What can we do, right now, in our own landscapes, to help solve climate change? Predictions about future effects of climate change range from mild to dire - but we're already seeing warmer winters, hotter summers, and more extreme storms. Proposed solutions often seem expensive and complex, and can leave us as individuals at a loss, wondering what, if anything, can be done. Sue Reed and Ginny Stibolt offer a rallying cry in response - instead of wringing our hands, let's roll up our sleeves. Based on decades of experience, this book is packed with simple, practical steps anyone can take to beautify any landscape or garden, while helping protect the planet and the species that call it home. Topics include: Working actively to shrink our carbon footprint through mindful landscaping and gardening Creating cleaner air and water Increasing physical comfort during hotter seasons Supporting birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife. This book is the ideal tool for homeowners, gardeners, and landscape professionals who want to be part of the solution to climate change. AWARDS GOLD | 2018 Nautilus Book Awards: Ecology & Environment

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Foreword by Doug Tallamy Preface Introduction: A Primer on Climate Change SECTION 1: Lawn I-1: Liberate the Lawn A Primer on Landscape Chemicals I-2: Reduce the Extent of Lawn I-3: Minimize Use of Power Tools I-4: Revive Damaged Lawns I-5: Provide Good Preparation for New Lawns I-6: Replace Some Lawn with Meadow I-7: Ideas for Large/Public Lawns SECTION II: Trees and Shrubs II-1: Take Good Care of Woody Plants II-2: Choose Species Able to Tolerate Changing Conditions II-3: Maximize Carbon Storage in Woody Plants II-4: Get the Most Cooling Benefit from Trees SECTION III: Water A Primer on Water Chemistry and Plants III-1: Make Landscapes More Drought-Tolerant III-2: Use Climate-Wise Irrigation Methods III-3: Install Water-Collection Systems III-4: Add Water-Absorbing Features III-5: Create or Maintain Water Features SECTION IV: Ecosystems A Primer on Native Plants IV-1: Prioritize for Native Plants IV-2: Plant in Groups and Communities IV-3: Create Habitat-Rich Layers and Edges IV-4: Enhance Biodiversity IV-5: Create Semi-Wild Patches SECTION V: Soil A Primer on Soil Carbon and Ecosystems V-1: Maximize Carbon Storage in Soil V-2: Minimize Soil Disturbance V-3: Avoid Compacting the Soil V-4: Build Compost V-5: Cover Bare Soil SECTION VI: Planning and Design VI-1: Design New Home Sites with Climate in Mind VI-2: Fit Landscape to Land VI-3: Design for Multiple Purposes VI-4: Create Energy-Wise Landscapes VI-5: Design Flood-Wise Landscapes VI-6: Install Buffer Zones VI-7: Create Fire-Wise Landscapes VI-8: Incorporate Renewable Energy VI-9: Design Climate-Wise Driveways and Parking SECTION VII: Herbaceous Plants VII-1: Choose Regionally Appropriate Plants VII-2: Garden to Support Pollinators VII-3: Control Invasive Plants VII-4: Design Perennial Gardens to Serve Local Ecosystems SECTION VIII: Urban Issues VIII-1: Maximize Urban Vegetation VIII-2: Create More Green Roofs and Green Walls VIII-3: Design Cool Roofs VIII-4: Support the Use of Cool Pavement Techniques VIII-5: Choose Climate-Wise Lighting VIII-6: Create Habitat Corridors SECTION IX: Food IX-1: Grow Food Above the Ground IX-2: Grow Long-Lived (Perennial) Sources of Food IX-3: Use Organic Methods for Growing Food IX-4: Support Locally Produced Food IX-5: Harvest Wild Edibles SECTION X: Materials X-1: Stone X-2: Wood X-3: Metal X-4: Concrete X-5: Earthen Materials Conclusion Endnotes Index About the Authors About New Society Publishers