Garden allies : the insects, birds, & other animals that keep your garden beautiful and thriving / Frédérique Lavoipierre ; illustrations by Craig Latker.

Includes bibliographical references (page 304), filmography (page 305) and index.

Introduction -- A closer look at "bugs" -- Life beneath our feet -- On the wing: bees, butterflies & other flower visitors -- Digging deeper: predators and parasites -- Meet the beetles -- The garden commons: true bugs, lacewings & other familiar garden insects -- The ground crew and beyond: centipedes, spiders, other arthropods, galls & pathogens -- High and low: birds, bats & other vertebrates -- Epilogue: Gardening matters.

"The birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects that inhabit our yards and gardens are overwhelmingly on our side--they are not our enemies, but instead our allies. They pollinate our flowers and vegetable crops, and they keep pests in check. In Garden Allies, Frédérique Lavoipierre shares fascinating portraits of these creatures, describing their life cycles and showing how they keep the garden's ecology in balance. Also included is helpful information on how to nurture and welcome these valuable creatures into your garden."--Amazon.com.