Page from the 2010 Ecosystem Gardening Calendar (click)
Some of you may know already, but here is the update for everyone: I am currently finalizing my book, Ecosystem Gardening, which should be out this spring. I am also working on a series of webinars on the subject, so I’m asking all of you for your input.
Here’s what I’d like to know to make sure that I give you everything you would like to see in this book:
- What’s the one subject or subjects you would like me to write about in this book?
- If you were going to attend a webinar, what subject would most make you want to attend?
- What other blogs about gardening for wildlife, native plant gardening, sustainable landscaping, or wildlife conservation do you read?
- What’s your favorite book or books that you’ve read about this subject?
- What subject would you like to see me write more about here?
Thank you all for your feedback. You can either answer these questions in the comments or press the “contact” tab above and shoot me an email. I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say!
© 2009, Carole Brown. All rights reserved.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
1. Easy foundation plants for non-gardeners. Most people are busy, have kids, work but want low maintenance landscaping. This is more shrubs than flowers and I would like to see the average person encouraged to use wildlife, eco friendly foundation plants in a landscape instead of just taking what is at big box nurseries. People don’t know what to ask for, they just pick up what is there.
2. Backyard biodiversity.
4. Gardening with Native Plants of the South by the Wasowskis by default. It includes a good list of native plants for my area and is a great reference for me. I combine garden habitat knowledge gained elsewhere with their plant selections and growing advice.
5. Same answers as #’s 1 or 2.
Karyl´s last post ..Gardening Blogs Rant
Webinar topic: Ecosystem gardening in public spaces (not front or back yards) such as sidewalks, medians, community gardens, etc.
1. I agree with Karyl, people want plants to fit specific purposes. I’ve seen lots of plans for rain gardens, butterfly gardens etc but never seen native plant plans for filling specific spaces such as pathways or foundation beds, areas under trees, lawn replacements etc.
2. Gardening for birds. No surprise!
3. Only yours and mine.
4. Wasowski’s prairie gardening book – great book. Also Bringing Nature Home.
5. What to plant for specific critters. More showcases. Garden planning.
Alison Kerr´s last post ..50 – 40 = 10 Gifts to Green the Earth
Carole, I can’t answer all these questions, but I also recommend Doug Tallamy’s book Bringing Nature Home which is not only instructive but engaging. I also recommend membership in the New England Wildflower Society, the oldest conservation society in the country, http://www.newfs.org, and any of their publications inlcuding all books by William Cullina. BTW – I’ve got another Giveaway over at my blog. Come and visit and leave a comment.
commonweeder´s last post ..The Landscape and Art
1. Would like to see more info and resources on starting community/school gardens.
2.Same as #1 and how to involve minorities.
3.A blog for young people that would offer info on volunteering, place to share goals,ideas and photos.
5.same as above
I am always interested in ways to incorporate young children into the gardening process.
I would like more information on shade vs. full sun plants since so much of my yard is very shady.
I like to teach kids to “start from scratch” and alot of the garding books I would like to know more about seed saving and plant propogation.
I didn’t answer all your questions… this is what I had time for… thanks for asking though!
Shannon´s last post ..Gift Ideas from a Backyard Mama
Thank you all for your great suggestions! I’ll be adding a weekly “gardening and nature with kids” column and adding in your other suggested topics as I can. You’ve given me some wonderful ideas.
What about corridors for wildlife Carole? Helping landowners and towns to preserve these wildlife pathways.
Everything and anything about birds, foxes, ferrets etc.
Butterfly habitats too.
Good luck with your book!
Carol
Carol Flower Hill´s last post ..Have You Time for Reflection?
Good luck with your book Carole. Can’t wait! H.
Helen Yoest´s last post ..Metro Magazine – Winter Interest Under Way for Umstead Hotel and Spa
Good luck with your book. I enjoy “Gardening with Nature” as a book on gardening ecosystems. But I’d really like to see info on how to motivate others in the neighborhood to join in on gardening with nature. So many don’t.
tina´s last post ..Spectacular Sango Kaku and J. Maple Fall Color and a Vacation
Carole,
I would love to hear success stories about how to convince people or towns/cities to plant more of these kinds of gardens, especially ones that replace grass. I would also like to know more about how these gardens get successfully maintained since that always seems to be an issue especailly with any public space. Lastly, it would be interesting to know what trends you are seeing especially if you are getting info from across the country and seeing if regions vary. Good luck!
I am really concerned about the plight of the honey bee’s…I really wish people could be convinced to do everything in their immediate control to prevent using pesticides which are an obvious factor in the downfall of one of our nearest and dearest garden helpers!
Cool Garden Things´s last post ..Great Ground Cover Suggestions For A Northern Garden
Honey bees and their native counterparts are all in great danger from pesticide spraying and current land management practices, especially in agriculture. We are removing all native pollinator habitat, which is becoming more apparent as folks become more aware of the plight of the honey bee. We can certainly do better than we are for them.