3 comments about Big Book of Garden Designs (Big Book of).

1. Gardening is an exercise in creative horticulture that when done well gives as much attention to esthetics as it does all the other elements contributing to a healthy garden. Fundamental to considerations of a garden's esthetic appearance is its design which can be either formal or informal. Offering more than 110 complete landscaping plans covering a wide range of garden spaces, the "Big Book Of Garden Designs", co-authored by garden design and landscaping experts Marianne Lipanovich and Tom Wilhite, provides even the most novice gardener with practical ideas with respect to specialty gardens, flower gardens, garden beds and borders, sitting spots in a garden, and passage ways. From first impressions and curb appeal, to a horticulturally customized back yard, the "Big Book Of Garden Designs" offers a wonderful combination of practical ideas, inspirations, and examples. Beautifully illustrated throughout, and featuring a chapter on Climate Zones that includes maps and descriptions, the "Big Book Of Garden Designs" is one of the newest additions to the Sunset Books gardening series and a welcome addition to personal and community do-it-yourself gardening guide reference collections.



2. Are you looking out at a bare patch of ground and wishing you knew what to do with it?
   
   Look no further than this book, which is chock full of suggestions. One of the smartest things they have done is to give you a photo of the garden as well as a sketch of the garden in color. It means that whether you live in Maine or San Diego you can adapt the design to your weather zone.
   
   Design ideas include sitting spots, passageways, beds and borders, specialty gardens, flower gardens and color gardens and backyards.
   
   Even if you have the brownest of thumbs and have never planted anything, this in-depth, practical guide will be of help.



3. The garden on the cover is unbelieveable... inside SUNSET breaks down all that the San Jose family did to create thier yard. The homeowner, Samantha, is truly an artist!

2 comments about The French Country Garden.

1. This is a reprint of a hardbook in softcover form with a new cover photo. The content is wonderful but I already owned the hardcover and thought it was a "new book".



2. This book is worth the investment. Photographs are of high quality and there are plenty of them. Did find the book not an easy read and believe more than a couple of pages could have been devoted to each garden. Just when you want to look around a corner to see what might be next, next was another garden. All-in-all a good book and if I ever get to France will have a better idea of where to start garden touring.

5 comments about Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture.

1. I've got the book and was hoping the CD-ROM would enhance using the book, but it doesn't. The content is very slim compared to the book, and the CAD drawings that are included are also of very limited use. Don't bother with the CD-ROM version of TSSLA.



2. As a practicing L.A., I have bought several McGraw-Hill Construction Books. I get a similar result each time: They seem on first look to fulfill the promise, but I found they don't well serve the need in real life. I get far better use out of Architectural Graphic Standards, and I'm looking forward to Wiley's Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards.



3. I have always found this book to be cumbersome, difficult to navigate, poorly organized, and lacking in sufficient detail. But of course for years it was basically the only game in town, so everyone relied on it. Those days are over. I recently purchased Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, and it is an outstanding book. If you're trying to decide which one to buy, definitely get Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards instead. And even if you already own Time-Saver Standards, do yourself a huge favor and buy Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards anyway. It covers everything that Time-Saver Standards does plus numerous other topics, all with much better explanations and details. To top things off, it has FAR more graphics and the entire book is better organized an easier to navigate than Time-Saver Standards.



4. Landscape Architecture is a young and emerging profession. It is also a marginal discipline that borrows heavily from other disciplines like Horticulture, Architecture, Ecology and Civil Engineering, etc. The boundary and standards for Landscape Architecture has not been finalized yet. "Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture" can help to set an industrial standard for Landscape Architecture.
   
   "Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture" is separated into 9 divisions (please note these are NOT CSI Masterformat divisions, just divisions used for this book only), including process (construction documents and specifications, site construction operation), standards and guidelines (spatial standards, energy and resource conservations, outdoor accessibilities, natural hazards: earthquake, landslides and snow avalanches, land subsidence, expansive soils), techniques (site grading, stormwater management, pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular circulation), structures (retaining walls, small dams, surfacing and paving, fences, screens and walls, wood deck and boardwalks, pedestrian bridge), improvements (site furniture and features, recreational and athletic facilities, pools and fountains, outdoor lighting, plants and planting), special condition (deck and roof landscapes, interior landscapes, disturbed landscapes, sound control), site utilities (water, sewer, irrigation, and recreational water bodies), materials (soils and aggregates, asphalt, concrete, masonry, wood, metals, plastic and glass, geotextiles), and details and devises. There is also a list of agencies and organizations and a list of reference after each section.
   
   "Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture" has 928 pages and many line drawings and interior black-and-white photos. It is a good reference book for landscape design professionals.
   
   Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA
   



5. This manual is a MUST for practicing land professionals. This is considered a "bible" for anyone who works with the land. As you know this field is constantly changing but this book is fundamentally sound and thorough.

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 Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards (Ramsey/Sleeper Architectural Graphic Standards Series).

1. This book is essential for all Landscape Architects and designers and I highly recommend purchasing this latest printing. This book contains everything a designer needs for information and industry-wide standards that are used everyday as well as some that are not used everyday - this book puts it all together into one concise reference that should be kept within arms reach at all stages of the design process. I currently work with the author and he is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. Even if you have previous editions of this book, get this edition as it has been updated with current standards.



2. As an educator and former president of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Chief Landscape Architect and head of the New York City Housing Authority's Landscape Architecture division, Leonard J. Hopper, FASLA has made a significant contribution to the profession of Landscape Architecture by editing and compiling "Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards."
   
   For over 70 years, architects have been using a valuable reference book, "Architectural Graphic Standards." Finally, landscape architects can have a similar reference book, "Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards." This book includes 4 parts. Part One is Practice of Landscape Architecture. It covers overview of the profession, construction documentation, project administration, and legal and environmental factors. Part Two is Standards and Guidelines. It covers human factors, environmental factors (including a lot of sustainable design discussions), cultural factors, security considerations, cite planning, circulation, and accessibility. Part Three is Process, Implementation and Application. It covers construction operations and earthwork, stormwater management, irrigation and water features, pavement and landscape structure, site amenities, planting, special construction, hazard control, restoration and remediation, and parks and recreation. Part Four is Materials. It covers soils, asphalt, concrete, masonry, metals, wood, recreation surfaces, nursery stock, other materials, and evaluating the environmental and human health impacts of materials.
   
   "Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards" has 1088 pages (9.7 x 11.4 inches large format) and many line drawings. It is an important and comprehensive reference book you'll refer to again and again.
   
   Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA



3. As another reviewer says, this book is infinitely better organized and user-friendly than Time Saver Standards for LA's while containing all of the same information. I believe that its use to me throughout my career will more than justify its hefty price tag. It should definitely be an addition to any office library.



4. At long last, a definitive reference book on landscape architecture. Especially useful is the section on historic landscapes, which is an excellent summary of this sub-field of landscape architecture.



5. It provides everything it claims to provide. I prefer this book's organization compared to the organization of similar standard books. It's a great quick reference for sport field dimensions and similar details I don't memorize. I know it's accurate and it's at my finger tips.

2 comments about Landscape Architecture, Fourth Edition.

1. This is really THE seminal instroductory book to landscape architecture. It's not really specific enough to be a true reference book, but it covers such a vast range of topics that it would be unrealistic to expect it to be. Instead, Simonds did a fantastic job of summarizing an amazingly broad field one subject at a time. Still, it is not so broad that the reader will fail to see the trees through the forest. It does include a lot of very helpful illustrations and explanations about such topics as spatial relationships and how they create different environments (and subsequently a particular design might be appropriate or inappropriate depending on the circumstances). But that is just one small sample of the kind of valuable lessons this book is filled with. I often start with this book when I approach a subject that is new to me because it gets me on the right track. In that sense, it's not just for beginners. And the 4th edition contains much-needed updates of the outdated photographs that are in the 3rd edition.



2. Simons is certainly an environmentalist, and I love that about him. This is the first text book I have enjoyed reading. He makes excellent points, though it isn't all totally workable. Generally 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

5 comments about Hacienda Courtyards (Mexican Design Books).

1. This book is the bible for Interior Designers who wish to follow through with interior spaces and make the patios and gardens beckon their clients to enjoy equally their outside spaces. This book is a must in every designers library.



2. Although there are plenty of photographs, they were of the same few properties over and over. I had expected more variety.



3. I've purchased most of this series of books since I design Hacienda style homes and these make good reference. The problem is that they are starting to repeat themselves and this one actually is a step down offering nothing new and most of the images look tired and uninspired. If you are looking to design only a hacienda courtyard this might be good, but I think "In a Mexican Garden" by Melba Levick and Gina Hyams is a lot more lively and has spawned more imagination for my clients (and myself).



4. I got a used book that is in perfect condition. Photography is great with good ideas if you are thinking about doing something in your own yard that leans toward a courtyard feel. Writing is simple but knowledgeable. Would recommend the book. Actually I only ordered one book but was charged for and received two. That was ok this time, but I kept one book for me and one was a gift.



5. Hacienda Courtyards is a beautiful book full of photography and ideas if you are thinking of building/decorating an Adobe style home.

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 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