In 2002, while the western United States was undergoing its severest drought in recorded history, home gardeners and professional landscapers alike turned to hardy native plants to replace their thirsty exotics. Xeriscaping-literally, "dry landscaping"—emerged from the shadows of traditional gardening to become the trendy if not dominant inspiration for garden design. In Requiem for a Lawnmower Sally and Andy Wasowski offer a timely manifesto on this more naturalistic approach to gardening, "working with Mother Nature, not fighting her." Consisting of practical advice as well as calls to action, the Wasowski's professed hope is that Requiem for a Lawnmower "will send you into the garden-and the voting booth-with a fresh perspective."

Illustrated by: Vahan Shirvanian