beds, Borders, and Containers. Oxmoor House: Time. 2015. 286p. ed. by Kathleen Norris Brenzel. photos. index. ISBN 9780376030122. pap. $24.95.

Use this richly illustrated source to choose plants and blend them sensibly, whether gardening in the Oregon woodlands, Colorado mountains, or Southwestern desert.

USING NATIVES/RETHINKING LAWNS

Hadden, Evelyn J. Beautiful No-Mow Yards: 50 Amazing Lawn Alternatives. Timber. 2012. 249p. photos. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781604692389. pap. $24.95; ebk. ISBN 9781604693904.

Hadden (Hellstrip Gardening) speaks to a wide audience while zealously showcasing 11 American gardens. (LJ 2/1/12)

Hogdson, Ian. New Wild Garden: Natural-Style Planting and Practices. Frances Lincoln. May 2016. 176p. photos. index. ISBN 9780711237285. $35.

This eye-catching book nicely communicates the concept of natural, layered gardens. A minority of plants mentioned are American, but experienced gardeners will know suitable substitutions.

Martin, Annie. The Magical World of Moss Gardening. Timber. 2015. 238p. photos. index. ISBN 9781604695601. pap. $24.95; ebk. ISBN 9781604697162.

A viable alternative to lawns, moss is thoroughly explained in this one-of-a-kind tome from the owner of Mountain Moss Enterprises in North Carolina. (LJ 8/15)

Steiner, Lynn M. Grow Native: Bringing Natural Beauty to Your Garden. Cool Springs. 2016. 208p. photos. index. ISBN 9781591866558. pap. $24.99; ebk. ISBN 9780760350843.

Steiner (Rain Gardens; Prairie-Style Gardens) incorporates native plants into home landscapes, including cottage gardens, mixed borders, and modern-looking yards. With helpful sidebars for special-use situations (such as deer resistance).

Weaner, Larry & Thomas Christopher. Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change. Timber. May 2016. 328p. photos. index. ISBN 9781604696165. $39.95; ebk. ISBN 9781604697490.

In this text-heavy volume, a landscape designer and a horticulturist teach us that gardening can be a partnership with nature when gardeners shed conventional practices, exploit plants’ life cycles, and embrace unpredictable plant ­communities.

AIDING POLLINATORS & WILDLIFE

Baines, Chris. RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening. Frances Lincoln. Sept. 2016. 272p. photos. index. ISBN 9780711237919. $40.

This revised edition of the 1985 British classic How To Make a Wildlife Garden demonstrates how individuals can make significant contributions to world wildlife and how wildlife contributes to gardens.

Darke, Rick & Doug Tallamy. The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden. Timber. 2014. 392p. photos. ISBN 9781604694086. $39.95; ebk. ISBN 9781604697391.

This acclaimed collaboration from Darke (The American Woodland Garden) and ­Tallamy (Bringing Nature Home) explains how gardeners can emulate nature’s layering technique and features region-specific lists and tables for the continental United States. (LJ 5/15/14)

Frey, Kate & Gretchen LeBuhn. The Bee-Friendly Garden: Design an Abundant, Flower-Filled Yard That Nurtures Bees and Supports Biodiversity. Ten Speed. Feb. 2016. 224p. photos. index. ISBN 9781607747635. pap. $19.99; ebk. ISBN 9781607747642.

A garden designer and a biologist debunk bee myths, explain bee lives, and suggest regionally appropriate ornamental, herb, and vegetable plants. There’s a list of bee-friendly nurseries by region and an inspiring chapter on activism. (LJ 2/1/16)

Holm, Heather. Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe and Identify Pollinators and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants. Pollination. 2014. 305p. photos. index. ISBN 9780991356300. pap. $29.95.

Landscape designer and horticulturist Holm features native plants (arranged by ecosystem) and explains plant-insect interactions in-depth. Accessible for nonscientists; includes garden plans and ­checklists.

Kline, Christopher. Butterfly Gardening with Native Plants. Skyhorse. 2015. 124p. photos. index. ISBN 9781632202888. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781632209306.

Kline (Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus, OH) includes helpful information on native grasses, which are often overlooked by butterfly gardeners.

Weidenhammer, Lori. Victory Gardens for Bees: A DIY Guide to Saving the Bees. Douglas & McIntyre. May 2016. 240p. photos. index. ISBN 9781771620536. pap. $22.95.

Channeling the cooperative spirit of World War II’s victory gardeners, bee educator and artist Weidenhammer presents ten designs for helping North America’s native bees (and honeybees). Interesting trivia, handy charts, and stunning photography abound.

Xerces Society. Attracting Native Pollinators: Protecting North America’s Bees and Butterflies; The Xerces Society Guide. Storey. 2011. 371p. index. ISBN 9781603426954. pap. $29.95; ebk. ISBN 9781603427470.

This groundbreaking work fostered laypersons’ understanding of pollinators, popularizing pollinator gardens.

Xerces Society. Gardening for Butterflies: How You Can Attract and Protect Beautiful, Beneficial Insects. Timber. Mar. 2016. 287p. photos. index. ISBN 9781604695984. pap. $24.95; ebk. ISBN 9781604697612.

The nation’s butterfly authority provides an overview of problems facing butterflies (and moths) and supplies a blueprint for gardeners to combat the crisis. (LJ 6/1/16)

SPECIALTIES

Appleby, Matthew. The Children’s Garden: Loads of Things To Make & Grow. Frances Lincoln. Mar. 2016. 144p. photos. index. ISBN 9780711236332. $22.99.

Appleby (Allotment Planner) draws on various cultures, history, technology, and math skills in projects aimed at children five and older. Adults can tweak appropriately, accommodating for ages and numbers of participants.

