5 comments about Fairy Houses ... Everywhere! (The Fairy Houses Series) (The Fairy Houses Series).

1. The idea behind the book, photographs of adorable houses built for fairies out of natural materials, is wonderful, but I found that the pictures were too small for my daughter to get too excited about. In future editions, I hope the authors/publisher will consider enlarging the photos and adding more text.



2. I found this book to be inspiring when it came to the beautiful fairy houses depicted, but I have to agree with another reviewer, in that the photo quality is quite poor. The photo quality really takes away from the book and the book design is unappealing. There are annoying feathered borders on photos on graded colour backgrounds which is really distracting to the eye. It looks like the photographer used a macro lens with improper settings or without a tripod, either way most closeup photos are out of focus likely from using a shutter speed too low. I recommend a new edition with a different layout and better photography....then it would be spectacular. Overall, I was disappointed and hope they put out a better edition....this book could be a real gem.



3. This book is nice to look at and does give you some ideas about making your own fairy houses, but doesn't do anything in the way of "how to". In fact, there isn't much text at all. It would have been nice to know more about the project that inspired the book.



4. Great natural photos. My pre school daughter loved the ideas and created her own fairy house by gathering natural elements from the woods. She adds to it every weeek.



5. Anyone with an imaginative child with fairy aspirations will love this book! Share an architechtural adventure with your little one as the two of you build a home for your fairy.

5 comments about Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series).

1. i look cunningham's books. they are always very insightful and uplifting. there is just something about picking up one of his books that is different that other books. very helpful with lots of charts and lists in the appx. GREAT BOOK!! i cant stress it enough!



2. This is a very information & good book. However, as per most "Wiccan" books, it will ONLY inform you of the "light" (fluff) side of the herbs - not all uses. Magick consists of both light and dark. And, yes, I believe making dark magick too much of your knowledge/practice is a bad thing - I still strongly believe it should be included.
   Remember: All Wiccans are Witches - but not all Witches are Wiccans :)



3. It is covers a vast realm of information and is great for the beginner as well as the advanced.



4. A must have. This and my Rondale book are my two most used and go to books for anything herbal whether magical or mundane.



5. This is, first and foremost, a reference book. I think some people have taken it to be more of a complete "everything you'd ever need to know about herbs" book, but this isn't exactly the case.
   
   It's an absolutely WONDERFUL reference. Never have I personally encountered a book that had dealt with so many different herbs and done such a thorough job explaining them. I admit, here and there a bit of information might be dated, and as someone else mentioned, there are certain plants he has forgotten to label as poisonous, etc. However, if you garden at all, most of these he's forgotten are complete "duh"s anyways. (Not that it's an excuse.)
   
   I'll again say that it's not the end-all-be-all to magickal herbalism. I have a couple others (not as complete) that I like to cross reference, if it's something I'm not completely familiar with. The great bulk of his information is very accurate, though. His folklore is usually very detailed, and sometimes highly entertaining.
   
   If you're looking for something to tell you how to do potions, tinctures, elixirs, teas, salves, soaps, oils, and everything else under the sun, this won't help. It's not meant to help. As an unsolicited plug, I'll say that Oils, Incenses, and Brews is a GREAT compliment to this book, covering what I just mentioned. They make a very usable team.
   
   Also, he doesn't give much as to how to cultivate what he writes about. This, again, is something you wouldn't usually find in a reference book anyways. There are many many MANY gardening books out there that deals with this, though, and it's easier to find books particularly suited to your area. I know that English lavender prospers in New England, but that doesn't mean I can grow it in the sticky South. He doesn't cover things like this, and wouldn't have the space anyways.
   
   His cross-referencing is absolutely amazing, too. He has thoroughly gone through folk names, Latin names, solar/lunar energies, planetary energies, astrology, and, well, everything else. And he gives in very readable, easy to use tables. I really appreciate this, as I might know a folk name for something that grows in my area, but have no clue as to what it's Latin name might be. This alone is worth the price, to me.
   
   As I said at the top of my post, it's not perfect. There are some areas definitely lacking, but overall, it's a VERY good buy, and you won't be sad you got it.

