Writing with great passion, Thompson (formerly head of the physiology section at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, England, he runs a garden school in Shropshire) describes "matrix" planting. Focusing on the right plant for the right spot in terms of soil, water, and light, this system relies especially on native plants, allowing them to grow together in a symbiotic matrix that minimizes or eliminates weeding and watering. The woes of what Thompson terms orthodox gardening, which is labor-intensive in the amount of weeding, pruning, and watering required, are contrasted with matrix planting, both in his introductory chapters and in the subsequent hands-on chapters describing different kinds of garden situations. Practical applications, including soil preparation and planting in a range of situations are described. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)