Gardening with the Native Plants of Tennessee: the Spirit of Place

Margie Hunter

For 450 native plants, Hunter has assembled an accessible collection of detailed information as to what will make that plant happy under cultivation, including light, water, soil preferences, and propagation tips. Other info includes fieldguide-like descriptions, blooming season, native range, and of course pictures.

But that's just half the story. Don't skip the beginning! Here she describes the state's physiographic provinces — and getting a feel for these is what sets the stage for understanding the natural community that your garden mimics.

She talks about wildlife, rare plants, about plant “layers” and succession communities, about the importance of local provenance, about exotic pest plants and how gardeners can help.

Hunter includes ferns, grasses, sedges, rushes, vines, trees and shrubs — as well as the expected wildflowers. She also includes a warning if a plant might be too enthusiastic for a small garden, and advice on appropriate uses.

This book is a thoroughly helpful resource for native plant enthusiasts throughout the Southeast, not just in Tennessee.

University of Tennessee Press

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