5 comments about The Unlikely Lavender Queen: A Memoir of Unexpected Blossoming.

1. I'll fess up at the front that I know Jeannie & Robb, but after reading her book, I know -- and respect -- them more so. What an interesting journey in every sense of the word. Not everyone has the material with which to share such a fascinating read, yet Jeannie shares the ups and downs with beautiful writing that lets her down-to-earth personality shine through.
   
   Being a woman who can relate to more than a few of her experiences, from rollicking days in NYC, to being swept off her feet by an often stubborn man, to children and the post-partum freak-out, this was a pleasurable and often emotional read.
   
   Jeannie's a real talent with loads of courage. I'm betting there could be a part 2... Excelente!



2. Jeannie Ralston's book drew me in from the first and I could hardly put it down! She is a courageous and resiliant woman! I laughed and shed tears. What more can a reader ask! I'll be recommending this one for my book club next year!
   
   My husband and I retired to Spring Branch, near Blanco (after living happily in Houston for 40 years), so I especially identified with Jeannie's dealing with country creatures and the often contrary Central Texas weather.
   
   I hope Jeannie and her family have a wonderful life in San Miguel de Allende and I'm counting on another book.



3. A GREAT READ! On the surface it is a humerous but accurate tale of living in a small town in Texas, but that is just a side bit of "charm."
   The real essence for me was the emotional and psychological journey of a very bright, creative woman from single adult, to marital partner, to mother. Jeannie Ralston is a very conscious,honest, woman with a very articulate voice. The reader gets a holistic view-her external persona the world sees, as well as her internal process that goes on behind the "curtain."
   The author goes from a young single woman who has the initial luxury of being solely concerned with her career, her wants and desires-to marriage partner which necessitates that some of her energy gets redirected toward the wants and needs of another-to ultimately that of a mother which demands even more.
   I never thought of the author as "whiner" as did another reviewer-if I did it would have been the "pot calling the kettle black..." as complaining is part of the human condition. The key issue for me about complaining is what you do about it-and she moved beyond it to create something of value.
   As far as some reviewers concerns and criticalness of the marriage-I thought just the opposite. Its a very realistic view of a marital relationship between 2 strong and creative people. Yes her husband is a strong personality, but she is no "wilting flower." "Taking turns" is a key rule in any successful relationship-especially marriage. especially one that involves 2 career people and children. Yes, Rob got his turn first, but she managed to get fed in the process. My take on Rob and Jeannie is she will get her share of turns, and he will step back (or to the side) and give her the same opportunity she gave him.
   As a Psychotherapist, I cannot think of a time that I have recommended a novel to clients to read for therapeutic purposes-but this book is at the top of my list for many female and male clients who are trying to make sense and find hope at a critical period in their lives. To each his own-but I REALLY enjoyed this book and found it incredibly insightful and encouraging.



4. This is a whiny, sniveling account of a woman who somehow manages to be successful growing lavender. You keep reading and hoping she has an epiphany and changes. Alas, her self-centered, egotistical persona never gets it. She deems herself a martyr, but really is just a spoiled brat. If there were any positive characteristics, they certainly didn't come through in the book.



5. I loved this book!!! Having lived in the Texas Hill Country for eight years, I fully understand many of the challenges faced by the author. This is a beautiful area of Texas enjoyed by many people who are on vacation. But attempting to grow a garden here is not an easy task. The rocky alkaline soil, erratic weather conditions, lack of rain, insects, armadillos, and deer make gardening a difficult proposition. Whiny? No, just stating facts. Hats off to Jeannie Ralston for not sugar-coating the story, and for her sense of humor in the face of adversity. All that said, there's no place I would rather live. She understands that sentiment as well by portraying the numerous benefits of rural life. Thanks to Jeannie for a wonderful book.

5 comments about Water Storage: Tanks, Cisterns, Aquifers, and Ponds for Domestic Supply, Fire and Emergency Use--Includes How to Make Ferrocement Water Tanks.

