sounds like an interesting book, Deirdre even with the drawbacks you mention. It is quite horrible when you think of what we used in the garden in our younger years. Luckily we didn"t suffer although you do wonder about the soil- I often think this is why we don"t see so many Christmas beetles. Anne Thanks, Anne. I used to think that a lot of gardening simply meant spraying. Definitely I think bees have been affected by nasty sprays - we do not seem to have as many around these days. Deirdre

It sounds a useful book, with lots to think about re "pests" in the garden. Anything we can do to keep a good balance is desirable. I do try encourage the beneficial creatures, and seem to have a variety of bees, stick insects, spiders, dragon flies, etc. in my garden, but sometimes the use of a low-toxic material is used, e.g. Eco Oil. Perhaps reading this book will help us re-think our actions. Thanks for the excellent review. Thanks, Margaret. It is marvellous to think there are so many beneficial creatures around. I do use Eco-oil on some plants and find it useful. Deirdre

Thanks for the review, I think it sounds a worthwhile book and it"s good to see we are turning around the idea of toxic sprays in favour of better solutions for the health of plants,soil,creatures and us. Besides the beneficial insects the creatures that help in my garden are the water dragon, skinks, birds and I"m telling myself that the darn turkeys (4)which wander thru and hang about may be keeping the ticks down being scratchers and pickers (perhaps wishful thinking:-) Great to think there could be good things that the BTs do! I just find they dig up so much of my garden and scatter mulch everywhere! The babies are quite cute when just hatched. Deirdre

To my great joy I have native blue bees in my garden. They are the same size as ordinary bees but instead of yellow stripes have glorious iridescent blue ones They fly in a rapid erratic way between plants. Biodiversity is beautiful! They sound fab, Anne. Deirdre

Thanks Deidre you"ve inspired a purchase. We have waves of different insects come through our place over spring and summer. It would be wonderful to know what they are and what they do. Some are really remarkable to look at. Yes the book has made me want to be more observant of creatures rather than only of plants in the garden. Deirdre

We grow with our gardens, and I notice the new insects visiting my garden, and I try to choose certain plants that attract different insects and wildlife. We have plenty of water skinks, butterflies and solitary bees and lizards and birds and the odd bush turkey which tries my patience. We learn to live with them. Thanks for sharing. Thanks, Chris. I do think that close observation pays off, and choosing certain plants to encourage beneficials is so helpful. Deirdre

What an interesting book. I have begun to take more of an interest in insect identification to see if they are friend or foe - before arming myself with the usual chemical potions. Would definitely help to understand if there is indeed insect damage or just a plant issue. We have skinks, blue banded bees and golden orb spiders in the garden at present. Butterflies and moths are abundant in summer and concentrating on attracting more of the smaller birds to dine on the caterpillars. I have just spent a weekend in the country surrounded by an abundance of bird life. The small birds, including blue wrens, were an utter delight. Deirdre

Good Morning, It is a wonderful reference book----and even more so when you know that David Hockings is a renewed plant breeder with Plant Breeders Rights to many flowers and plants----and he is 80+ years old and still gets around looking out for endangered plants, we should all be able to live a life as full as his. Thank you, Brian. A very inspiring man. Deirdre

Now that is something I could well do with. Thank you for sharing Deidre. Thanks, Lyn. Deirdre

Thanks for the review Deirdre. I have often looked at various insects (or whatever they are!) in my garden and wondered if they are doing damage or doing good. It will be very interesting and helpful to have this book in my gardening library. Hope you find it useful. I enjoyed just browsing through it and looking at all the photos. Deirdre

D, For a couple of years I had a problem with some sort of borer beetle on my staghorn ferns which were suffering. Luckily I never got around to finding a "suitable" spray to deal with it. Guess what? The problem went away by itself and now the staghorns are better than ever! I belive now that often the best approach is to do nothing but observe. Thankyou so much for reviewing this book. I look forward to reading a copy sometime...john... Thanks, John. I agree observation is very important. Deirdre

Just back from Tasmania, where they have the most enormous beautiful bees busily pollinating everything in bloom. I love those big bees - saw lots in New Zealand gardens. Deirdre

Hi Deirdre, I refuse to use ANY sprays in my garden, full stop. Cheers, Peta That"s great, Peta. I"ve tried to minimise them as much as possible. Deirdre

We haven"t yet read the book, but as entomologists with a keen professional and personal interest in good and bad bugs, we thoroughly endorse getting to know which is which and avoiding toxicants. Did you know that Confidor, one of the most commonly used home garden and agricultural pesticides, is systemic and highly toxic to not just bees but a wide range of beneficial insects and other wildlife, plus the effects can last for months. Marilyn and Stephen Thanks, Marilyn and Stephen - these are important issues for gardeners to be aware of. Deirdre

Marilyn and Stephen - So do you know why Confidor is permitted? I only use the occasional soap spray in my garden. Are they safe? Anything that needs more isn"t suited to it"s environment, I feel.