The Self-Sustaining Garden

The Guide to Matrix Planting

This book explores the theme that the plants themselves can do much of the hard work gardeners believe is an essential part of gardening. The Self-Sustaining Garden advocates using plants as partners in self-sustaining communities to create low maintenance gardens rather than being a slave to spades and hoes. In a series of compelling case studies, Peter Thompson shows how to transform a conventional garden into a self-sustaining garden. Updated from the original edition (published in 1997), The Self-Sustaining Garden brings together an explanation of the universal principles of matrix planting with specific applications and informative chapters on soil health and biological controls, and shows how to pull all the ingredients together into a strong, self-sustaining design.

Media reviews of this book:

"The message ... is one that can be adapted to gardens anywhere: look to the natural models and plant accordingly."

—Pacific Horticulture, Spring 2008

"If you are unable or unwilling to devote a great deal of time to your landscape, this might be the book for you."

—Steve Jones, Pine Cone Press-Citizen, February 19, 2008

"A perfect gift for any gardener who wishes to reduce the amount of time spent on chores."

—Ethel Fried, Manchester (CT) Journal Inquirer, December 16, 2007

"Practical, how-to advice combined with cutting edge ideas make The Self-Sustaining Garden a handbook and a manifesto for a new way to garden."

—Ted Beverly, River Falls Journal, November 30, 2007

"Plenty of inspiration to transform your conventional garden into a self-sustaining one. ... If it seems that the more you work in your garden, the more problems are created, then perhaps your garden could use a matrix-makeover."

—Lynette Walther, Camden Herald, August 16, 2007

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An excerpt from this book:

If asked, "what does your garden grow?" many gardeners would reply that gardeners grow plants and what grow in gardens depends on the skills and resources of the gardener. We are able to grow dahlias, gladioli, begonias and other tender plants in places with cold winters by lifting them and protecting them from frost through the winter. Some invest in conservatories: small ones when we need to count the pennies, and gigantic, multi-domed, corridored, and aisled ones for those with more expansive tastes and fortunes. The challenge of growing plants in places far from their natural homes is a vitally important part of gardening and sometimes goes far beyond modest pride in homespun skills ...

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