No comments about How to Turn a Place Around.

5 comments about Easy Gardens for South Florida.

1. My husband got this book for me when he saw all the positive reviews. I was initially reluctant because I thought it was going to be just silly and repetitive. I was WRONG.
   
   This book is never on the shelf, but always on my desk. Ms. Crawford does an excellent job of organizing the material, and particularly excels in giving you the information you need for each particular plant (light, shade, water, companions, etc.). She has tested each and every plant in the book, and therefore her comments are insightful. I particularly like the thumbnail section for types of gardens (bright, medium, shade and variations thereof).
   
   My only criticism would be that she can be repetitive in her plant selections (lots of recommendations for ruellia katie and golden shrimp plant). However, I can't think of a better "plain-english" guide to gardening in this difficult climate.



2. I have purchased all of Pamela's books because they tell you everything you need to know about Florida gardening, with pictures! But most importantly, Pamela has experimented with every plant described in the books and knows what works and what doesn't. She also discusses the maintenance and light conditions required for each plant to keep it looking healthy. Follow her advice and enjoy you garden. It will be beautiful!
   
   Don Meder
   Delray Beach, FL



3. Great photos, well written, invaluable source of botonical info for serious South Florida gardeners, and the rest of us that just like to tinker in our gardens.



4. THE PICTURES ARE SPECTACULAR AND THE DESCRIPTIONS AND HINTS ARE THE BEST I'VE COME ACROSS - THANK YOU SO MUCH



5. If you are new to South Florida and would like to start a garden for your new home, this book is a must. South Florida's unique climate and soil can impede your garden from growing or even beginning. The money I saved on flowers that will not work in this climate easily paid for this book. The garden centers may sell the same plants you may have had up north, but unfortunately they will die quickly. After a year of trying different plants and being unsuccessful, I now have a beautiful garden filled with flowers I learned about in this book.

5 comments about Scotts Lawns: Your Guide to a Beautiful Yard.

1. Excellent practical resource for maintaining your home lawn. I found many good practical applications in this book. I would recommend it for anyone that just wants to use for making sure their home lawn is well maintained.



2. This is a fantastic book. Better than many that cost much more. My dad reads it, looks at the photos and drawings, and is making plans for the spring.



3. We bought a brand new house last year with an acre of land and had no idea how to take care of the freshly laid lawn. A year of trial and error and the lawn is covered in weeds and missing patches. I just started reading this book and am already very impressed. It has simple steps and is written so clearly that I, someone who killed a lawn, feel comfortable starting over. If you want an easy to follow book with wonderful hints this is your book. I cannot wait to start fixing our lawn!



4. I was looking for the perfect all in one book but that's really impossible right? Well, this is a really good book but the one thing I think it misses are the "organic" options to things like fertilizers and pest defense. All in all it's a great help but I would have liked to see organic fertilizing options and organic pest control. In any case it will get your lawn green again.



5. The book is quite solid, well written & illustrated. No qualms there.
   
   However, Amazon sells both the 1st & 2nd edition for the same price -- but makes no mention of there being a 2nd edition here. This is the FIRST edition, get the second instead. Do a search for "Scotts Lawn".
   
   Also, as someone else mentions, this book (1st ed) is an updated version of the Ortho book on Lawns.
   
   Again, the book is solid, but look for the 2007 2nd edition.

3 comments about The New Zen Garden: Designing Quiet Spaces.

1. This book is itself a work of art, the best I've ever seen in the field. The photographs convey the quiet, peaceful, beauty of small Zen gardens so well, that it is a joy to look at. Mr. Cali's text clearly introduces and explains both the historical background and the philosophical/aesthetic concepts behind Zen gardens. The traditional techniques to create your own garden space, large or small, are explained clearly enough to give anyone the confidence to create even a tiny oasis of natural peace within their home environment. This is best book on zen gardens to come out in a long time. Highly recommended.



2. "Early to pre-modern Japanese civilization was shaped in part by Chinese culture through direct contact or as filtered through the Korean Peninsula. Garden design arrived in Japan between the sixth and seventh century A.D., in the first wave of cultural influences from China that affected the arts, government, architecture, city planning and the written language..." Joseph Cali writes, he continues to describe the history of spiritual and cultural aspects of Japanese garden, and the underpinnings of the garden's art. He also shows you how to use Japanese garden principle to design you own small to medium garden, adding finish touches with stone lanterns, bamboo fences, sculpted plantings and cobbled pathways.
   
   "The New Zen Garden: Designing Quiet Spaces" includes five chapters: The Roots of Japanese Garden, Layout and Enclosure, Stone and Gardens, Water and Related Garden Fixtures, and Planting and Other Garden Features.
   
   "The New Zen Garden: Designing Quiet Spaces" has 88 pages and many beautiful interior color photos. It is a fine addition to your Japanese garden collection.



