Ecology for gardeners By Steven B. Carroll and Steven D. Salt ISBN 0881926116, published in 2004 by Timber Press, colour plates, hard cover, 328 pages Price $A49.95 plus $A11 postage within Australia, overseas postage please request a quote

The authors look at the structure, development, genetics and reproduction of plants, the most prominent actors in garden ecosystems. They describe other garden organisms, focusing on those with the most influential roles - insects, nematodes, micro-organisms - as well as gardening denizens ranging from microscopic prions to elephants. They explore the physical environment within which garden organisms live and function, and examine the intricate interactions, both harmful and beneficial.

About the authors

Steven B. Carroll is an ecologist at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, USA where he teaches botany and ecology.

Steven D. Salt holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and microbiology and teaches college and university courses.

Table of contents

• Acknowledgments
• Prologue
• 1. The nature of plants
• 2. Other garden inhabitants
• 3. The garden environment
• 4. Plants in the environment
• 5. Interactions among garden organisms
• 6. Gardening as applied ecology
• Epilogue
• Glossary
• Further reading
• Index