Fifty pages rich in photos, describe the common garden plants, with their affinity for animals in the garden (especially insects). The author attempts to formulate the aesthetic and ecological interests of these common plants, which would qualify too often "weeds". The author takes the opportunity to draw up a short list of plants that can reasonably be regarded as true to the garden side.
Then, about 80 pages describe insects and small vertebrates from the garden. A nice list of animals is detailed, with many small photos, specifying for each feeding and natural enemies, behavior and life cycle control means (if necessary), how to protect them (if necessary), etc ... All it brings out the qualities of the auxiliary gardener most of these small animals, and considerably reduces the nuisance of the most troublesome species (such as taupe): it is clear that there is finally very few major pests in gardens, and most have their own predators to control them effectively.
The last section details the third of 120 pages, anything that promotes the auxiliary garden: shelter constructions, interesting natural spots for biodiversity, gardening methods, ... This part is ambitious and full of valuable information and difficult to find elsewhere. It contains everything you need to act in the right direction, with pleasure, and understanding the value of what we do. Plans are proposed in the same category to build shelters. The keys are sufficient to form its own synthesis and improve his garden. The author even goes far enough in its way, since, with an example (page 280), it shows you need to know to grow parasites leave at a time when they are not bothersome, so predators can grow in numbers, then better protect the next crop.
The book can certainly be improved, adding some syntheses to ease the consultation, year going further on certain themes, and completing a few minor flaws (author explaining for example that we should not confuse the larvae golden beetle and rose chafer, but does not give the keys to differentiate).
Anyway, here's a good highly recommendable book for exciting reading. It opens our eyes to the natural environment of the garden, and provides excellent key to make the natural garden / aesthetic (flowers, colors, butterflies, ...), and better functional (better efficiency thanks to pollinators , soil protection, natural regulation of pests in the garden, etc ...). This book is a valuable guide to recognize the many friends of the garden, animals and plants, and do what it takes to help their proper installation.
