2005 Year in Review

Native Plants in the Home Landscape for the Upper Midwest

Source: Molly Bentsen, (217) 333-3134, bentsen@uiuc.edu

Whether you are a beginning gardener or an experienced pro, Native Plants in the Home Landscape for the Upper Midwest is an essential resource and would make an excellent gift, especially for those with an interest in the history of the American prairie and how to garden with wildflowers and other native plants.

"Eighty plant species are depicted with beautiful color photographs and text descriptions. Plants were selected for their visual appeal, multiple seasons of interest, ease of culture, commercial availability, and suitability to a small site," said Molly Bentsen, Educational Publishing Coordinator. "Beginners will love the step-by-step illustrated landscape designs, and every gardener will value learning how to maintain the health of native plants."

The book is beautiful enough for coffee-table status and speaks to the intense interest in using native plants among home gardeners.

"The exceptional photographs and detailed descriptions of wildflowers, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs, and trees are supplemented by instructions and sample plans for creating a verdant woodland, prairie, or savanna landscape. Detailed guidelines include how and when to plant and how to care for your new additions to ensure long-term health and appeal. The format allows gardeners with any level of experience to add the beauty of native plantings to the home landscape," said Bentsen.

The book lists plant sources, reference books, and websites to help you procure your plant selections and build on your new knowledge to make better choices in reviving the natural beauty of the land.

Native Plants in the Home Landscape for the Upper Midwest is reasonably priced at $24.95 plus shipping. It is available from the University of Illinois at Publications Plus (search for C1381).

Native Plants was written by Keith Nowakowski, a landscape designer with a passion for the flora native to his home region. Nowakowski earned his master's degree in landscape architecture from the University of Illinois.

To see other unique horticultural publications from the university, click the "Gardening" link at the PubsPlus site.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
November 21, 2005