"Gardens and Neighbors will provide an important building block in the growing body of literature on the ways that Roman law, Roman society, and the economic concerns of the Romans jointly functioned in the real world." ---Michael Peachin, New York University As is increasingly true today, fresh water in ancient Italy was a limited resource, made all the more precious by the Roman world's reliance on agriculture as its primary source of wealth. From estate to estate, the availability of water varied, in many cases forcing farmers in need of access to resort to the law. In Gardens and Neighbors: Private Water Rights in Roman Italy, Cynthia Bannon explores the uses of the law in controlling local water supplies. She investigates numerous issues critical to rural communities and the Roman economy. Her examination of the relationship between farmers and the land helps draw out an understanding of Roman attitudes toward the exploitation and conservation of natural resources and builds an understanding of law in daily Roman life. An editor of the series Law and Society in the Ancient World, Cynthia Jordan Bannon is also Associate Professor of Classical Studies at Indiana University, Bloomington. Her previous book was The Brothers of Romulus: Fraternal Pietas in Roman Law, Literature, and Society (1997). Visit the author's website: http://www.iub.edu/~classics/faculty/bannon.shtml. Jacket illustration: Barren Tuscan Fields in Winter © 2009 Scott Gilchrist. Image from stock.archivision.com.

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

Combines practical wisdom on ecological design and community-building with a fresh, green perspective on an age-old subject. Activist and urban gardener Heather Flores shares her nine-step permaculture design to help farmsteaders and city dwellers alike build fertile soil, promote biodiversity, and increase natural habitat in their own "paradise gardens." This joyful lifestyle manual inspires readers to apply the principles of the paradise garden--simplicity, resourcefulness, creativity, mindfulness, and community--to all aspects of life. Plant "guerrilla gardens" in barren intersections and medians; organize community meals; start a street theater troupe or host a local art swap; free your kitchen from refrigeration and enjoy truly fresh, nourishing foods from your own plot of land; work with children to create garden play spaces. Flores cares passionately about the damaged state of our environment and our throwaway society. Here, she shows us how to reclaim the earth, one garden at a time.--From publisher description.

Turn a shady yard into a sumptuous garden Shade is one of the most common garden situations homeowner’s have, but with the right plant knowledge, you can triumph over challenging areas and learn to embrace shade as an opportunity instead of an obstacle. Glorious Shade celebrates the benefits of shade and shows you how to make the most of it. This information-rich, hardworking guide is packed with everything you need to successfully garden in the shadiest corners of a yard. You'll learn how to determine what type of shade you have and how to choose the right plants for the space. The book also shares the techniques, design and maintenance tips that are key to growing a successful shade garden. Stunning color photographs offer design inspiration and reveal the beauty of shade-loving plants.

As a young girl climbs the seven stories to her own (very boring!) apartment, she imagines what’s behind each of the doors she passes. Does the door with all the locks belong to a family of thieves? Might the doorway with muddy footprints conceal a pet tiger? Each spread reveals—in lush detail—the wilds of the girl’s imagination, from a high-flying circus to an underwater world and everything in between. When the girl finally reaches her own apartment, she is greeted by her parents, who might have a secret even wilder than anything she could have imagined!

Growing food in a community garden is a great idea, and lots of communities have them. When the fruits and vegetables are ready, everyone gets to take some home. This book will teach young readers about working with their neighbors to grow a garden. Reluctant readers will be drawn in by the accessible text. Full-color photographs on each page help children connect with what they’re reading. Readers will be eager to pick up this book and learn about community gardens.

Harriet and her pals are playing baseball in the park near Mrs. Hoozit’s house. When George hits a fly ball, Harriet’s determined to catch it. She’s concentrating so hard, she runs right into Mrs. Hoozit’s garden of prize flowers. Harriet panics and runs away. That night Harriet feels terrible—she can’t even eat the special treat her mom makes for her. What can she do?

"Grampp traces the ways that Americans have shaped their yards in response to national shifts in the economy, from an agricultural to an industrial base, to changing notions of suburbanization and related zoning practices, to the growth of city services, and to a baby boom after World War II that firmly established the single-family house and yard as the preferred American dwelling. He finishes by focusing on home grounds in California which, due to factors such as climate, land costs, demographics, and the popularity of Sunset magazine, have emerged as quintessential outdoor family rooms."--BOOK JACKET.

So your neighbor's giant sequoia is blocking your view. Who ya gonna call? The search for a 'dispute buster' should end with this helpful new book. Sunset Magazine - For anyone with a neighbor problem, [Neighbor Law] is a handy book indeed. It walks the reader through written and common law, tells you what your rights are and how to follow through on a complaint all the way to court, if necessary.- Oakland Tribune - Explains how to use mediation services, research local laws, and present a convincing case in small claims court. - Reuters - Surprisingly, this is a fun read. The author includes interesting sidebars and court decisions to clarify her explanations. - Sacramento Bee - A Nolo book that gives practical, no-nonsense approaches to handling neighbor disputes. - Los Angeles Times - This classic book, which keeps getting better with each new edition, answers virtually all questions regarding fences, trees, boundaries and noise.- Orlando Sentinel - Jordan peppers the book with real stories of problems neighbors have with each other. The stories are interesting and, in some cases, hilarious. - Arizona Republic - Even if you don't have a serious neighbor problem yet, this well-written and complete book is a fun and educational read. It is extremely thorough and well-documented. 4 stars: excellent. - Robert Bruss, nationally syndicated real-estate columnist