Gardening the Mediterranean Way: How to Create a Waterwise, Drought-Tolerant Garden

Science News, Nov 27, 2004

Gardeners who live in Mediterranean-type climates, where winters are wet and summers are dry, as well as people looking to use water more efficiently in their little Edens will find Gildemeister's emphasis on drought-tolerant planting compelling. Several chapters examine how climate, invasive plant species, and other factors affect garden plants. These are followed by profiles of 20 gardens. There are lessons here in picking the right plants and in garden design and scale. The profiles all have themes--the olive grove, coastal garden, oak woodland, and an evergreen Eden, for example. Each one includes plant lists, pictures, and planting and design suggestions. Other chapters help gardeners incorporate Mediterranean features, such as terracing. Gildemeister also offers a chapter on container gardening and laborsaving techniques. Abrams, 2004, 222 p., color photos, hardcover, $35.00.

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