1. Wow! This book has a ton of usefull, usable information packed into such a thin booklet! No wasted space, which makes me feel that I've not wasted my money on this book! If you are serious about helping to save this planet, or even just surviving the next tragedy that may befall upon us: Get. This. Book.
   Can I just say again: WOW!



2. This book is well written and complete. I feel that after reading this book I can safely capture rainwater and I know all the details to think about when designing our system, specific reasons to place pipes etc in specific places ... an excellent detailed referrence book and enjoyable read; I read the entire book and enjoyed it. If you are seriously considering to have a rainwater catchment system this is a must read.



3. I Built a 10,000 Gal tank straight out of this book for US$ 1,500.
   It looks good & it doesn't leak.
   What more can you ask for ?



4. This book can help you for how to planning the different water systems in rural and urban areas, the best is how to make ferrocement water tanks.



5. I love all those oasis manuals. Once again Art Ludwig surprises us with a manual full of info reagarding water catchment and storage. Although I'm working in this field for more than 10 years, I always find something new and interesting in Oasis manuals and ther are a fundamental part of my permaculture-libary

No comments about Gardens: An Essay on the Human Condition.

5 comments about Burpee : The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener : A Guide to Growing Your Garden Organically.

1. I am a new gardener and this book has helped so much! I look everything up in it. RIght down to problems with plant to how much water each plant gets. It has a guide to all plants and great pictures. Also has tips for gardening.



2. I am so impressed with this big, beautiful book! The photos are inspiring, and the technical aspects are thoroughly covered. I love the historic background of each vegetable and herb.
   I think there is literally everything I ever needed to know about vegetable gardening from seed germination, through care and feeding, to harvest. Detailed charts outline fertilizer, pests, water, soil conditions, and planting and harvest times.
   
   I keep it on my coffee table and flip through it daily just to enjoy the photos and learn some new fact.
   
   You will not be disappointed with this book!



3. This book is great if you're a beginner gardener, and want just one book to sit down and read that covers all aspects of gardening. You'll want to go on an buy other books that go into more detail on specific topics, but this is a great place to start, and one to keep on the shelf.
   It is presented as a gardening book should be - a large hardcover with lots of glossy colour photographs.
   Chapters are:
   1) Growing you own
   2) Getting Started
   3) Garden Tools & Equipment
   4) Improving the soil
   5) Laying out the Garden
   6) Planting the Garden
   7) Caring for the Garden
   8) Coping with Garden Problems



4. This book is ideal for someone starting their first garden who wants to use all organic methods. It goes through setting up your garden beds, making your own compost, and in the back it goes over every kind of vegetable and herb you could possibly want! The burpees seeds and plants are excellent too! I bought some Burpees seeds from Lowes and they were growing after only 5 days!



5. I absolutely love this book. I first found it at the local library and Had to Have It! I find two drawbacks and they are that the 'pests' and diseases aren't defined enough for the novice gardener. The 'pests' are pictured in black and white while the diseases are written only. This is a great gift for a new gardener.

5 comments about Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World.

1. If you are intrigued by fungus then this book will blow your mind. There is nothing else like it. Realistic cutting-edge prescriptions for humanity without any new age hype.



2. This book is the premier source for a critical knowledge of the mechanics of the only environment we have in which we live



3. Stamets' Mycelium Running has way more mushroom lore than I'll ever remember - or even want to know - yet it's a fascinating read and inspiring too!



4. I purchased this book as a gift for a fellow graduate student who is studying the relationship between vascular plant roots and fungi. He and our professor/advisor oohhed and aahhed over it. I should have gotten one for our advisor too!
   
   A quality book with great photos through-out and it is very readable! I have come to the conclusion that mycologists aren't pretentious wordy folks! They enjoy their work, enjoy spreading their knowledge and it is obvious in this book! I agree with the previous reviews - this book should be recommended, if not required reading for any botany or mycology course.



5. I didn't get to read all of this book because it was a gift for someone but what I did read was very good. It's very informative in all aspects of mushrooms. The book includes the science behind mushrooms, how they can be used for ecological benefits, and best of all how to grow and harvest them yourself. The index of mushrooms, their uses and other information was short but very good. I highly recommend this book and will probably get it for myself soon.

