Plant This, Not That

Elise Howard's 'Plant This, Not That' is a field-friendly guide that matches familiar garden plants with appropriate native alternatives, organized by landscape use such as hedges, foundations, and specimen trees.

The book provides growing requirements, ecological benefits, range maps, and photos to help gardeners across regions select suitable native swaps.

It emphasizes practical transitions from conventional to native gardening with attention to invasives, plant communities, and keystone species.

Howard includes actionable advice on maintenance, prioritizing biomass and layers in the garden, and resources like BONAP and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for further research.

The book aims to lower the barrier for gardeners to add natives, increasing habitat value for pollinators and larval insects that support birds and broader ecosystems.