Thoreau's Garden Native Plants for the American Landscape

The latest book by this notable writer on horticultural topics deftly weaves excerpted reveries from Thoreau's journals together with copious notes on native plants gathered by Loewer himself. The result is an agreeable foray into the fertile landscape Thoreau knew so well. Although today's gardeners can only dream of such remarkable wild spaces, as Loewer suggests, it might be that 'the best garden is a garden of the mind.' Thus, the lively text feeds the craving for imaginary gardens, first by musing on the scientific naming of plants, then by proceeding to highlight selected trees and shrubs, prairie grasses, and outstanding wildflowers--of wetlands and woodlands. Loewer conjures up enough plant minutiae (fascinating facts, myths, historical particulars, practical uses, etc.) to satisfy the most demanding avid gardener. A new book by Loewer is cause for celebration. - Alice Joyce-