Permaculture is a verbal marriage of “permanent” and “agriculture.” Australian Bill Mollison pioneered its development. Key features include:

use of compatible perennials;

non-invasive planting techniques;

emphasis on biodiversity;

specifically adaptable to local climate, landscape, and soil conditions;

highly productive output of edibles.
Now, picture your backyard as one incredibly lush garden, filled with edible flowers, bursting with fruit and berries, and carpeted with scented herbs and tangy salad greens. The visual impact is of Monet’s palette, a wash of color, texture, and hue. But this is no still life. The flowers nurture endangered pollinators. Bright-featured songbirds feed on abundant berries and gather twigs for their nests.
The plants themselves are grouped in natural communities, where each species plays a role in building soil, deterring pests, storing nutrients, and luring beneficial insects. And finally, you--good ol’ homo sapiens--are an integral part of the scene. Your garden tools are resting against a nearby tree, and have a slight patina of rust, because this garden requires so little maintenance. You recline into a hammock to admire your work. You have created a garden paradise.
This is no dream, but rather an ecological garden, which takes the principles of permaculture and applies them on a home-scale. There is nothing technical, intrusive, secretive, or expensive about this form of gardening. All that is required is some botanical knowledge (which is in this book) and a mindset that defines a backyard paradise as something other than a carpet of grass fed by MiracleGro.

Author: Toby Hemenway
Paperback:  240 pages
Company: Chelsea Green  (2001-04-01)
ISBN: 1890132527
List Price: $24.95
Amazon Price: $15.51
Used Price: $14.00

Author: Robert Pogue Harrison
Hardcover:  262 pages
Company: University Of Chicago Press  (2008-05-15)
ISBN: 0226317897
List Price: $24.00
Amazon Price: $15.12
Used Price: $16.16

The Edible Estates project proposes the replacement of the domestic front lawn with a highly productive edible landscape. It was initiated by architect and artist Fritz Haeg on Independence Day, 2005, with the planting of the first regional prototype garden in the geographic center of the United States, Salina, Kansas. Since then three more prototype gardens have been created, in Lakewood, California; Maplewood, New Jersey and London, England. Edible Estates regional prototype gardens will ultimately be established in nine cities across the United States.
Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn documents the first four gardens with personal accounts written by the owners, garden plans and photographs illustrating the creation of the gardens--from ripping up the grass to harvesting a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Essays by Haeg, landscape architect Diana Balmori, garden and food writer Rosalind Creasy, author Michael Pollan and artist and writer Lesley Stern set the Edible Estates project in the context of larger issues concerning the environment, global food production and the imperative to generate a sense of community in our urban and suburban neighborhoods. This smart, affordable and well-designed book also includes reports and photographs from the owners of other edible front yards around the country, as well as helpful resources to guide you in making your own Edible Estate.

Paperback:  128 pages Illustrated
Company: Metropolis Books  (2008-02-01) (2008-02-01)
ISBN: 1933045744
List Price: $24.95
Amazon Price: $16.08
Used Price: $17.37

Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands: Guiding Principles to Welcome Rain into Your Life and Landscape is the first volume of three-volume guide on how to conceptualize, design, and implement sustainable water-harvesting systems for your home, landscape, and community. This book enables you to assess your on-site resources, gives you a diverse array of strategies to maximize their potential, and empowers you with guiding principles to create an integrated, multi-functional water-harvesting plan specific to your site and needs. Volume 1 helps bring your site to life, reduce your cost of living, endow you with skills of self-reliance, and create living air conditioners of vegetation growing beauty, food, and wildlife habitat. Stories of people who are successfully welcoming rain into their life and landscape will invite you to do the same!

Author: Brad Lancaster
Paperback:  200 pages
Company: Chelsea Green Publishing Company  (2006-01)
ISBN: 097724640X
List Price: $24.95
Amazon Price: $15.65
Used Price: $14.79

This bestselling encyclopedia, illustrated with brilliant photographs, describes the best woody plants adapted to cooler climates, showing both habit and details of more than 500 species, and including some 700 additional cultivars and varieties. Brief cultural information is supplied for each plant, as well as Dirr's perceptive comments and opinions.

