Robert Kourik Livres

Understanding Roots contains over 115 enchanting and revealing root drawings that most people have never seen, from prairies, grasslands, and deserts, as well as drawings based on excavations of vegetable, fruit, nut, and ornamental tree roots. Every root system presented in this book was drawn by people literally working in the trenches, sketching the roots where they grew. The text provides a very detailed review of all aspects of transplanting; describes how roots work their magic to improve soil nutrients; investigates the hidden life of soil microbes and their mysterious relationship to roots; explores the question of whether deep roots really gather more unique nutrients than shallow roots; shares the latest research about the mysteries of mycorrhizal (good fungal) association; shows you exactly where to put your fertilizer, compost, water, and mulch to help plants flourish; tells you why gray water increases crop yields more than fresh water; and, most importantly, reveals the science behind all the above (with citations for each scientific paper).

Focusing on efficient water use, this guide offers practical insights into drip irrigation, emphasizing its effectiveness for enhancing plant growth and resilience during droughts. Robert Kourik provides clear instructions on selecting the right materials to avoid confusion, ensuring successful irrigation for vegetables, trees, shrubs, and container plants across various climates, including those with inconsistent rainfall. This resource is ideal for gardeners looking to maximize yields while conserving water.

Focusing on practical techniques, this guide offers a detailed approach to creating both beautiful and functional landscapes. It emphasizes the integration of aesthetics with productivity, providing readers with actionable steps to enhance their outdoor spaces. The book covers various design principles, plant selection, and sustainable practices, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to transform their environment into a harmonious and efficient landscape.

In this lively and inspiring book, veteran horticulturalist Robert Kourik (aka “Bob”) unfolds his manifesto of “Inspired Laziness”―using efficiency and forethought to create gardens and landscapes with a lot less work and a lot more enjoyment. By following Kourik's relaxed and readable guidance, both beginning and accomplished gardeners will discover how to save time and money, enrich their soil, increase their yields, and reduce their effort, all while absorbing “Bob’s” philosophy of kicking back and growing more good times. Drawing on over four decades of immersing himself in horticultural work (and writing about it), Robert shares his hard-won secrets for the easiest planning, planting, cultivating, landscaping, irrigating, de-pestifying, and finding enjoyment in settings ranging from window-box herbs to showy ornamental plantings to the now-classic “edible landscape.” In Lazy-Ass Gardening , you’ll learn how