Habitat: A practical guide to creating a wildlife-friendly Australian garden

by A.B. Bishop

In a world where suburban nature is declining and diversity is shrinking, Habitat is a practical guide for those of us who want to encourage insects, reptiles, frogs, birds and animals into our garden. Not only for our own enjoyment, but as a direct contribution to the health and sustainability of our local environment and wildlife. AB Bishop shows how to design, plant and maintain fauna-friendly landscapes, stressing the importance of understanding how all aspects of the backyard ecosystem are interlinked in order to create a truly authentic and effective habitat. This information-packed resource includes a detailed plant directory; information on what plants (native and exotic) suit what creatures and why; and advice on how to factor in the shelter, nesting, food and water requirements of different types of wildlife. A practical projects chapter features step-by-step instructions for soil testing; making compost tea; building and planting a frog pond; and constructing nesting boxes and insect hotels.

Genres: Gardening

580 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2018

Reviews

[David Risstrom]

A practical Australian book chock full of ideas on how to gently share your garden with those animal and plants whose home we now enjoy.

Easy to read, personable, lyrical and gentle, this book feels like a conversation with an enthusiastic friend. Clearly suited to those sympathetic to the idea of creating a wildlife friendly garden, Habitat is full of ideas from simple balcony based ideas to inspirational insights into more full on garden transformations.

Based on knowledge, research and a trickle of scientific justification, Habitat sings rather than lectures. While aficionados of advanced torture techniques probably won’t be drawn to read this book; ie, your probably thinking along the ‘be nice to other animals and plants’ line, I think this book has potential to be read and enjoyed by many more people than the title first infers.

I’m currently involved in work to expand a local government program some councils offer of providing discounts for residents and businesses to buy locally indigenous native plants. While Habitat does not paint a hard line on the native vs exotic plant debate, it navigates the nuances involved very convincingly.

I love this book. So much that I have just ordered four more copies as Christmas presents. Why don’t you give the gift that AB Bishop has passed on and have a look? Perhaps while you listen to the birds who may have the good fortune to share your excitement?

[Jessica North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Australian home should have this book! It includes so many different ways to add a bit of valuable habitat to our gardens that there will be something to suit every garden and every gardener. The book is a perfect combination of practical information with an easy-to-read format. If you want to dig deep to increase your knowledge, there is a heap of comprehensive detail. But if you can't wait to get started, you can turn straight to the clever directory of plants listed by size, with colour swatches and photos to fill you with inspiration. Highly recommended.

[Janice Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important information; interesting, new and useful

I've read it on kindle, and just ordered it in paperback. I will be applying it to my garden, and in my travels to the environmental hotspots. I particularly enjoyed the case studies and the descriptions of many rare and endangered species that I'd not heard of before. Also, I love the beautiful photos.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many things I want to do in the garden now! Lot's of detail, but not so much as to go over your head for the amateur gardener.

Also, pretty sure I spotted a carpenter bee on one of my flowers this morning.

[Jacinta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical details to return to when I am closer to finishing my frog pond. Page 189

[Amanda Babbage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully put together, easy to read and informative. I love the sections on what plants to put in specific gardens and what they attract