Inspired first by the flora and fauna of rural England, and later by the world's deserts, coastlines, mountains, and woodlands, Keith Wiley has distilled the essence of these wild landscapes into a single garden with breathtaking success. Much more than a book of new planting ideas, On the Wild Side challenges our whole understanding of what a garden is. Why strive for year-round color throughout the garden when small areas can seize the limelight at their seasonal peak? Change and evolution is at the heart of new naturalism — is your garden ready for it?
Okay, I admit that I didn’t read this over to cover, but I’m not going to. This book falls into the category of listing plants that the author has used in expansive landscapes, the likes of which I do not have. Further reducing my interest is that exceedingly few of the plants in the book would survive in my climate. Finally, while there is some good contact, the book is light on principles. Not for me.