On the art of saving the world: "Wildlife Gardening" by Dave Goulson

Let's be honest, who doesn't dream of saving the world? We certainly do! So we were all the more delighted when Hanser Literaturverlage approached us to introduce one of their latest books: WILDLIFE GARDENING by Dave Goulson , the title of the book, is about the art of saving the world in your own garden. A utopian idea? We wanted to know more, so we had a copy sent to us. Our colleague Lotta was the first to take a closer look at the book.

Here is her personal reading experience with " Wildlife Gardening - The Art of Saving the World in Your Own Garden. "

“Can you really save the world in your own backyard?

That interests me, because to be honest, it sounds a bit exaggerated to me. A title that simultaneously makes a promise, and that's precisely why it appeals to me so much. Because of course, I want to believe in this utopia. If it's really possible to save the world in my tranquil 15 square meter garden, then please, I'm in!

Each chapter begins with a delicious recipe

I think that's great, because I enjoy working in the kitchen and especially love conjuring up something with freshly picked vegetables and fruit. After quickly devouring the first few pages, I notice how easy the sentences are to read. Author Dave Goulson may be a scientist through and through, but he knows how to incorporate a lightheartedness into his writing that's enjoyable. Although he can throw around facts and figures (and certainly does ;-)), he lets me, the reader, share in many personal impressions and funny anecdotes. In short: The book is very enjoyable to read, and I quickly get into the flow.

But what exactly is “wildlife gardening”?

It's a way of gardening that's neither traditional nor super-new. It's the way I've always liked gardening in my own allotment, although my neighbors less so. Wildlife gardening means letting nature do its thing . Not fighting all the weeds. Letting your garden grow as it grows and thus creating a habitat for countless insects, birds, reptiles and other animals (perhaps completely unknown to me until now). It doesn't sound that difficult at first (at least from my perspective), but in practice it's probably not that easy. Wildlife gardening also means rebelling against all socially learned behavior and simply switching off the urge to destroy weeds and pests (It has to go, it has to go, it has to go!).

Dave Goulson describes what you'll experience when you do just that so magically and beautifully that I can almost dream of being there. A world full of magic, full of color and biodiversity . With every sentence, Goulson invites me more and more to enter this beautiful world, which is actually so close to home anyway. Beautiful, slightly ornate illustrations accompany his stories.

To sum it up

I really like Wildlife Gardening because it makes me dream, it gives me courage, and it makes me want to go a little wilder in my own garden. What I also like: The book is aimed at every reader – whether they have a garden, a balcony, a terrace, or raised beds – wildlife gardening can be practiced even in the smallest flowerpot. So, what are you waiting for? Through "wild," animal-friendly, and climate-neutral gardening in the garden and balcony, we can all make the world a little bit better. I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful, easy read, which makes you rethink your own gardening habits and is simply fun. I don't think I can leave my garden completely to itself, but I've already figured out two or three places where I'll practice wildlife gardening. I'm excited to see what new things I'll discover there..."