The key to a carefree garden is to know which plants will thrive under local conditions and which ones are better left at the nursery. With watering restrictions becoming increasingly common, and rising concerns about exotic invasive species, gardeners have to be savvy about plant selection, making native plants both a practical and ecological choice.

Lorraine Johnson's 100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens is the ultimate source for achieving a lush and stunning garden with ease. Whatever the conditions—sunny, shady or in-between—and whatever your style—formal, informal or a mix—there are native plants to help you achieve your gardening goals. Either add to your garden or start fresh with the help of this reader-friendly guide.

With Lorraine Johnson's light humour and down-to-earth perspective, as well as lavish photos by Andrew Leyerle, this is a must-have gardening resource for everything Canadian gardeners need to know about native plants. Horticultural information includes height, blooming period, light requirements and moisture needs, as well as a comprehensive reference chart that provides a list of the most appropriate plants for various conditions at a glance.

This perennial favourite of Canadian gardeners is now back in print with a revised introduction, updated botanical names, new information on how to support native pollinators as well as an updated section on native plant societies.

After three decades of gardeningand almost as long writing about itLorraine Johnson still gets excited (and unrealistic!) every spring about the amount of space she has in her small city frontyard and backyard. So she regularly scrounges space from others: in community gardens, at family members houses, even city parks Her interests are mainly in the ways that growing plants (for food, for environmental benefits) nurtures the good in ourselves and the world. She views gardening as a deep and meaningful conversation with the planet. Johnson was the president of the North American Native Plant Society and is the author of numerous books on gardening and environmental issues, including The New Ontario Naturalized Garden, The Gardeners Manifesto, and City Farmer: Adventures in Urban Food Growing. Lorraine is much-in-demand throughout North America as a garden speaker on native plants. She currently lives in Toronto.

Lorraine Johnson's profile page

Andrew Leyerle's photographs have appeared in a number of publications and gardening books, as well as previous editions of 100 Easy-To-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens.

Andrew Leyerle's profile page

“filled with well-organized, practical information...Johnson’s popular compilation of native plants is a testament to her expertise as well as a sign that interest in the subject is strong...this a useful and approachable book.”

Garden Making

“Lorraine Johnson takes easy-to-grow to a whole other level.”

Desi News

“We can all help bring back bees and butterflies to our neighbourhoods. This inspiring guide helps gardeners choose plants that support local pollinators and naturally flourish without pesticides.”

David Suzuki

Burnaby Now

“The useful and concise information herein will support and diversify your home and school gardens.” — Green Teacher, Winter 2019

Green Teacher