5 comments about Front Yard Gardens: Growing More Than Grass.

1. So many gardening books focus on the high-end gardens of a few wealthy people. This book is practical, whimsical, and full of photographs and stories about real front-yard gardens. The owners have to contend with problems like streetlights, copycat neighbors, variances, etc., and many of them are redesigning and planting on a budget. This focus makes the book truly inspiring as well as useful. A great investment in getting rid of your boring lawn!



2. I love this book. Two years ago I was inspired by this book to rid my yard of lawn. I had a designer design a cottage style garden for my front and back yard. It took my kids 2 months to dig up all the grass and then we started working on the design. We were novice gardners, so along with this book and about 12 others we have completed our yard.
   My neighbors who are lawn lovers, have been very interested in our progress.
   We wave and smile at everyone who pass as we work in the yard, and this seemed to ease some of the neighbors anxiety about our odd doings.
   The kids are now 18, 15, 13, 12, and 6, so seeing the whole family working together has been a big plus.
   So far we are still the only family in our subdivision with no lawn, but We get nice comments,and see more people gardening.
   I am asthmatic so no lawn mower fumes are great, and this is a great "green " project for the whole family, and the kids are so proud of themselves, and the positive feedback they get.
   This is a very expensive investment in time and plants but worth it.



3. Liz Primeau has written an inspiring guide that can help you transform that bland patch of lawn between street and house into a rich landscape. Front Yard Gardens tells the stories in words and beautiful photographs of dozens of front gardens in various styles. The gardeners behind these wonderful front yards have coped with budget and space constraints, although most have dedicated considerable time and energy to their projects. Almost all of the gardens are Canadian, a plus for those of us who live in colder zones: many books about front yards emphasize styles that can only be achieved in milder areas like Southern California, where gardens remain lush year-round. Ms. Primeau's book is refreshing because it deals with the strategic and emotional challenges of introducing a front garden into a neighborhood where front lawns are the norm. The book also discusses the evolution of these gardens over time, encouraging the reader to simply start somewhere and implicitly acknowledging that for an enthusiastic gardener, the garden is never "done." Liz Primeau has given us a terrific book, although she has omitted photos of front gardens in winter and as part of streetscapes.



4. This book is beautifully illustrated and very helpful. I have shared ideas from this with friends and family.



5. The book was about the author's experience, which is fine. But it seemed too specific to her yard. There wasn't enough generic info for the rest of us, in my opinion

5 comments about On Garden Style.

1. A typical garden of the rich who are possessed with image and lack of originality. The photos are very nice.



2. This book is a must read. It is fabulous. Lots of helpful information. Makes you see your yard in ways you never thought of before.



3. I love Bunny Williams but this book is a big let-down. Maybe I was spoiled after reading "Affair with a House".



4. You can look at a garden in many different ways. As a renown interior designer and president of one of the country's leading interior design firm, Bunny Williams views gardens as outdoor rooms. She applies the universal design principles that are common to architecture, landscape architecture and interior design to her garden design and achieves amazing results.
   
   "On Garden Style" has five parts that includes 15 chapters. It covers a number of topics including imagine (personal style and putting your dreams to work, etc.), good bones make good rooms (garden walls, floor and passageway, and roof overhead), furnishing the garden (containers, ornament and furniture), planting with style (inspired planting, kitchen garden, and maintenance), the gardener in winter, selected gardens, garden guides, plant lists, and container planting schemes.
   
   In "On Garden Style," Bunny Williams and Nancy Drew explain complicated design principles in plain and simple English and introduce them to ordinary garden lovers.
   
   "On Garden Style" has 288 pages and many beautiful interior photos. It is a great garden design book in plain and simple English.
   
   Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA
   



5. I am an avid gardener and an avid admirer of Bunny Williams. This book was a perfect combination of both. It is filled with gorgeous gardens, but it has ideas and suggestions that will fit any size of garden or budget. I particularly loved the way that the book was organized. For example, if I want to look for ideas garden design, garden walls or containers, I can go to a chapter dedicated to the subject. When you read the book, you also have a strong sense of Ms. Williams' love for gardening and her commitment to a healthly environment. She inspires you to dig in the dirt and enjoy the glories of nature. To top it all off, it's a beautiful coffee table book that, in my house, will show that it is well used!

5 comments about Curb Appeal.

1. I was so excited when I flipped through this book that I bought 4 for gifts. Generally I only browse through magazines, where I can clip great ideas and toss the rest. Most books on this topic have a few good ideas and the rest is noninspirational.
   
   Page after page. I was inspired and excited. I almost wanted to go buy a fixer-upper so I could utilize some of the fantastic ideas. This book is a keeper for sure.



2. Nothing new here and the pictures are not really that good.



3. This books uses before and after photos to show what improvements were made and why they were made. The homes appear to be moderate-sized homes mostly built 1920-1940. It shows how to add character. It will give you ideas that you can try a project here and another later, if your budget doesn't allow a full-scale project now. Many styles of homes are featured in the book. I found this book better than Megan Connelly's book: Design Ideas for Curb Appeal by Creative Homeowner, in which the homes featured don't show before and after photos. Instead most of the houses Ms. Connelly featured had to be 6,000 sq feet or larger. Many were newly-built obviously by people who had a lot of money. The sunset book, on the other hand, illustrates ideas on a less expensive scale. I watch all of the HGTV design shows, including Curb Appeal. But prior to this Sunset book, I wasn't sure where to start. I now have the confidence to take on Curb Appeal because "I get it".



4. I was left wanting more how-to and less 'here are some pictures'. What I really want is a book that illustrates an idea, and then gives you details about the hardscape, construction, plant species, etc. to execute that landscape project. This book is about 80% pictures and ideas, 20% improvement how-tos that don't really seem to have anything to do with the first 4/5s of the book and look like they were cut out of sections of three other books and pasted into this one. For a relatively inexpensive book that might give you some ideas, it is okay, but if you get ideas from this book, you are on your own to figure out how to actually execute them.



5. What i realyy wanted to know before I purchase the book, was did it have a little section of how too created more less some of the gardens that werein the book. The pictures were great and it does help, you do look at your landscape in a whole different way. I have been abel to take different landscape fronm the books I order too start lanscaping my from lawn.

5 comments about Making the Most of Shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden that Lightens up the Shadows.

1. A thoroughly detailed informed book for each plant mentioned in the book. Well worth buying.
   Each feature goes into depth about the plant. The author knows his plants.Excellent purchase.



2. I'm in the middle of landscaping our very shady yard & this book has been indispensible! We have lived here nearly 7 years & have done little exterior work except add rock. We didn't know where to begin! Wanting to sell next year has spurred us into action & I'm grateful for the advice in Hodgson's book.



3. As someone who lives in an urban area I had little choice in the amount of shade in my garden. I've found Hodgson's book to be an exciting read with lots of inspiring photos, plans, and useful tidbits. I did have a few disappointments with this book but they were pretty minor.
   
   The small, close-up photos in the plant index are great for showing detail, but are not so great at giving the reader an idea of what the whole plant looks like, how it sits, whether it is compact or expansive, etc. As a beginning gardener I had to look elsewhere for more "in context" photos of the plants.
   
   A chapter on shrubs for shade would also have been helpful.
   
   These gripes aside, I've found this book to be a great help in designing my urban shade garden and would recommend to any beginner gardener looking for inspiration.



4. I purchased this as a gift for family with lots of shading in their lot. Good pictures, descriptions and explanations.



5. I have been very pleased with this book on shade gardening. It contains many good ideas for plants and layouts ... which is what I was looking for. I also found the information on soil preparation very helpful. =)

3 comments about The Complete Pebble Mosaic Handbook.

1. Maggy Howarth's COMPLETE PEBBLE MOSAIC HANDBOOK provides a review of pebble mosaics which can be used in gardens, patios and public places. Artists, landscapers, and any with a special interest in the design qualities of these mosaics will find this a beautiful collection which not only provides step-by-step insights, but includes a survey of traditional works by contemporary pebble mosaic artists.



2. Good overview of pebble mosaics with very helpful information on materials and techniques. The book also has good examples of works by professional mosaicists in the field of pebblework.



3. This book contains spectacular photography through-out: both photos that highlight the artistry of finished works and the close-up, clear, work-in-progress photos that highlight techniques for successful projects. Accompanying text is very readable, and contains a wealth of information about pebble mosaics. I bought the book for the photographs, but was also fascinated by the information about the people and communities that came together to create stunning mosaics to enhance public spaces in their towns.

5 comments about Ortho's All About Creating Japanese Gardens (Ortho's All About Gardening).

1. This book is one of the best I ever buy about gardening and landscaping. The pictures alone worth the price.
   They gives details to build your garden, makes pounds and falls and it seems so easy that I am starting my own right now.

   They also list the kind of trees and plants to uses.

   Buy this book with confidence.




2. I got this book from the library and was pleasantly surprised at the details and useful, practical advice on conceiving and executing a japanese garden. The book contains detailed instructions on how to lay out, build, select plans for, and maintain a Japanese-inspired garden. It talks about rocks, rock gardening, ponds, water plants and fish, paths, stepping stones, gates, and plants and plant selections. I found it really helpful in getting ideas to give to our landscape architect. I would recommend this book for anyone that is going to actually build (rather than just enjoy looking at pictures of) a japanese garden.



3. I've always wanted to have a Japanese Garden but never got around to doing it. I picked up this book at the library and, WOW, it has really inspired me! Not only am I now drafting up plans to turn a corner of my yard into a Japanese Garden but I showed it to a neighbor and he's thinking of making his backyard into something like the courtyard garden on page 20. I'll probably get a library of books on Japanese Gardening but this book will be the first one I'll buy.



4. The book is easy to read and explains the whole concept of Japanese gardening. I learned with it and will be using it to plan my Japanese garden. Very pleased customer!



5. I bought serveral books about creating Japanese gardens. This book by far the best one that I had. I built a Japanese style Rock Garden so I don't have to mow my lawn. My back yard is built based on some of the pictures and tips I read from this book. The fun part is that you put in your hard work and built the garden you wanted which pays off when your guests give you thumb up. I spent about $5000 on the materials and hours of my own labor on the project. Now I can spent my weekend golfing instead of mowing my lawn. Ouch! My back still hurting from all the hardwork.

5 comments about How to Build Treehouses, Huts and Forts.

1. Please don't buy this book unless you are comfortable reading vague plans and are an experienced carpenter. For all the other "Weekenders" like me who appreciate step-by-step instruction with diagrams/pictures, detailed information on techniques for their projects, discussion regarding suitable materials and tips on finishing the project (i.e. painting, etc.) PLEASE choose a book more suited to your skill level. ... I sense impending doom if I attempt to build his cover playhouse which, by the way, seems rather small at only 6'x6'. I think I will join the ranks and order Norm Abrams plans and video as well. DONT BUY THIS BOOK



2. Great book if you want to build a treehouse or fort with your son (or sons) or if you just want to build one for your son (or sons) so he can have fun. Love this book and I HIGHLY recommend it.



3. This book is extremely awesome and has a special section on stuff to build like snowforts, catapults, and cannons. The forts are really awesome. Great buy.



4. As a person who lived in a treehouse for 3 years, and was looking for a basic how-to book for a friend, I was disappointed--this is how-to down to how to buy 2x4s and pull nails. Not good for a skilled (or even somewhat skilled) adult, but this book is EXACTLY the sort of thing I would have wanted as a kid: all the basics, lots of advice, and would have been great for a mom- and/or dad-and-me project.



5. Have not got the chance to use it but it help me realize the difference between building with studs and live trees. It stress safety which is always good.

3 comments about Best-Ever Backyard Birding Tips: Hundreds of Easy Ways to Attract the Birds You Love to Watch (Rodale Organic Gardening Books).

1. This book provides good basic information on many types of birds, and lots of tips for becoming bird-friendly. I have been "birding" for several years now, so I was already informed about much of the information provided. It is a good source for what plants/trees/landscape will attract birds and what each species likes to eat. Be aware that it is mainly "black and white" type (actually blue and white) with very minimal color pictures/photos. Pretty good source, especially for a beginner.



2. Great book. Very informative. Started to order this from another source and as always checked with Amazon first and found it for a fraction of the cost.



3. This bok is jam packed with Ideas and tips for the bird lover in all of us. This is a great book!

5 comments about Planting Design Illustrated.

1. This book was enriching. What I liked most about this book was it made me feel like I was being advised by a professional with an open point of view. This is not a paint-by-the-numbers book, but a work that will stir your imagination. It is an excellent resource for both professional and novice.
   
   Planting Design Illustrated is full of useful information. It provided me a practical and philosophical edge on planting my next garden. I am not a professional landscaper, but I do love to design with plants. I was challenged at first by the writing style but once I became used to it, I discovered information that will help me when expanding my 2 acre meditation garden in Costa Rica.
   
   Chen brings concepts and places them along side practice. It proves to stir the imagination for those putting the shovel to the soil. If you want to design your home landscape or like me, bite off more than you can chew with a large project, then this book should be read first.
   
   Planting design will help you create a strong foundation for your landscape and gardens to grow on. If this book had had some professional editing I would have given it 5 stars. It's a great resource for those serious about doing things with both awareness and good technique. However the content is a serious 5 stars.



2. This book on Planting Design is extremely descriptive and very informative having been written by a capable Architect. As a previous City Planner, I wish, I had such a thorough text as this when doing site plan reviews and landscaping requirements.
   
   It would be my suggestion to a reader who is interested in the Planting Design approach on a personal scale, to dedicate some general review time of this text, gaining orientation to some of the technical terminology as found in this fine text on Planting Design. Specifically, the study presented on the early historical Oriental contributions to formal or informal gardens certainly would serve as a useful guideline for future construction of any gardens.
   
   I found Chapter 6 especially informative in a complete and easy story manner. It dealt with Planting Design principles, concepts, and methods coupled with Oriental case studies. This is a perfect study tool for landscape design and planting; readily applicable to the home landscape.
   
   The early Oriental uses of planting designs as described provide an informative insight into the cultural aspects of plant material evolution into today's usage. The historical correlation of bamboo to the various reflection of human nature aspects is very enlightening.
   
   My recommendation suggests one take the time to gain an oversight by reviewing the index and gently viewing each chapter's heading with descriptions. Then delve more intently to possibly uncommon plant design terminology such as "scale", "heavenly creations", "mass planting" or much more.
   
   While this is not a "picture" book on design, it is packed with information and data that can be applied to any scale or size project. It does not require a "castle" to enjoy the same feelings found in the early, large gardens in France or the Orient based on these elements of Planting Design as narrated in this text. For individuals wishing to spend time creating wonderful gardens, keep in mind what you learn regarding the "basic spatial relationships" to plants, structures, and man.
   
   Although I had a some prior knowledge of landscape design and requirements when I was approving plans for commercial projects, I personally feel this text is an excellent study and informational tool for anyone interested in Planting Design.



3. I am both a recreational gardener and am in the horticulture profession. This book is helpful to anyone planning a new garden or renovating an older garden. Chen explains spatial layering, planning for five senses and four seasons in a way that assists both the layman and the professional. The list of plants is organized to plan for scale and is easy to adapt to your gardening zone. Drawings are easy to understand and pictures are representative of what the author is trying to convey.



4. Planting Design Illustrated by Gang Chen seems to me to be possibly the only book one would need to read to understand all the basics involved in good design.
   
   I read this book as a complete novice concerning plants and planting design and found that it was easy to read and understand. Showed it to some of my gardening friends and they found it equally fascinating.
   
   This book seems to me to be the Feng Shui of planting design too. I loved everything about it.
   
   The illustrations were perfect also...not too complex, but full of every detail needed to understand what the author was talking about. The only thing that would make this book better would be a CD/DVD of the illustrations!
   
   This book will become my planting design bible!
   
   Planting Design Illustrated



5. "As a newcomer to the real estate development market, this book opened my eyes to the world of plant design. The author's guidance instilled a sense of confidence in me to be able to speak intelligently to my designers." - Donald A. Wilhelm, Author of This Time's a Charm; Lessons of a Four-Time Cancer Survivor

4 comments about Creating Beds and Borders: Creative Ideas from America's Best Gardeners (Fine Gardening Design Guides).

1. "Creating Beds and Borders" is a volume in the series of 'Fine Gardening' Design Guides issued by the Taunton Press. The book consists of separate articles by various contributors to 'Fine Gardening' magazine. Continuity is supplied by the subject matter, garden beds and borders.

