Insects and Gardens: In Pursuit of a Garden Ecology

by Eric Grissell

With a sound basis in science and a practical grounding in gardening experience, Grissell seeks to introduce the reader to insect biology and the role of insects in garden ecology. He describes the various orders of insects the gardener is likely to encounter, and writes knowledgeably about how insects grow, feed, and reproduce. Unlike other books on insects for gardeners, this is not a handbook on how to recognize and eliminate "pests." Instead, Insects and Gardens casts a more appreciative eye on the doings of the class Insecta and seeks to find a middle ground in which both humankind and insectkind can share the garden to mutual benefit. No absolute purist, however, Grisell guiltily confesses to having broken down and used pesticides in desperation more than once. Gardeners will find here a companionable friend with high ideals rather than an unyielding taskmaster.
More than one hundred of Carll Goodpasture's remarkable color photographs reveal the captivating beauty and vital energy that insects bring to the garden, and illuminate the intricacies of interdependence that characterize a garden's ecology. Even the most "bug-hating" gardener cannot fail to be moved by a gulf-fritillary sipping nectar on a passion flower or a colorful scorpionfly camouflaged on a leaf.

Genres: Gardening, Nature, Ecology, Nonfiction, Science

345 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a funny book about insects in, with, and under gardens. Written from an ecological point of view by an entomologist. Wants gardeners to create diverse landscapes in order to promote balanced ecosystems in which insects take care of themselves. No chemicals. No problems.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric Grissell tries really really hard in this book to advocate for the consideration of insects. He always assumes his reader is a gardener who has no use for them, who is totally unsympathetic. Since I came to this book looking to learn about insects in the garden because I am already there, already very interested, this was extremely tiresome.

As for the learning itself, I think this book just got to me a little too late. There are a lot of interesting things in here, but I knew most of them already, so, as I kind of suspected, this is part of the path I've already put behind me. It seems like he does a good job, and has some interesting thoughts on the philosophy of managing a garden (that is, why to do it "naturally" and what that might mean). But it wasn't what I wanted it to be. Perhaps Grissell's Bees, Wasps, and Ants: The Indispensable Role of Hymenoptera in Gardens will be more specific and therefore more aimed at my knowledge bracket.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

With an easy, conversational style, Grissell presents an ecology of gardens without going totally native or natural. He leaves it up to the gardener to make these decisions but explains that regardless of what one chooses to plant, there are ecological factors that are best considered and worked with, not against. Of course, the focus of the book is on insects in this ecology and why the enlightened gardener would want them there, all kinds. Grissell gives an accessible introduction to insects including their taxonomy and biology. Despite its specialization, this book makes a good introduction to gardens, basic ecology, and basic entomology. Carll Goodpasture provides wonderful photos. The book includes an additional reading section and an index.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at entomology from the gardener's perspective.

Lots of good color photographs.

Has a tendency to stray into preachy.

Well worth reading.

Addendum: I read the book again in September 2010. The author is a passionate advocate for insects in the garden. This book is worth buying.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book confirmed my commitment to growing primarily native species in my yard. I originally read a library copy & loved it so much, I bought my own copy.

[Marianne Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. Not terribly technical - great for the casual gardener who just wants to understand some basic ecology. It's a fun read!

[Cat Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight. A professional etymologist and avid gardener, Grissell educates with wry wit and even-handedness, helping gardeners relax about insects. He very clearly adores insects, and his passion comes through beautifully. By the end, I was feeling very appreciative of insects too.

For Grissell, a garden is "essentially a nonfunctional ecosystem, […] a struggle between a piece of land trying to restore itself to a natural balance and a gardener who hasn't a clue what that means" (p. 12). And his central thesis is that "if we work with the laws of nature, we have a much better chance of developing a garden that functions as a balanced, naturalistic system should" (p. 13).

The highest value in this book is in its prescriptive advice. The #1 concept is the benefit of diversity: diversity in insects, diversity in plants, diversity in garden habitat. Without being able to track or control all the variables (and we really can't!), the more diversity we can build, the better our chances are of finding something resembling balance in the garden. When infestations arise (as they always do), a more diverse garden is more likely to also contain the predator/parasite solutions to the infestation. And infestations are less likely to take hold in such an environment in the first place. There are several dimensions to consider when it comes to diversity, but in sum: "grow plants that differ, […] and grow lots of them" (p. 243).

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it very informative and it makes a good point about diversity in the garden. I really appreciated the sense of humour of the author.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not compellingly written.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read over the past month in preparation of a vegatable and native plant garden. Was worth it and some parts were interesting and eye opening, just not really a good book

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the writing is a little "scientific", this book is an excellent discussion on all the roles that insects (and insect-like creatures) play in the garden. I highly recommend this book for all gardeners, especially those that are interested in gardening organically and/or gardening for wildlife.

Oh, by the way, the photos are fantastic.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

An marriage of Entymology and Urban Ecology containing a brief appraisal of insect classification and life cycles followed by their function in the garden and how we gardeners can make allowances for this.
A useful book!