5 comments about Landscaping with Stone (Home Landscaping).

1. I love the full color pictures - it gave me all sorts of ideas. I just wished there were a few more pages on "How to do it" I'd recommend this book though for the price - it was awesome.



2. Beautiful book, well put together, LOTS of pictures. I especially liked the way the author covered different styles of stonework. I'm not a fan of very formal design and he included examples of more informal, earthy landscaping.



3. What beautiful and innovative designs this book has. My husband and I wanted to landscape much of our property with stone. We actually did more than planned because we were so impressed by much of the ideas in this book. A concern of ours was the price. Much of the simpler projects you find you can do yourself (such as the small retaining wall around the garden), which saved on additional labor costs. We were guided which stones to use, and stones that could be found around the property. For the work that was a bit more extensive we called in a professional and showed him from the book what we wanted. He was very much impressed with this book himself.



4. Pick this up if you are always at Menards, Home depot, or you just like to play with rocks, on a friday night. It did occur to me after I read this, that my friends may think that I am wierd, because I read a book about rocks and how to place rocks, all on a...you guessed it...FRIDAY NIGHT! LOL! I am not cool!



5. From single stone placements to walkways, patios and garden rooms, this book will provide you with endless ideas and inspiration. The instructions are thorough yet easy to follow. A must for a resplendent garden!

5 comments about American Horticultural Society Plant Propagation: The Fully Illustrated Plant-by-Plant Manual of Practical Techniques.

1. This book not only covers the fundamentals of plant propagation with beautifully illustrated, step by step instructions, it also covers what can go wrong, the best times of the year for each individual plant family, and often includes more than one technique for each type of propagation. After reading this, I'll be embarrassed to purchase plants from a nursery since it makes the propagation process so easy!



2. This is one of the best books on propagation I have seen. Def worth it!



3. I was looking for ways to create new trees and plants on my 12-acre property without having to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars. I bought a bunch of small trees, shrubs and perennials, and bought this book to learn how to use cuttings and other techniques to multiply my investment. So far, so good. I will be using this book a lot over the coming years.



4. I can't say enought about this book. It is helpful for anyone interested in plant propagation, easy enough for beginners, and detailed enough for experienced gardeners.
   Look no further if you are looking for a book in propagation, this is IT!



5. This is a great book, although the print is a little small. I am a certified master gardener and this is the best propagation book I have found.

5 comments about Designing with Succulents.

1. I liked this book a lot. It is very comprehensive and provides beautiful illustrations. Adding a full sourcing guide is the only thing that would have made this better.



2. If you need a boost to get out in the garden, flip through these pages and see if you don't get inspired!
   
   This is a favorite or mine because it references and has pictures from a variety of sources so you can pursue the work of many creative people. Chock full of ideas, pictures and pertinent information, you will not regret this purchase.



3. Im slowly planning to transition a part of my front lawn/garden into a more drought ready succulent type. This book is PERFECT for those who'd like to do the same, or even completely. It is a good read and the pictures are great and inspiring.



4. 
   
   This book covers it all--the names, the arrangements, the instructions for propagating, the various tips, etc.
   
   Stunning photos. Clear prose. The perfect guide to starting, or expanding, your succulent garden.



5. This book is destined to be page-worn very soon. As a neophyte gardener of anything further than the basics, there are many ways to use plants that are new to me. I love the idea of utilizing non-cacti succulents for so many reasons: conserving water in our parched Central Texas land, conserving time because I won't be out there every day trying to save something from dying in the heat, and the exotic looks of the leaves and blooms that these plants can offer.
   
   The author loves succulents, and gives beautiful ideas for which ones work well together, the habits of various species, and she even has gorgeous photos of some beautiful RED Aloe plants that are out there. I stayed up quite late last night reading this one, and it's one of the few gardening books that I want to read every word and not just look at the pictures. A wonderful book! I can't wait to put some of her suggestions into my garden.