Chicago Botanic Garden

Education — Lenhardt Library

Current Books & Book Reviews

PHOTO: bookcover

Ron Kushner.
A Year in a Rock Garden: An Organic Gardening Guide.
Charleston, S.C.: Ron Kushner, 2010.
Paper, 208 pp., ISBN 978–1–450–58009–0, $19.95.

Author Ron Kushner shares his experiences in gardening organically in a small rock garden on the East Coast. Located in Hardiness Zone 6, this specialized garden evolved from a raised berm that existed on his new property. Trained in organic gardening, he proceeded to apply these principles to this landscape. The knowledge acquired from developing the garden is recorded on a monthly calendar so the reader will be alert to the timely changes and demands of the garden. Illustrated with black and white photographs of other rock gardens as well as the author’s own, the text features guidelines for gardening organically. These include a listing of desirable plants with description of their characteristics and needs plus advisory on plants to be avoided; and sources for seeds, plants, tools, and supplies.

— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden.