Plants with Purpose

Monika Maeckle, a longtime journalist and nature writer based in San Antonio, earned her master gardener certificate in 2004. She is the founder and director of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival, which is now in its eighth year, and founded the Texas Butterfly Ranch website in 2010. She is also the author of The Rise and Fall of the Monarch Butterfly Migration.

"Considering taking up gardening, but for more than the sake of decorating your yard? Monika Maeckle's Plants with a Purpose is just the ticket. This well-designed and illustrated book will introduce you to 25 easy-to-grow Southwest favorites that meet the needs of both wildlife and your tastebuds. A bit of history, and recipes for each plant, round out this delightful read." --Douglas Tallamy, author of Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard--Douglas Tallamy "Delight your senses in a habitat garden that satisfies a quest for beauty among treasured wildlife. Monika Maeckle takes the guesswork out of plant choices that live in harmony with their surroundings to heighten seasonal admiration and engagement. Whether new to gardening or looking for new ideas, here's where to start to get better acquainted."--Linda Lehmusvirta, producer, Central Texas Gardener, Austin PBS--Linda Lehmusvirta "If you want to re-naturalize your yard, but are afraid of your HOA, this is the book for you. Integrating Monika Maeckle's suggested plants into your landscaping will turn your property into a pollinator waystation without anyone but you knowing you've gone wild!"--Mark "Merriwether" Vorderbruggen, author of Foraging: Explore Nature's Bounty and Turn Your Foraged Finds into Flavorful Feasts--Mark "Merriwether" Vorderbruggen