Natural by Design by Judith Phillips (1995, Paperback)

I moved to New Mexico several years ago and started planting using plants from the Midwest .. big no no. The last two years I have stuck with Native Plants only, and have been rather successful. It feels good to know I am working with nature and not against nature.

A TOTALLY AWESOME book. 1000% Satisfied. Author Judith Phillips finally made a book that the Southwest region can look to for good info and photos. She's been a professional grower for the past 25 years, and the last 15 years has devoted her time to growing and planting native plants for high-desert gardens.

Why do I like this book? Photos, LOTS of photos with good pictures of flowers, gardens and homes and good descriptions or captions. Great garden plan designs and ideas. Finally a book that I can look to and find exactly what I need in terms of xeriscape gardening with native southwestern plants, xeriscaping, permaculture or whatever you want to call it.

It specifically targets areas in the west that are:

>3,500 - 7500 feet in elevation.
>Where rainfall averages are between 8" and 25" annually.
>Average highs are around 90 degrees, but don't exceed 150.
>Average lows are in the teens, but don't drop to -15.
>Soils are alkaline, sometimes saline and always lacking in organic matter.
>Strong winds blow all the time.

This book targets five types of gardens: Uplands Gardens, High Plains Grasslands and Shrub Desert Gardens, Oasis Gardens, Urban Islands, A Garden Party for wildlife.

It lists plants and grasses that are recommended as well as a section on how to take care and make the most of your new garden.

This is the BEST book I have seen for gardens in New Mexico and or Arizona. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

------------- CONTENTS -------------

page vii Intro
The climatic boundaries of the high desert.

page 3 Chapter 1
A SENSE OF PLACE
Gardening in harmony with local ecology. AN overview of the patterns inherent in the major southwestern ecosystems.

page 15 Chapter 2
Natural by Design
Collaborating with nature in creating a garden in harmony with place links us more closely to natural patterns and processes.

page 45 Chapter 3
Planting and early maintenance
Since natural gardens rely on ecological balances, the initial seeding, planting, weeding, insect monitoring and watering set the stage for long term success.

page 83 Chapter 4
Upland Gardens
Rocky soils, exposed slopes and moist canyon bottoms and a climate that is cooler and wetter than the low desert influence garden design and management.

page 103
Chapter 5
High Plains Grassland and Shrub Desert Gardens
Windswept, sunbaked and extremes influence how we develop and use our gardens.

page 125 Chapter 6
Oasis Gardens
Heavy silty soils, shallow groundwater, a wealth of shade and generations of cultivation influence garden options.

page 145 Chapter 7
Urban Islands
Urban ecosystems mimic and defy their natural counterparts.

page 157 Chapter 8
A Garden Party
Backyard habitats, important links in maintaining or restoring regionals biodiversity, cater to the basic needs of wildlife.

page 175 Chapter 9
Maintaining the Balance
Once an equilibrium is established in the garden, long-term management involves developing an instinct for leaving well enough alone.

Appendix A Design Glossary/Spatial requirements page 186
Appendix B Grading page 187
Appendix C Plants for windbreaks page 188
Appendix D Plant for Prairies page 190
Appendix E Prairie Grasses page 191
Recommended reading page 193
Index