"An invaluable resource for the home or commercial gardener who wishes to plant native species."--Edward W. Chester, Austin Peay State University
The natural landscape of Tennessee represents a unique treasure for gardeners and nature lovers. Encompassing several geographically distinctive regions, from the 6,000-foot peaks of the Unaka Mountains to the swampy floodplain of the Mississippi River, the state boasts nearly 3,000 native plant species. This stunning diversity of life owes much to Tennessee's prime location at the crossroads of mountain and prairie ecosystems and in the transition area between northern and southern climate patterns.
In Gardening with the Native Plants of Tennessee, Margie Hunter gives gardeners the knowledge they need in order to nurture this natural heritage in their own gardens. Beginning with a survey of the state's ecology--including geology, geography, plant life and animal species--Hunter takes a holistic approach to the process of gardening with native plants. The book's main section provides detailed accounts of 450 species of wildflowers, ferns, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees native to Tennessee and adjacent states. These descriptions, arranged according to plant type, include both scientific and common name, flowering and fruiting times, propagation methods, soil and light requirements, and distribution patterns within the state. Nearly 400 color photographs illustrate the species discussions.
No other book designed for the home gardener includes such area-specific information on native species or such a comprehensive listing of plants. Appendixes refer readers to other sources of information and seeds, including mail-order nurseries, botanical gardens, state agencies, native plant organizations, and subject-specific conferences. A detailed bibliography also contributes to the reference value of this book for gardeners, landscapers, and nature lovers throughout Tennessee and in neighboring states.
The Author: Margie Hunter, a long-time volunteer at Cheekwood Botanical Garden, lives in Nashville.

When Margie Hunter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, she embarked on a journey to find wellness. In Transcending MS, she describes a breakthrough and effective approach to reducing or eliminating MS symptoms through an application of both Eastern and Western medicine and techniques-steps she used to conquer the illness. A yoga practitioner, today Hunter is symptom-free and lives a higher quality of life than before her diagnosis. She shares what MS sufferers need to know to return to balanced health: -a simple, straightforward, self-care treatment plan; -comprehensive breathing, meditation, and stress management techniques for all levels; -detailed yoga postures to incorporate into daily life; -a nutritional and supplement guide to adjust the dietary lifestyle for the better; -recommendations Hunter used to overcome MS symptoms; and -a thirty-one-day process that supports the first month toward vibrant health.