Truth to tell, I never really thought about whether or not it's ecologically sound to plant mostly exotic plants in my yard versus native ones. I congratulated myself that I let a meadow emerge in my back yard when I moved in. I never gave much thought to exactly what was growing in it. I've always believed that it is just plain wrong to collect plants from the wild...but are there times when it is not only justified but perhaps actually beneficial? If so, when?

In any case, the book definitely stretched my perceptions and gave me a whole lot to think about in terms of my own typical, "newly developed" suburban lot. I felt like the chapter about the author's niece, also about such a suburban lot, could have been about my own.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in gardening or ecology...and even those not currently interested could probably benefit! Worth every penny I paid...not just an enjoyable read, but a very informative one.


Part 1 is more of a great thing, Part 2 is Especially Useful   August 5, 2001
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Stein's way with words allows her to provide a huge amount of information in entertaining narrative form to the degree that one just can't put the book down. This is the appeal and value of her "Noah's Garden" and continues in Part 1 of "Planting Noah's Garden." Part 2 is something extra: direct instructions, charts, and everything a reader wants to know about how to follow in Stein's footsteps (or spade holes). She provides a wealth of information on everything from how to get started with the complex process of eco-gardening to precise information on specific plants and projects. This is really Stein's answer to the hundreds of letters and questions she has gotten since "Noah's Garden" and what an answer it is!


Highly Reccomended!   April 1, 2001
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I cannot encourage anyone who is even slightly interested in wildlife or butterfly gardening strongly enough - READ THIS BOOK! Along with Noah's Garden, Stein's first "eco-gardening" book, this is a great read for anyone who finds endless lawns boring, or has driven past a wooded lot daily, only to wake up one day and find it has been flattened to make a strip mall. I have read both books several times and used the advice in both to build an beautiful butterfly and bird garden (on a patio outside an apartment, no less) and I can't wait to apply it to a full-sized yard. This book doesn't just encourage you to make a difference - even if it's just a dent - it actually shows you how. I loved it, and I plan to give it as gifts in the future.


Essential reading for back yard, native plant oriented souls   July 21, 1998
 30 out of 30 found this review helpful

This book is totally enchanting. When I first read "David Copperfield" I told myself that I would read it again in a few years and it would read differently. And it has."Planting Noah's Garden" has exactly the same feel. I have spent the last six months recommending this book to my naturalist friends. I have often though of passing my copy on, but have decided not to. I buy another copy instead. I have the feeling that this is a book that I will want to read again.and again.Sara states that "Children are part of the mega-fauna of every landscape." She writes about the basic need of children to look under rocks and logs, to climb trees..to discover the natural wonders that await them there. And, or course, she tells us how to make this happen.

If you enjoy planting things, if you enjoy your yard, your children and your grandchildren, buy this book. It is a masterpiece.