Bloom, Jessi & Dave Boehnlein. Practical Permaculture for Home Landscapes, Your Community, and the Whole Earth. Timber. 2015. 336p. photos. index. ISBN 9781604694437. pap. $29.95; ebk. ISBN 9781604697421.

Gardeners will relish the pragmatic text and illustrations in this handbook from two of permaculture’s well-known leaders, Bloom (Free Range Chicken Gardens) and Boehnlein (education director, Bullock’s Permaculture Homestead, WA).

Cohen, Whitney & John Fisher. Gardening Projects for Kids: 101 Ways To Get Kids Outside, Dirty, and Having Fun. Timber. 2012. 264p. photos. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781604693737. $29.95; pap. ISBN 9781604692457. $19.95; ebk. ISBN 9781604694055.

Expertise gleaned from California’s Life Lab Garden Classroom helps adults foster gardening enthusiasm in grades four-plus.

Kingsbury, Noel (text) & Maayke de Ridder (photos). New Small Garden: Contemporary Principles, Plantings and Practice. Frances Lincoln. Sept. 2016. 208p. photos. index. ISBN 9780711236806. $29.99.

Kingsbury (Gardening with Perennials) has modern advice for making small gardens (some under 328 square feet) into enjoyable retreats. He presents stylish ideas gleaned from various locales, including the Netherlands.

Nolan, Tara. Raised Bed Revolution: Build It, Fill It, Plant It...Garden Anywhere! Cool Springs. May 2016. 272p. photos. index. ISBN 9781591866503. $30; ebk. ISBN 9780760350812.

Edible gardening has spurred the proliferation of raised beds. Nolan (former web ed., Canadian Gardening) explains this technique and comments on special considerations such as drip irrigation and responsible wood choices. Filled with modern projects for DIYers, the title features suggestions and sources for the less handy, too.

GROWING EDIBLES

Balick, Michael J. Rodale’s 21st-Century Herbal: A Practical Guide for Healthy Living Using Nature’s Most Powerful Plants. Rodale. 2014. 498p. photos. index. ISBN 9781609618049. $35; ebk. ISBN 9781609618056. An ethnobotanist at the New York Botanical Gardens shares his passion for herbs for flavor, health, and beauty in this encyclopedic work. Copsey, Kate. The Downsized Veggie Garden: How To Garden Small Wherever You Live, Whatever Your Space. St. Lynn’s. Feb. 2016. 176p. photos. index. ISBN 9781943366002. $19.95. Though master gardener Copsey briefly shares her downsizing story, the book focuses less on emotion and more on practicalities for the increasing number of small-space gardeners. Organic fertilizers and methods are featured. Jabbour, Niki. Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden. Storey. 2014. 263p. illus. index. ISBN 9781612120614. pap. $19.95; ebk. ISBN 9781603428446. Canadian Jabbour (host, The Weekend Gardener) invited North American and UK garden communicators, master gardeners, and professional horticulturists to share unique, themed edible gardens for almost every taste. (LJ 6/1/14) Klein, Carol. Vegetable Gardening: The Complete Guide to Growing More Than 40 Popular Vegetables in Any Space. i-5 Pr. Mar. 2016. 224p. photos. index. ISBN 9781620082089. pap. $19.95. This lusciously illustrated title from BBC’s Gardeners World host Klein includes often overlooked vegetables, highlights selected varieties, and touts edible flowers. Snyder, Melissa. Herb Gardening: How To Prepare the Soil, Choose Your Plants, and Care for, Harvest, and Use Your Herbs. Countryman. Jun. 2016. 264p. photos. index. ISBN 9781581573121. pap. $19.95; ebk. ISBN 9781581575866. Snyder (former owner, Barleywine Herb Farm) supplements herb info with plenty of gardening basics (planning, design, tools, and techniques) with a nice section on the history of herb gardening and a gardener’s Latin lesson. Wong, James. Grow for Flavor: Tips and Tricks To Supercharge the Flavor of Homegrown Harvests. Firefly. Feb. 2016. 224p. photos. index. ISBN 9781770856691. $29.95. In this Royal Horticultural Society publication, Wong (Grow Your Own Drugs) relates research-based tips to increase flavor and yield. The lively presentation goes beyond vegetables to edible weeds and flowers. His value-added crop ideas (like black currant leaves) are a bonus.

dvds

Holistic Orcharding with Michael Phillips. 300 min. Chelsea Green. 2013. DVD ISBN 9781603583961. $49.95.

New Hampshire–based Phillips (The Apple Grower; Holistic Orchard) confidently demonstrates techniques as he takes novices through four seasons of organic fruit production. (LJ 3/1/14)

How To Grow Anything: Food Gardening for Everyone. 360 min. w/guidebook. Great Courses. (Better Living Series). 2015. DVD ISBN 9781629971155. $199.95.

Instructor and author Melinda Myers presents 12 well-paced, 30-minute lessons geared to novices, though others may gather tips.

Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective . 92 min. Collective Eye. 2016. DVD UPC 823857225729. $39.95.

Gardeners moving beyond sustainable to regenerative practices will be inspired by some of the major proponents of permaculture living its principles. (LJ 10/1/16)

websites

Bug Guide

Hosted by the University of Iowa, this site allows users to contribute photos or request ID help on insects and arachnids found throughout the United States and Canada.

Great Sunflower

One of the largest and oldest citizen science projects aiding pollinators.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

A database of over 8,000 native plants from the Native Plant Information Network of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Yard Map

A citizen science effort spearheaded by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. It encourages users to map their yards, interact socially, and learn new landscape practices.