Local nurseryman, Paul Dowlearn, of Wichita Valley Landscape and Nursery, has published his book, The Lazy Man's Garden: Maximum return; Minimum input. The book focuses, as the title suggests, on minimal effort in gardening and yard care with a quality output. Dowlearn writes, "Americans are intensively growing millions of acres of lawn grasses. We are also attempting to grow mostly non-native exotic hybrids for ornamentals. Much of this traditional culture is not sustainable. Vegetable gardening is one of the few things that survived our landscaping ethic to give the homeowner benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Utilizing native plants, creating habitat for wildlife, and seeking out old tried and true heirloom plants are current trends that promise a more relaxed, eco-friendly style. Homeowners today are demanding low water, low maintenance, and plants that don't need to be replaced on a seasonal basis. The landscaping industry has been slow to respond. Although there are a growing number of landscape professionals who share the viewpoint of the author, they are, unfortunately still in the minority. How far will the 20th Century horticulture and agriculture regimes carry us into the 21st Century? Are we really getting our money's worth out of our landscaping investment? Are all these different fertilizers, chemicals, and hardware truly necessary? Not so, says The Lazy Man. Follow the journey from where we've been, where we are, to where we are going with a lifetime gardener, landscaping veteran, and naturalist. Read on...."
About the Author: Paul Dowlearn is the co-owner of Wichita Valley Landscape, Past president of the Red River Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas, member of the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Research Center, Riverbend Nature Center and Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association. Paul has lived in Wichita Falls since he was three years old and has been an avid gardener since childhood. Paul does landscape design and installation through his nursery in Wichita Falls, and has focused on xeriscape and low maintenance landscapes for the last twenty years. Paul has authored numerous articles on native and well adapted plants, plus organic gardening methods for newspapers and magazines, as well as speaking to many organizations throughout Texas and Oklahoma. He has hosted local radio and TV call-in shows and teaches landscaping courses at Vernon College.