   This book's articles are grouped into four sections: (1) Design Strategies; (2) Great Border Plants; (3) Special Techniques; (4) Garden Gallery. It begins with four articles on the design of island beds and borders. Plant selection and placement are the topics covered by the majority of the essays, along with techniques for starting and renovating perennial beds. Gardening in the shade, in bogs, and in Southeastern heat and humidity all receive special attention in section four.

   The one topic I felt could have used more coverage was flower bed edging techniques. One of the authors advocated a six inch by six inch trench to separate the bed from its surroundings. Another author, Sydney Eddison wrote an interesting article on "Good Looks Begin at the Edge," but she concentrates on edging plants, rather than on the physical separation of bed and lawn. Perhaps a future volume in the 'Fine Gardening' series will address the challenge of excluding the lawn from the flower bed (information I could certainly use).

   Because it discusses a technique we're currently experimenting with, my favorite article in "Creating Beds and Borders" is "Roses Enliven a Border" by Judith C. McKeon. Up until a few years ago, we segregated all of our roses into one bed, away from the other perennials (I don't remember why). However, McKeon advocates growing roses as specimens in a mixed border:

   "When shrub roses are grown as graceful specimens in the mixed border, they become part of its architecture, giving structure and a substantial backdrop for perennial companions. Like other ornamental deciduous shrubs, roses enhance the garden with the seasonal interest of their flowers, foliage texture and fruit displays."

   I would only disagree with McKeon's recommendation to use the old Alba rose, 'Konigin von Danemark' as part of a mixed border. Our specimen of 'the Queen' is a hefty seven-footer and she is absolutely covered with thorns. Even the thorns have thorns. If you plant one of these royal ladies in your border, you'll never work in there again unless you cover yourself in leather.

   'Konigin von Danemark' is a beautiful, raspberry-scented rose that could possibly be used as a deer hedge. For a mixed border, try other McKeon favorites such as 'The Fairy' or 'Gertrude Jekyll'.

   Color photographs grace almost every page of "Creating Beds and Borders". It is not organized as a reference book per se, but is a collection of beautifully illustrated and well-written essays for (most particularly) the American gardener.




2. Beds and borders are the heart of most gardens and finding new ideas for creating and improving them is always a treat. In this book Taunton Press has collected more than twenty of the best articles on the topic from its "Fine Gardening" magazine. They deal with issues such as design strategies, plants, techniques, and there is a special section on problem solving. Each article has a tiny photo and very brief bio of the writer so you get a sense of their background.

   The illustrations in these books, as in most Taunton books, are just gorgeous and the individual topics are well chosen. My favourite was "Lacing the Border with Beauty" which showed ways to lighten the border with lacy foliage and delicate flowers. The writer came up with ideas I'm dying to try, along with a list of lacy garden plants.

   Each article has a fresh approach, new ideas to solve problems such as a hot climate, wet soil, rocky soil and techniques for choosing and planting shrubs, perennials and annuals.

   The pleasure of books of collected articles is that you get a taste of many approaches without having to wade through thousands of words from any one writer, This lightness of touch, together with the careful selection of articles and first class illustrations make this book a delight.




3. Beds and borders are the heart of most gardens and finding new ideas for creating and improving them is always a treat. In this book Taunton Press has collected more than twenty of the best articles on the topic from its "Fine Gardening" magazine. They deal with issues such as design strategies, plants, techniques, and there is a special section on problem solving. Each article has a tiny photo and very brief bio of the writer so you get a sense of their background.

   The illustrations in these books, as in most Taunton books, are just gorgeous and the individual topics are well chosen. My favourite was "Lacing the Border with Beauty" which showed ways to lighten the border with lacy foliage and delicate flowers. The writer came up with ideas I'm dying to try, along with a list of lacy garden plants.

   Each article has a fresh approach, new ideas to solve problems such as a hot climate, wet soil, rocky soil and techniques for choosing and planting shrubs, perennials and annuals.

   The pleasure of books of collected articles is that you get a taste of many approaches without having to wade through thousands of words from any one writer, This lightness of touch, together with the careful selection of articles and first class illustrations make this book a delight.




4. I admit it, I know nothing about gardening. I just figured out the difference between an annual and a perennial. This book is amazing. It's simple and easy to use. The book is mostly pictures but there's also descriptions of what plants are included in the pictures. You can also learn how to draw bed layouts. If you're new to gardening, pick this one up for some great idea.