??An expert look at alternatives to the “chemical stew” to keep your lawn and garden healthy, and the entire planet happy, and safe.

More than two generations of gardeners have practiced their craft with the arsenal of chemical pesticides and herbicides developed since WWII. The “folk knowledge” used for generations prior to that, much of which does indeed have a “scientific” basis, is largely unused and even forgotten today. Much of the more recent scientifically based research into alternatives has had limited distribution.

As the “green movement” grows stronger in Canada, and pressure increases to limit the use of cosmetic pesticides and herbicides within urban and even rural municipalities, there is a growing need for information about effective alternate tools. The desire to go “chemical free” is there. Here are the tools to make it possible, with comprehensive, understandable, workable practices.

Sara Williams’ previous books include A Photographic History of the Forestry Farm Park, Perennials for the Prairies, In a Cold Land: Saskatchewan’s Horticultural Pioneers, Creating the Prairie Xeriscape and, with co-author Hugh Skinner, Best Trees and Shrubs for the Prairies, Gardening Naturally and Best Groundcovers and Vines for the Prairies. She was the founder and first editor of The Saskatchewan Gardener. Sara Williams has a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. in Horticultural Extension from the University of Saskatchewan, as well as a B.A. in English and History from the University of Michigan. She served as the horticultural specialist with the Extension Division of the University of Saskatchewan for 12 years, retiring in 2001.

Sara Williams' profile page

Hugh Skinner received a B.S.A. (Horticulture) from the University of Manitoba prior to returning to manage the family nursery where he grew up. In 2002, he received the Prairie Garden Award for Excellence, and he is currently the Vice President of the Manitoba Horticultural Association. He has developed course materials for Assiniboine Community College, including an Integrated Pest Management course for the nursery, greenhouse and golf course industry. In addition to the books he has cowritten with Sara Williams, he is a regular contributor to Manitoba Gardener and The Prairie Gardener magazines.

Hugh Skinner's profile page