Customer Reviews:
 Excellent review July 11, 2008
An excellent, witty well written review of a scientific analysis of wildlife in gardens. It isn't dull and doesn't need pictures. The invertebrates on which it concentrates are clearly the basis on which the rest of the wildlife exists. Gardens are rarely big enough to provide a home independently for anything else and the book clearly shows that each garden is merely part of the larger habitat. Our job, by being ourselves, to add to that habitats diversity. The main no no is don't use poisons.
 Dispells Many Myths June 27, 2008
When I first picked up this book I was expecting a repeat of most wildlife gardening literature. In fact there are few things that Thompson and the WG establishment agree on. It may seem a little dangerous to accept this 'loan voice' as fact, until you discover that unlike many publications this book is based on scientific studies.
Thompson studied 60 Sheffield gardens and investigated their invertebrate life in relation to the garden features. Based on these findings he has provided a book that disputes many WG preconceptions, and gives tips on how it can be improved with minimum expense and effort.
For this reason the book should be read if you are planning a WG, however there are some negatives. Firstly, the book is short. At only 173 pages it is unable to provide a comprehensive guide to WG, especially as some sections of the book are concerned with what you don't need to do.
Secondly it's a little dull. There are no photos or diagrams and the writing is small, the only change being italic text which features the practical tips.
Thirdly it is largely concerned with invertebrates with vertebrates only mentioned in relation to these. When carrying out his experiments Thompson killed and preserved upwards of 100,000 insects including rare species. Half of these were not even identified. This may have ethical implications for some potential buyers.
Overall this is an important book on WG if you don't want to waste your time and money. However there is significant room for improvement.
A must have! April 25, 2007
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
I'm delighted to own this book. Until I read this book, I had no interest in gardening - actually I kind of feared it and wondered what all the fuss was about.
Learning about wildlife gardening has been a complete eye opener for me.
The author has written beautifully and amusingly. It is packed with information but doesn't feel busy. Fantastic illustrations. I've actually given the book as a gift to a friend - who is also enjoying it hugely!
Thanks to this book, I'm now truly enjoying my garden.
Reassuring Indeed October 5, 2006
22 out of 23 found this review helpful
This little book is a thoroughly readable, amusing, fact based, accessible account of a research project that will be relevant to anyone with a garden or outdoor space. The advice is unfailingly practical and the received wisdom questioned. The book does not simply regurgatate the same old advice about wildlife gardening, but offers in many cases a new approach, based on the empirical evidence of the research. The author is clearly aware that wildlife gardening is viewed by many gardeners as expensive and/or unattractive, and he offers lots of sensible suggestions for things that cost next to nothing, perfectly in keeping with the most traditional garden and are proven to be effective. He stresses that anyone, no matter what size garden, can garden with wildlife in mind with very little effort. (And the illustrations at the chapter headings are charming.)
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