Plants that are indigenous to an area do not need additional watering; they are automatically adapted to the prevailing climate and weather conditions and are able to thrive under all but the most exceptional of circumstances. Gardening in harmony with nature means no longer having to provide the soil conditions and amount of water that non-indigenous species require. Waterwise Gardening in South Africa and Namibia is aimed at anyone who wants to create a new garden or convert an existing one to waterwise principles. The first part of the book focuses on general horticultural practises, such as creating the right type of garden for your climate and the best time to plant or prune. Part two details various garden types, based on South Africa's vegetation regions: Fynbos, Strandveld-fynbos and Succulent Karoo for the winter rainfall areas; Highveld, Bushveld, Thicket and Karoo for the summer rainfall regions. The forests and coastal belt of the Indian Ocean seaboard are covered, as are the Namib and adjacent desert areas, and indigenous indoor plants. For each region, representative lists of plant species are presented in categories such as trees, shrubs, perennials, architectural plants, succulents etc, with notes on plant form, height and growth rate, flower colour, months in flower and whether they prefer sun or shade.

Patrick Watson is currently South Africa’s most innovative and versatile landscape architect. Known for designing extensive mega-sites, such as Sun City and an entire Indian Ocean Island, he is also the creator of exquisite small home gardens and quiet spaces for reflection, such as at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. A highly sought-after designer, he has created over 200 gardens in Africa and many others elsewhere. He seldom works from carefully drawn plans, instead combining artistic intuition with extensive botanical knowledge and a deep concern for the conservation and restoration of nature. His projects are creative, fresh with inspiration, and often bold, and he uses mostly indigenous plants, colours, landforms and space to create visual and emotional experiences. Covering 23 gardens and landscapes, and richly supported by exquisite photographs and specially commissioned artworks, Veld is a beautiful tribute to a remarkable talent and visionary whose work is deeply informed by nature. It recognises and celebrates the combination of knowledge, skill and instinct that make up the man, and the radical influence he has had on his profession, and the landscapes he has restored. Sales points: An exquisite record of a broad spectrum of gardens and landscapes. Lavishly illustrated with superb photographs and specially commissioned artworks. A must-have reference for professional landscape designers, architects, landscape photographers and all aspirant gardeners.