To be considered for this random giveaway, leave a comment below through the end of Friday, June 4, 2010.* When you think about sustainable landscaping, you probably consider water efficiency and using low-maintenance native plantings. But do you think about energy efficiency? Cooling the air, cooling the ground, and harnessing the sun, wind, and water? Landscape architect Sue Reed has put together a comprehensive resource on the topic in Energy-Wise Landscape Design: A New Approach for your Home and Garden.

To be considered for this random giveaway, leave a comment below through the end of Friday, June 4, 2010.*

When you think about sustainable landscaping, you probably consider water efficiency and using low-maintenance native plantings.  But do you think about energy efficiency?  Cooling the air, cooling the ground, and harnessing the sun, wind, and water?  Landscape architect Sue Reed has put together a comprehensive resource on the topic in Energy-Wise Landscape Design: A New Approach for your Home and Garden.  In the new book by New Society Publishers, Reed explains how to save money and energy, while creating a beautiful and natural landscape.

The publisher was kind enough to send us a review copy of Reed's book, which covers the following topics:

• Ch1: The Sun and the Wind
• Ch2: Shading the House
• Ch3: Cooling the Air Around the House
• Ch4: Cooling the Ground Near the House
• Ch5: Taking Advantage of the Sun's Heat
• Ch6: Reducing the Chilling Effect of Winter Wind
• Ch7: Creating Healthy Working Ecosystems
• Ch8: Reducing (or Eliminating) Lawn
• Ch9: Using Water Efficiently
• Ch10: Fitting the Landscape to the Land
• Ch11: Designing the Car Zone
• Ch12: Making the Most of Every Element
• Ch13: Situating New Homes with Energy in Mind
• Ch14: Installing and Maintaining Planted Areas
• Ch15: Building Structures in the Landscape
• Ch16: Constructing New Homesites
• Ch17: Making Electricity from Sunlight
• Ch18: Generating Electricity from the Wind
• Ch19: Harnessing the Energy of Flowing Water
• Ch20: Capturing the Warmth of the Ground
• Ch21: Lighting with Energy in Mind

Reed provides general guidelines backed up by design tips, construction tips, and action items to implement the guidelines successfully.  As a result, I think you'll find Energy-Wise Landscape Design both highly informative and simply understood at the same time.

[+] Buy a copy of Energy-Wise Landscape Design from Amazon.

*To participate in this giveaway contest, leave a comment here by midnight MST on Friday, June 4, 2010.  One comment per person; use a valid email; available only in the United States.  By leaving a comment, you agree to the terms and conditions relating to giveaways on Jetson Green.