With the steady growth of interest in biodiversity, the release of a new and expanded edition of Bring Nature Back into the Garden by Charles and Julia Botha could not be more timeous.
The first edition, published in 1996, won a University of KwaZulu-Natal book prize and had an enormous influence on gardening for wildlife in the 1990s.
The new edition re-emphasises the point that instead of growing exotic foreign plants and killing perceived pests, gardeners can benefit from planting indigenous vegetation to attract insects, birds and butterflies to their gardens.
How to work with nature, rather than against it, is described in a lighthearted and entertaining style.
Technical terms have been avoided and humorous drawings make it an easy read.
Discover how to attract birds, butterflies and moths to your garden and revel in chapters on how to create a beautiful indigenous garden, a wildlife pond or a grassland area. All types of indigenous plants, from trees and shrubs to ferns and orchids, are covered in the book. Growth habits and seasonal characteristics are well described and there are ample colour illustrations.
Authors
A semi-retired businessman, Charles Botha is a past chairman of the Wildlife and Environment Society of SA (KwaZulu-Natal Region) and is actively involved with the Botanical Society of SA, Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa and Birdlife SA. Julia Botha is professor and head of therapeutics and medicines management at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The proceeds from the sale of all their books are donated to conservation.
This book is a must have for eco-conscious gardeners this Christmas and is a fitting South African contribution to 2010: The International Year of Biodiversity.
* Bring Nature Back into the Garden: Eastern and Northern Edition by Charles and Julia Botha. Published by the Flora and Fauna Publications Trust, 2010. It is available at most good bookstores. Website: www.floratrustkzn.co.za. ISBN Number: 978-0-620-48228-8.