The Nature of Plants: An Introduction to How Plants Work

Written by Craig N. Huegel

Narrated by Tom Parks

Plants play a critical role in how we experience our environment. They create calming green spaces, provide oxygen for us to breathe, and nourish our senses. In The Nature of Plants, ecologist and nursery owner Craig Huegel demystifies the complex lives of plants and provides listeners with an extensive tour into their workings.

Beginning with the importance of light, water, and soil, Huegel describes the process of photosynthesis and how best to position plants to receive optimal sunlight. He explains why plants suffer from overwatering, what essential elements plants need to flourish, and what important soil organisms reside with them. Listeners will understand the difference between friendly and hostile bacteria, fungi, and insects.

Sections on plant structure and reproduction focus in detail on major plant organs-roots, stems, and leaves-and cover flowering, pollination, fruit development, and seed germination. Huegel even delves into the mysterious world of plant communication, exploring the messages conveyed to animals or other plants through chemical scents and hormones.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Jul 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781705247143

Reviews for The Nature of Plants

[Dom Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Equal parts thorough and accessible. I love how the book doesn’t shy away from explaining complex plant biology concepts — but in a super straightforward way. I felt really smart listening to this book…and more importantly, I feel like a better gardener.

[Megan Malarcher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful, engaging and a fantastic introduction to botany. Expect a full explanation of plant biology and nothing less.

[Sharon Rubio Nanfelt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to learn how and why plants require the care they do - systematically, which is exactly what this book provides. Listen and learn in a way you’ve never been told before. It’s sometimes very technical- especially for an audiobook, however the knowledge gained is worth an attentive listen.

[jimi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book about plants. I enjoyed it very much and learned alot

[Nancy Davis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book! This well researched, fascinating book on plants concludes with supporting the notion that we are indeed all one. Along the same lines as Peter Wohlleben's Hidden Life of Trees, Huegl explores the operations of plants that increases amazement at these sentient beings. Useful for those who wish to better understand their gardens, house plants and the wonder of life all around us. Highly recommended.