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bennettanneb 's review for:
Second Nature: A Gardener's Education
by Michael Pollan
I've read a few other Michael Pollan books, and have found him to be very thoughtful and insightful, no matter the topic. This book is no exception. He is a very intelligent writer, even occasionally sending me to the dictionary!
I found the book interesting, entertaining, and challenging. He suggests that we need a new perspective on nature, one less oppositional and confrontational. He ruminates extensively on humanity's place in nature and wilderness, seeking to understand the philosophical differences between a "natural" place and a "garden." What do these terms mean for how we interact with the natural world?
He points out that we typically give nature an "all or nothing" kind of response -- either we establish a wilderness area or build condos. What other response can we use to manage our natural areas? How can we begin to see ourselves and our homes as fitting into a place and being a part of nature? We cannot view nature except through the lenses of our culure -- how does our culture inform our decisions about garden design? About weeds versus plants? Hybrids versus heirlooms?
Be prepared for a dense read, but a rewarding one.
I found the book interesting, entertaining, and challenging. He suggests that we need a new perspective on nature, one less oppositional and confrontational. He ruminates extensively on humanity's place in nature and wilderness, seeking to understand the philosophical differences between a "natural" place and a "garden." What do these terms mean for how we interact with the natural world?
He points out that we typically give nature an "all or nothing" kind of response -- either we establish a wilderness area or build condos. What other response can we use to manage our natural areas? How can we begin to see ourselves and our homes as fitting into a place and being a part of nature? We cannot view nature except through the lenses of our culure -- how does our culture inform our decisions about garden design? About weeds versus plants? Hybrids versus heirlooms?
Be prepared for a dense read, but a rewarding one.