Author: Michael A. Dirr
Hardcover:  494 pages Illustrated
Company: Timber Press, Incorporated  (1997-10-01)
ISBN: 0881924040
List Price: $69.95
Amazon Price: $40.00
Used Price: $34.95

Tasha Tudor's poignant art has fascinated adults and children for decades. Her nineteenth-century New England lifestyle is legendary. Gardeners are especially intrigued by the profusion of antique flowers -- spectacular poppies, six-foot foxgloves, and intoxicating peonies -- in the cottage gardens surrounding her hand-hewn house. Until now we've only caught glimpses of Tasha Tudor's landscape. In this gorgeous book, two of her friends, the garden writer Tovah Martin and the photographer Richard Brown, take us into the magical garden and then behind the scenes. As we revel in the bedlam of Johnny-jump-ups and cinnamon pinks, the intricacy of the formal peony garden, and the volumptuousness of her heirloom roses, we also learn Tasha's gardening secrets. How does she coax forth her finicky camellia blossoms in the dead of a Vermont winter? How does she train that fantastic topiary to model for her artwork? How can she keep her crown imperials from tumbling in the winds? Tasha's garden reflects a wealth of family lore, perfected through the years and years of working the soil. We may be dazzled by the beauty of the garden, but we come away from this book with practical ideas about improving our own plots of land. "Paradise on earth" is how Tasha describes her garden, and along with the flowers and the vegetables that provide her food, her paradise is filled with an enchanting menagerie -- corgies, Nubian goats, cats, chickens, fantail doves, and forty or more exotic finches, cockatiels, canaries, nightingales, and parrots, which inhabit her collection of antique cages. Tasha's beautiful watercolors and her enchanting anecdotes color this sublimely beautiful book.

Author: Tovah Martin
Hardcover:  160 pages
Company: Houghton Mifflin  (1994-10-05)
ISBN: 0395436095
List Price: $35.00
Amazon Price: $21.12
Used Price: $16.15

The right kind of stone and how you incorporate it in your landscape and garden can make all the difference. Stone, a broad term that includes pavers, fieldstones, bricks, rocks and boulders, and stone veneer, can be used to create a distinct yet practical component to any yard. And with the variety of natural and manufactured stone products widely available today, incorporating stone in the landscape is no longer out of reach.

Stonescaping Idea Book showcases a wide range of inspiring and practical ideas for using stone in all types of landscape settings and for all budgets and regions of the country. Along with tried-and-true designs for inviting walkways and beautiful walls, new ways of using stone in gardens and patio spaces are also presented. You’ll discover ideas for creating graceful streams, waterfalls, or even simple fountains that will help transform your backyard into a private retreat. And you’ll find a wide range of outdoor living spaces that family and friends can enjoy for years to come. As the examples in the book demonstrate, there is a world of stone to explore; this book will help get you started on the right path.

Topics covered include:
Patios & Terraces
Paths, Walks & Steps
Walls
Pools & Ponds
Seating & Sculpture

Author: Andrew Wormer
Paperback:  144 pages Illustrated
Company: Taunton  (2006-03-07) (2006-03-07)
ISBN: 156158763X
List Price: $14.95
Amazon Price: $7.46
Used Price: $5.95

Author: C. Colston Burrell
Paperback:  384 pages
Company: Rodale Books  (2008-02-19) (2008-02-19)
ISBN: 1594868530
List Price: $22.95
Amazon Price: $11.87
Used Price: $14.41

Author: Pat Sagui
Paperback:  224 pages
Company: Creative Homeowner  (2005-02-01)
ISBN: 1580111122
List Price: $19.95
Amazon Price: $10.00
Used Price: $8.48

Turn water scarcity into water abundance!
Earthworks are one of the easiest, least expensive, and most effective ways of passively harvesting and conserving multiple sources of water in the soil. Associated vegetation then pumps the harvested water back out in the form of beauty, food, shelter, wildlife habitat, and passive heating and cooling strategies, while controlling erosion, increasing soil fertility, reducing downstream flooding, and improving water and air quality.
Building on the information presented in Volume 1, this book shows you how to select, place, size, construct, and plant your chosen water-harvesting earthworks. It presents detailed how-to information and variations of a diverse array of earthworks, including chapters on mulch, vegetation, and greywater recycling so you can customize the techniques to the unique requirements of your site.
Real life stories and examples permeate the book, including:

How curb cuts redirect street runoff to passively irrigate flourishing shade trees planted along the street

How check dams have helped create springs and perennial flows in once-dry creeks

How infiltration basins are creating thriving rain-fed gardens

How backyard greywater laundromats are turning “wastewater” into a resource growing food, beauty, and shade that builds community, and more

How to create simple tools to read slope and water flow

More than 225 illustrations and photographs

Author: Brad Lancaster
Paperback:  336 pages
Company: Rainsource Press  (2007-07-01)
ISBN: 0977246418
List Price: $32.95
Amazon Price: $19.77
Used Price: $19.94

Incredibly easy to use, this electric lawn and garden timer from Gilmour keeps your yard looking its best, even during hot summer months. The two-dial system with electronic keypad is a snap to set: Simply press Enter and listen for the audio beep to confirm program entry; the system will then repeat the watering cycle at the interval set. You can set the program to repeat every 24 hours or you can set it to skip a day. You can also choose a repeat interval from once every six hours up to once every seventh day, and you can set the watering duration from two minutes up to 120 minutes. There are also manual on/off settings that let you water exactly how often you wish, and a swivel nut for easy connection to the faucet. The timer requires two AA alkaline batteries (not included).

