If you're looking for an inspiring gift for the gardener on your list, New Naturalism: Designing and Planting a Resilient, Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden might be just what you're looking for.  Kelly D. Norris noted horticulturist and modern plantsman has written what could become one of the most used gardening volumes on your bookshelf.  New Naturalism checks all the boxes for how our home gardens should be evolving in this climate-challenged world.  Norris shares his exciting and ecologically sound vision for home gardens that are inspired by stylish yet naturalistic plantings that imitate those wonderful wild spaces such as meadows, prairies, and woodlands that we all love.  His vision is far from the contrived, formal, high-maintenance designs of the past.

 The author begins with a basic introduction to plant biology and ecology—which is a great review for even the most knowledgeable gardener.  He builds on this foundation to demonstrate how we can design and grow thriving, lush home gardens. Norris shares his passion for harnessing the power of plant layers and palettes that are defined by nature and not by humans.  His philosophy leads the reader to the “next generation” of home landscapes created not by plants in little rows that are pruned to perfection and most likely rely on pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides to survive.  Rather, in “New Naturalism”, Norris shows how to create stunning landscapes that convey nature's intrinsic beauty.  These are gardens that offer so much more than just their gorgeous aesthetics—all the while creating their own sense of romance and elegance.

The naturalistic garden designs featured in this unique new book, serve to contribute to positive environmental changes by increasing biodiversity, providing a refuge for wildlife, and reconnecting us to nature—right in our own backyards!

Among the notable ideas that Norris shares are:

• Nature-inspired ways to upgrade existing foundation plantings, shrub beds, and flower borders to a wilder aesthetic while still managing the space
• Ideas for turning shady landscapes into canopied retreats
• Planting ideas for building meadow, prairies, and other grassland-inspired open plantings in urban settings
• Turning sidewalk and driveway plantings into visually soft spaces for humans and wildlife alike.
• Unique ways to make ecologically vivid gardens in the smallest of spaces

The strongest focus in New Naturalism offers the proposition of viewing the “planting beds” around our homes as ecological systems.  With this basic tenet, if properly designed and planted, gardens and landscapes can support positive environmental change, increase plant and animal diversity and create a more resilient space.  And, by using these ideas, the home garden can be elevated to an exquisite, inviting environment for all.