Hello gardeners!

I purchased this book to better understand how native plants—which I often associate with forest environments—could adapt to urban gardens with richer soil, a lighter tree canopy, and a changing climate. What truly qualifies as "native."? If a plant originally came from California a century ago, why wouldn’t it be considered native now, especially if it has adapted? Likewise, plants that are completely native locally are now growing in a climate that has changed dramatically over hundreds of years. So, is a native plant still the best choice for climate change?

…and yes that is my plant…I bought it with those stains on the leaves thinking they would wipe off and despite repeated efforts the stains remain.

On page 34 the authors address this:

It's important for gardeners (and others) to understand that any definition of "native" is a human construct, not a scientific one. Nativity doesn't respect geographic boundaries and is not a fixed condition, most especially because of climate change. What we consider to be a nonnative species today may become, for all practical purposes, a native species tomorrow. It's our definitions that are problematic, not the science."

I already like the practical approach of the authors, Arthur. R. Kruckeberg and Linda Chalker-Scott.

All text in italics are direct quotes from the book.

On the next page the authors challenge the popular perception that only native plants can benefit native insects, birds and wildlife:

"But far from damaging native species biodiversity, introduced trees and shrubs have documented benefits for plant and animal species abundance and richness."

5 reasons gardens should not be natives only

Native species are often poorly suited to urban conditions.
Introduced species provide ecological benefits.
Not all introduced species are invasive.
Many introduced species are better adapted than native plants for human-altered environments.
Published research overwhelmingly identifies diversity, structure, and function as the most important vegetation characteristic for enhancing community biodiversity—not species nativity.

The first two chapters of this book contain a wealth of information

on the science of gardening
practical science-based information for choosing, planting and maintaining native plants suitable in the garden
tips on managing common garden invasives (I will be trying the one on mowing a pesky perennial into submission and then covering with a heavy cover of wood chip mulch)
all based on the latest advancements in horticultural science.

I would love to find a home in my garden for the *Streptopus lanceolatus* - a tidy, low woodlander suitable for groundcover.

Comprehensive plant profiles provide visual appeal and practical guidance

The book's standout feature are the detailed profiles of nearly 1,000 native species (with excellent photos), encompassing trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and grasses. Each entry provides a wealth of information, including botanical descriptions, natural habitats, cultivation requirements, and ecological benefits. The team behind this book have meticulously selected species not only native but garden-worthy.

The following recommended uses for native plants align with my belief that local governments should incorporate more native species in public spaces.

The small home garden
Suburban and rural places
The seashore, woodland or mountain retreat
Parks, open spaces and estates
Wildlife sanctuaries
Highway plantings
Commercial, industrial and public sites
Ecological restoration with natives.

There is nothing I do not like about this book. I think it deserves a space on the bookshelf of eco-minded gardeners in the Pacific Northwest—a timeless resource blending scientific expertise with practical advice on gardening with natives.

If you aren’t gardening, you should be reading!

Be well,