A "Must" for Winter Reading
A book has recently been published that is a "must read" for any gardener who cares about wildlife. Bringing Nature Home, by Dr. Douglas Tallamy, professor of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, sheds a whole new light on the role our gardens play in the survival of birds, butterflies and other wildlife. With only 5% of our natural lands left in the U.S. and development occurring at a breakneck pace, our gardens are rapidly becoming one of the last safe places for wildlife to survive.
The compelling research detailed in this book shows the important connection between native plants and native wildlife. I think you will be fascinated to learn the connections between native plants, the insects that feed on them and the birds that we all love to see in our yards. But, as Dr. Tallamy points out, most of the plants in a typical yard are from other parts of the world and are of little value to wildlife. Moreover, some of these garden plants have escaped into natural areas and are threatening the survival of native plants and animals
Understanding what is going on in our yards is the first step toward creating a healthy ecosystem for wildlife and for us. This book puts us on the path to that understanding. By using more native plants we can reestablish lost connections and assure the survival of those birds and butterflies that we all love.
To learn more about this book, go to http://www.timberpress.com/authors/id.cfm/1308
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