Planting in a Post-Wild World

Planting in a Post-Wild World presents a new approach to ecological landscaping in an era of urbanization and climate change. The authors outline methods for creating resilient plant communities that thrive in modern landscapes while supporting biodiversity. The book combines horticultural expertise with ecological principles to demonstrate how designers can build landscapes that mimic natural systems. Through case studies and detailed technical information, Rainer and West explain the processes of analyzing sites, selecting appropriate plants, and arranging them in sustainable combinations. The work includes practical strategies for both small gardens and large-scale projects, with specific plant recommendations and maintenance guidelines. Visual examples and illustrations support the authors' methodology throughout the text. At its core, this book challenges traditional ornamental gardening paradigms and proposes a shift toward designed plant communities that balance human aesthetics with ecological function. The authors present a vision for reconnecting landscapes to their natural heritage while meeting contemporary needs.

Readers appreciate the book's practical advice for designing sustainable plant communities and its detailed explanations of how plants grow together in natural settings. Many note its usefulness for both home gardeners and professionals. Readers highlight: - Clear examples of plant layering techniques - Strong visual diagrams and photos - Specific plant combinations and lists - Science-based ecological concepts made accessible Common criticisms: - Too focused on large-scale projects rather than small gardens - Plant examples primarily from eastern US - Some concepts need more detailed implementation steps - Technical terminology can be challenging for beginners Ratings: Goodreads: 4.39/5 (481 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (584 ratings) "This book changed how I think about plant design," notes one reader. Another states: "Great concepts but needed more practical application for home gardens." Several reviewers mention referring back to the book frequently as a reference guide while planning gardens.

The Living Landscape by Rick Darke, Douglas W. Tallamy This reference explains how to create resilient home gardens by understanding and replicating natural ecosystems.

Garden Revolution by Larry Weaner, Thomas Christopher The text presents methods for establishing sustainable landscapes that follow ecological processes rather than fighting against them.

Bringing Nature Home by Douglas W. Tallamy The book connects plant choices to wildlife habitat creation and ecosystem functionality in residential landscapes.

The Wild Garden by William Robinson This foundational text established the principles of naturalistic planting design that influence modern ecological landscaping.

Sowing Beauty by James Hitchmough The work details techniques for creating and maintaining naturalistic plantings using seed-based methods and ecological principles.

🌿 Co-author Thomas Rainer is a landscape architect who has designed landscapes for the U.S. Capitol grounds, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the New York Botanical Garden. 🌱 The book introduces the concept of "designed plant communities," which mimics how plants grow in nature rather than traditional garden designs that often fight against natural processes. 🍃 The authors developed a new approach to planting design called "Intrinsic Gardens," which requires up to 90% less maintenance than conventional gardens. 🌸 The book challenges the notion of "native vs. exotic" plants, suggesting instead that the key is how plants function together ecologically, regardless of origin. 🌺 The planting techniques described in the book were influenced by German landscape designer Cassian Schmidt and his work at Hermannshof Garden, where he pioneered naturalistic planting styles.