[PCA] Fw: Livable Landscapes--a cutting-edge concept for sustainable gardening

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

Forwarding this message for what looks like an interesting book.  Of note: 


"[The author] urges gardeners to know their local habitats ---'behave like 
responsible managers'---and plant only those grasses that will sustain and 
enhance the natural ecology of one's home turf.""

-Patricia
- - - - - 


In a world of global climate change---where we are seeing the effects of 
the human footprint on our fragile environment---increasingly, 
communities, individuals and designers are giving thought to the long-term 
sustainability and livability of the landscapes they create. 
 
>From home gardens to shared public spaces, and streetscapes, grasses have 
at last achieved the recognition they deserve for their beauty, longevity, 
and ease of maintenance. In addition they also offer sustainable solutions 
to ecological and landscaping challenges. 
 
"The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes" (April 2007, Timber 
Press) by Rick Darke (one of the world's foremost authorities on grasses 
and their use in gardens) sets the standard for inspired, sustainable use 
of grasses in the living, breathing landscape. In the book, Darke 
introduces an exciting and cutting-edge concept: livable landscapes.
 
###
 
WHAT ARE LIVABLE LANDSCAPES?
 
LIVABLE LANDSCAPES embrace all branches of ecological science as well as 
human social science and cultural geography, resulting in a complex but 
eminently modern recipe for inclusive habitat. They combine the human need 
for creative endeavor with the finite nature of the world's physical 
resources. 
 
LIVABLE LANDSCAPES encourage and sustain spontaneous, sensual everyday 
life, and conserve local uniqueness while evolving toward a universal 
landscape language.
 
LIVABLE LANDSCAPES are gardens that are personal, intimate spaces that 
simultaneously celebrate community and the joy of the connected landscape. 
They include local approaches that are cognizant of global realities and 
trends. 
 
To read a sample chapter from the book, see photos, and for more in-depth 
information please visit www.livable-landscapes.com
 
###
 
"The Los Angeles Times" stands by the book's concept, explaining how Darke 
"hopes readers will do more than get lost in the book's 1,000 photos. 
[That] he urges gardeners to know their local habitats
---'behave like responsible managers'---and plant only those grasses that 
will sustain and enhance the natural ecology of one's home turf."
 
Verlyn Klinkenborg of "The New York Times" writes: "[Darke] is adept at 
drawing aesthetic lessons and design ideas from the untutored workings of 
nature."
 
The latest issue of renowned "Landscape Architecture" magazine featured a 
6-page color spread highlighting Darke's concept of livable landscapes, 
and the roles that grasses can play in our public landscape.
 
Rick Darke is a celebrated photographer and runs a Pennsylvania-based 
landscape design firm that blends art, ecology and cultural geography in 
the creation and conservation of livable landscapes. He would be a 
fabulous person to chat with. I hope you will consider interviewing Rick 
about livable landscapes and the role of grasses in sustainable gardening. 
Outstanding color photos are available to accompany your story.
 
 
Olivia Koivisto ~ Marketing Associate
Timber Press, Inc.
133 SW 2nd Ave., Ste. 450
Portland, OR 97204-3527
okoivisto at timberpress.com
800.327.5680
503.227.2878 x 105
 
www.timberpress.com
 
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