Includes bibliographical references (pages 207-208) and index.

Gardening with a generous nature : some ground rules -- How plants grow -- Opportunistic or invasive? -- Making the most of your garden -- Self-sowers : the price is right -- Guide to serendipity : taking editorial control -- Start a seed collection -- Propagation : sow it grows -- 50 faithful volunteers -- Plants that spread : when a little goes a long way -- Guide to abundance : reuse, replant, repeat -- Propagation : easy pieces -- 50 thrilling fillers -- Frost-tender plants : push the zone -- Guide to optimism : plan ahead and save for later -- Propagation : beg a cutting -- Overwintering : in from the cold -- 50 come-back keepers -- In sum.

A bountiful garden is easy to create, and gardeners can save big by choosing plants that grow quickly and spread vigorously. The fragrant stems and dusty-blue flower spikes of anise hyssop will pop up throughout the garden when the plant goes to seed. A cascade of golden Japanese forest grass is a fast but well-contained spreader. And when you add frost-tender plants to the mix, you'll open the door to an even wider world of possibilities. This book is filled with a colorful palette of plants that self-sow, spread from their roots, and outlast our seasonal expectations. You'll find simple lessons on propagating and providing winter protection; learn how to strike the balance between letting surprises arise and taking creative control; and discover how much nature gives away for free.