Tools & Hardware:  Set repeat interval from once every 6 hours up to once every 7th day, Set to water from two minutes up to 120 minutes, Manual on/off settings, Swivel nut for easy connection to faucet, Requires 2 AA Alkaline batteries (not included)
Company: Gilmour 
List Price: $32.99
Amazon Price: $25.35

Finally a way to keep unwanted animals out of the garden and protect your yard, fruit trees, vegetables and flowers from hungry or destructive creatures. Cats, dogs, deer, rabbits, large birds, and many others. The patented Scarecrow motion-activated sprinkler is the smartest scarecrow ever invented. When it sees an intruder it instantly releases full garden hose water pressure towards the trespasser. The effect is both startling and immediate. Animals quickly get out of the area and avoid it in the future.The ScareCrow motion-activated sprinkler is constructed of durable, high-quality materials, and has been designed to provide many years of reliable service.

Side view of spray radius. Click to enlarge.

Top view of spray radius. Click to enlarge.

Using the ScareCrow is easy. Simply attach a standard garden hose to its base, set the ScareCrow in the ground in the area you want to protect, and then turn on the water. Once you switch the unit on, it is ready to go.

How does it work?
The ScareCrow uses a combination of sudden noise, unexpected movement, and a startling blast of water to create a memorable and unpleasant experience for the trespasser.
The animal immediately associates this unpleasant experience with the location, and to avoid similar surprises, learns to avoid the area. If an animal chooses to return, the ScareCrow will be waiting.
While a human may flee several steps after activating a ScareCrow, animals are typically affected to a much greater degree. In most cases they run much farther, and stay away longer. Because the unit only triggers when the animal moves, its behavior is difficult for animals to anticipate, making it a very effective deterrent.

Tools & Hardware:  Scarecrow motion-activated sprinkler for humane animal deterrence, Detects and sprays animals in a 1,000 square foot area day and night, Lightweight plastic shaft; metal sprinkler head, Includes sprinkler, mount, and motion detector; 9-volt battery not included, 2-year limited warranty
Company: Contech 
List Price: $90.00
Amazon Price: Too low to display

This innovative oscillating sprinkler design can water medium-to-large yards, is fully adjustable, and comes with a built-in timer and flow control mechanisms. While many oscillating sprinklers allow you to adjust the range of the spray, this one also provides adjustments for controlling the width and the water flow. At the highest water pressure (56 psi), the width can be adjusted from 13 to 56 feet and the range from 23 to 69 feet. At low water pressure (28 psi), the width can be set from 11-1/2 to 47-1/2 feet and the range from 19-1/2 to 56.7 feet. The timer allows you to select watering times from 15 to 120 minutes, or it can be bypassed for constant flow. Gardena includes its Quick Connector hose adapter for easy time-saving hose changes and a special needle for keeping spray nozzles clean. The Aquazoom provides all the versatility and design features you could ask for in an oscillating sprinkler.

Tools & Hardware:  Aquazoom, For watering rectangular or squared garden areas (e.g. lawns and vegetables), Infinately adjustable width of spray and range of spray allows individual garden watering, Encapsulated, dirt protected sprinkler gear for a longer life, Multi-stage driven gear for uniform water distribution in each oscilllating range
Company: Gardena 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: $50.79

Tools & Hardware: 
Company: The Toro Company 
List Price: 
Amazon Price: 

The Black & Decker Hedge Hog dual action hedge trimmer with extra long blades is especially useful on taller and wider hedges and shrubs, with an inline motor design which delivers improved balance, control and precision. Using a patented blade design, this tool is strong enough to cut through branches up to 3/4 inch thick and offers dual action (both blades move) for faster cutting and 40 percent less vibration for comfort. This hedge trimmer also features a powerful 3.3 Amp motor with gear reduction for added durability; a lightweight 6.2-pound construction; full wrap-around bale handle with soft rubber grip for increased comfort and control; and extra long 24-inch pre-hardened steel blades for extended reach, even cutting, and long-lasting sharpness. Built with a lock-on switch for continuous running, a lock-off switch to prevent accidental starting, and a built-in cord retention system to avoid accidental unplugging, this convenient hedge trimmer comes fully assembled and is backed by a 2-year warranty.

