Good Gardens with Less Water (CSIRO Publishing Gardening Guides Series) - Softcover

Handreck, Kevin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0643094709 ISBN 13: 9780643094703

Publisher: CSIRO Publishing, 2008

Synopsis

It is possible to have a great garden anywhere in Australia, even under the toughest water restrictions. Good Gardens with Less Water will show you how. A companion to Kevin Handreck’s best-selling Gardening Down-Under, this new book is a practical guide to gardening with limited water. This beautifully illustrated, full-colour book contains a wealth of information on such key topics as: how to improve soil structure to maximise the retention of water for use by plants; selecting drought-tolerant native and exotic plants; working out how much water to apply to different types of plants; choosing the best lawn grass for your climate; rainwater harvesting and use; and how to avoid problems when greywater is used in the garden. With specific chapters devoted to watering systems and equipment, mulches, planting techniques and potted plants, this book offers practical solutions for anyone who wishes to garden sustainably.

About this title

Review

"While there are definitely sections that are specific to Australia, I think that there is interesting information for everyone in this book. Packed with tips and advice, it can be a great long read. However, you can make it as short as you want by skimming to the sections that are relevant to you. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to be more efficient with water in his or her garden."-- (08/01/2015)

"A timely book that offers practical solutions to gardeners and garden designers interested in sustainable gardens. Highly recommended."-- (12/01/2008)

"The theme of this book by Australian author Kevin Handreck is how to overcome the challenges of water restrictions through wise consumption of all water sources and the selection of appropriate drought tolerant plantings. First making the case for the value of the home garden, the author then explores the topic of appropriate selection of garden plants, emphasizing native species that are tolerant of existing environmental conditions. He then turns to soil conditions, reviewing methods for improvement of soil texture and structure. The section on the use of recycled household water for the garden is particularly instructive, for the author includes information on potential damage to plants when there is a high concentration of certain chemicals. He reviews different methods of irrigation and mulches for water conservation, and takes on the subject of the watering care of potted plants. Even though some of the equipment mentioned in the text may not be readily available in the U.S., the text is a practical guide on management of limited water resources for every home gardener."-- (09/01/2008)

..".and this book contains a wealth of useful information. It is much more than just about how to have a good garden with less water. This book provides all gardeners, novice or experienced, with an insight into how to garden both successfully and sustainably into the future."-- (01/01/2008)

"Handreck's latest offering provides practical solutions for anyone who wishes to garden sustainably."--Australian Turfgrass Management Magazine (01/01/2008)

Synopsis

"Good Gardens with Less Water" is based on the highly successful book "Gardening Down-under" by Kevin Handreck. It presents the reader with concise and easy-to-understand advice on how to care for garden soils and grow good quality plants even under the toughest of conditions."Good Gardens with Less Water" offers prescriptions for assessing garden soils and selecting growing medium for potted plants, soil conditioning, making and using compost, use of fertilisers in gardens and potted plants, and making the best use of fresh and recycled water. A separate chapter on caring for potted plants will have particular appeal for anyone with limited space such as courtyards or balconies.This beautifully illustrated, full-colour book contains a wealth of practical information suitable for any size garden for all types of plants, from vegetables to fruit tress and lawns to ornamentals. It is ideal for anyone wishing to garden sustainably.It is concise and easy to understand. It is suitable for any size garden in any location. It shows how to make the most out of available water and improve even the worst types of soil.

It discusses water quality, with particularly detailed information about greywater. It offers suggestions for drought-tolerant plant selection. It explores different watering systems and aids, and mulches.

About this edition

• Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0643094709
• ISBN 13: 9780643094703
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168