- Very practical and well illustrated- Based on a wealth of personal experience* Shows how to develop a garden economicallyThis book shows people how to create an eco-friendly garden from scratch or by redeveloping an existing garden. It is practical, simply written and based on the author's own first-hand experience and the wealth of knowledge amassed during the course of her job at "Grass Roots," Australia's most popular self-sufficiency magazine. The author's aim is that readers will gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to develop a garden in their own individual style to suit the needs of their family, in an environmentally friendly manner and for little cost.The book begins by advising the reader on how to assess their own situation regarding soil, climate, orientation and influence of surrounding buildings and vegetation. It guides them in deciding on the style of garden that suits them best and gives advice on obtaining plants, planting times, watering options and drought-proofing a garden and pest management following organic principles.Environmental values feature strongly throughout the book, including: water efficiency; biodiversity; soil conservation; use of recycled materials; organic methods; use of native and similarly waterhardy, biodiversity-friendly plants; avoidance of environmental weeds.