Tools & Hardware:  Hedge trimmer with extra long blades ideal for taller and wider hedges and shrubs; inline motor design for improved balance, control and precision, Patented blade design strong enough to cut up to 3/4-inch thick branches; dual action for faster cutting and 40% less vibration, Powerful 3.3 Amp motor with gear reduction for durability; wrap-around handle with rubber grip for comfort and control; pre-hardened steel blades for extended reach and long-lasting sharpness, Includes lock-on switch, lock-off switch, and built-in cord retention system, Blade length: 24 inches; weight: 6.2 pounds; 2-year full warranty; comes fully assembled
Company: Black & Decker 
List Price: $90.00
Amazon Price: $69.97

The Toro 43-gallon spring bucket is great for fallen leaves, grass clippings, weeds, plant material and more. It is made from mildew resistant and UV treated mesh-supported plastic canvas, and it has an extra strong sleeved spring for secure upright standing. The four cushioned handles make lifting and emptying the bucket easier and more comfortable. To open or collapse the Spring Bucket you simply attach or detach two quick connectors.

Tools & Hardware:  43-gallon collapsible spring bucket ideal for garden debris, Extra strong sleeved spring for secure upright standing, Mildew resistant and UV treated mesh supported plastic canvas, 4 cushioned handles for easier dumping of contents, 43-gallon capacity; collapses to 3 inches for easy storage
Company: Toro  (2006-02-27)
List Price: $24.99
Amazon Price: $19.99

The Fiskars axe and knife sharpener features a patented ceramic wheel to effectively and easily sharpen axes and knives at an exact 30-degree angle. The sharpener is built for safety as well, with a built-in hand guard and non-slip feet. It is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Tools & Hardware:  Knife and axe sharpener sharpens at exact 30-degree angle, Patented ceramic wheel for effective sharpening, Built-in hand guard, Non-slip feet for additional safety, Lifetime warranty
Company: Fiskars 
List Price: $12.09
Amazon Price: $7.38

The ReelSmart crate 125 auto-rewind 125-foot hose reel comes complete with ample capacity for 125 feet of 5/8-inch hose. Intended as a floor-mounted device, the unit also features corrosion-resistant plastic, and a water-powered automatic-rewind feature is thrown into the mix for added convenience. Other features include an auto-sort guide to keep the hose from binding, and a compact design.

Tools & Hardware:  Rugged, 125-foot hose storage crate, Water-powered rewinding, Auto-sort guide for even winding, Protects hose from sun exposure, No batteries or electricity required
Company: Reel Smart 
List Price: $74.99
Amazon Price: $71.50

As any gardener knows, even the best-laid plans for spending a day with the soil can be ruined by the necessity for repeated trips to the house or shed for the proper equipment. With the Step 2 Garden Hopper, however, it's possible to pack everything you need for a full day's gardening and take it all wherever you go. The Garden Hopper features an extremely sturdy seat that's just high enough to offer a comfortable perch yet low enough to keep you close to your garden. While a molded carrying handle is included within the seat itself, the Hopper's 7-inch wheels make it simple to scoot about without rising. With its sturdy double-wall construction, the Garden Hopper is strong enough to take a lot of rugged treatment. Beneath the seat is a large storage space, perfect for holding your gloves, tools, seeds, cellular phone, and other accessories you may need. In addition, this handy garden helper includes a built-in holder for a 12-ounce beverage, eliminating the need to run back into the house for refreshment. The Garden Hopper measures about 14 inches tall, 12.5 inches wide, and about 22 inches long. --Benjamin Reese

Tools & Hardware:  Combination garden stool and storage tool with large underseat compartment, Wheeled storage container with hinged opening top and molded carry handle, Fully assembled; rustproof plastic, Stool, 7-inch wheels, 14 by 12-1/2 by 22 inches; 9 pounds; no warranty
Company: Step 2 
List Price: $34.99
Amazon Price: $24.87

The ReelSmart outdoor sink center with auto-rewind hose reel comes complete with a swivel faucet and an extra large, 24-inch sink ideal for gardening, potting, barbecue, car, or pet cleaning. This outdoor sink features two fold-out top shelves with supports, and hooks for hanging garden tools, towels, and barbecue accessories. Leader and drain hoses are included, and the center even comes with a handy storage shelf and a dual connection/control lever for the faucet and the garden hose. The sink's auto-rewind wheel can accommodate 150 feet of 5/8-inch hose, and the whole unit comes backed with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.

Tools & Hardware:  Rugged and versatile outdoor sink center with hose reel, 24-inch sink with swivel faucet, Leader and drain hoses included, Fold-out shelves and handy storage shelf, 2-year manufacturer's warranty
Company: Reel Smart 
List Price: $99.99
Amazon Price: $79.99