This volume presents a collection of narratives extolling the virtues of native plantings, outlining their fundamental contributions to our natural ecosystems, detailing our connections with them, describing the perils they currently face, and advocating for their preservation in the garden and larger landscape. Full of adventures and insights from scientists, gardeners, and writers working in the trenches with native plants, the essays are designed to address and engage both gardeners and non gardening nature lovers alike. The 16 essays are loosely grouped into four themed sections: "Defining and Collecting," "Native Plants in Nature, ': "Native Plants in Gardens," and "Native Plants in Public."--