Imagine a garden that genuinely belongs in its setting and reflects the natural world, where bumblebees and woodpeckers thrive amid beautiful plants that require less effort to grow. This is a real garden, and Real Gardens Grow Natives shows you how to design such a dynamic, wildlife-friendly space using Northwest native plants. From colorful, sun-loving borders to lush, shady retreats, native plants form a spectacular outdoor setting, while also providing important habitat corridors for birds, butterflies, and other creatures local to your neighborhood. Gardeners and conservationists alike want to create healthy green spaces, but many lack the knowledge or resources, or become overwhelmed by all the choices. Landscape designer and wildlife-habitat specialist Eileen M. Stark provides clear, concise advice for the ecologically minded Northwest gardener, including: Detailed profiles of 100 select native plants for the Pacific Northwest-with photos, growing tips, benefits, related species, and more-eliminating the guesswork for plant choice and placement, Landscape design essentials for various-sized yards, plus sample plans, Fundamental planting practices and secrets to healthy soil, Advice for easy maintenance using organic methods, Ways to enhance or restore habitat and improve bird and pollinator populations, Historic plant communities within the region, How to incorporate natives with your edibles and nonnative ornamentals, Quick plant guides for specific garden conditions, Useful resources, from books to nurseries to advocacy groups, 200 full-color photographs of plants and wildlife, And much more!, Accessible yet comprehensive, Real Gardens Grow Natives delivers the inspiration and instruction you need to create a lively, sustainable, and real garden of your own. Proceeds from sales of this book benefit the Xerces Society Book jacket.