3. This book in itself is literally a work of art. The book is a beautiful. Like Zen ......the book points the way to a modern Zen garden. The colored photos, the text, the black and white photos, the plans, the sketches, the examples, the details, the composition are as perfectly organized as a high order Zen garden. This is the Zen garden book I had been looking for. Joseph Cali does an excellent job of walking you thru the process of designing a garden. He starts with a plan and then does something very few authors/designers accomplish in the western world..........he promotes garden design thru..........intuition. I love it. He shows you how to put a plan together that "responds" logically to the site and then he advises the reader that while you are actually building the garden, stop and...........listen to what should happen while in the process of creating the garden! Go with what "feels" right. This book is only 88 pages long. Again this in itself is symbolic of the Zen way; simple, pure and free of the particular. If you purchase this book, be sure to study the list of plants and the bibliography.

5 comments about Walks, Walls & Patios: Plan, Design & Build.

1. This book is pretty good at showing you how to accomplish building well... the title of the book. I find it's best attribute are illustrations and examples.
   
   This stuff is pretty fun to do after you read this book.



2. I love the tons of pictures of samples but most important is that it have a step by step for each projects. Walls, retaining walls, patios, concrete floor, and more. I'm looking for to purchase the other books in this series.



3. I cannot review this book, because it was not received. It may not be the vendor's fault. The item was ordered after we moved to a new address, but it should have been forwarded by the post office. I have never been stiffred by an Amazon vendor. I prefer to think it is the post office that is at fault.



4. I am a 46 yr old female with no prior experience and I laid a beautiful stone walkway over my ugly concrete walkway and it looks GREAT! Suggestion: buy odd shaped flat stones (I used slate)and you may not need to cut them, I didn't! and don't add too much water to the mortar mix. Good Luck!



5. This book is jammed packed full of photos. Whether you're requiring basic information to do it yourself or looking for ideas to share with your landscaper, this book will inspire you. Well organized and easy to follow diagrams make this book a pleasure.

5 comments about Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series).

1. This book was a really good one. I just have one major problem with it, he didn't bother to warn people about whether or not something was poisonous. It is a good reference for people that already have some experiences with herbs. Never use an herb unless you know for sure it isn't toxic or poisonous.



2. I think the people that posted that this is a limited book don't really get the purpose of the book. This is a BEGINNER'S book. If you are an experienced herbalist - do not get this book. This book is for those just starting out. You should read this book first and then read the encyclopedia that Cunningham wrote. The Paul Beryl Compendium of Magickal Herbs that one reviewer mentioned is an ok book, but it leaves a lot of information out - plus he gets too into the historical side of each herb and not enough on the practical side. Plus the charts in the back, which really are the most useful part of the book are seriously lacking in Paul Beryl's book (although he has some nice handy God/Goddess listings).
   
   So - if you are starting out - get this book and read it. Once you are comfortable with the material, move on to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs (which is mostly a listing of herbs with very little information on what to do with herbal blends), and if you have extra cash, get the Paul Beryl book. I have about 20 different herbals, and I mainly use Cunningham's encyclopedia and the Paul Beryl book.
   
   But - getting back to this book - this is a starter book. If you already know the basics, then this is a waste of your money. If you have never opened an herbal in your life, this is a great place to start. And as one user mentioned - use common sense! Just because something is an herb, it doesn't mean its safe. Arsenic is deadly and all natural. When using non-maintstream herbs such as Hemlock, Yew, etc - do some research FIRST! If you are sticking to the basics, like Rosemary, Peppermint, etc, then this book should be fine. And don't ingest anything unless you know for sure its safe - use your brain!



3. I have a number of Scott Cunningham's books.
   This is just another fine example of his work.



4. Sorry to say that this will be the last book by Cunningham that I will every buy. Every book is beginning to be the same book with a different cover.
   
   
   Listed below are the reasons I have a problem with this book:
   
   Cunningham preaches all the way from beginning to end on moral ethics. It's as if he's the moral police. He tells the reader that he doesn't give certain oils/herbs because they may violate the Rede. It's ridiculous and getting OLD! I know there is a movement for Witches to show themselves as GOOD,but get a grip! It seems to be a trend for authors to learn all they can then turn around arrogantly and tell the reader what you shouldn't know. I think everyone should be their own moral police. How can you truly learn magick one sided.
   
   
   If you want the same tired formulas, moral whipping, and arrogance go ahead get the book!



5. A nice reference staple for any personal herbal library regarding crafting work. One of my favorite four I keep on the subject.

2 comments about Natural Architecture.

1. The order arrived last friday, five month later...and the seller was not a great help when asked the whereabouts of it.
   German del Sol



2. This beautiful volume has a wide-range of outdoor structures constructed, for the most part, from natural materials. As a member of a community that has built straw-bale structures, I found the range of materials and style of structures quite inspiring.
   
   I recommend this book for anyone intersted in the relationship between the natural world and man-made structures.

4 comments about Smithsonian Handbooks: Herbs (Smithsonian Handbooks).

1. this book along with "edible wild plants:a north american field guide" by thomas elias and "a field guide to medicinal plants and herbs: of eastern and central north america" by james a. duke will provide all the information necessary for positive identification. cross referencing the various photos and other information leaves no doubt.



2. I'm an avid reader oh herbal lore and gardening.This is the most informative book I've yet seen. This book has color photos and detailed descriptions for over 700 herbs. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in herbs.



3. This is a wonderfully compact but complete, easy to use reference book. I bought one for my bookshelf and one to carry in the car for roadside identification of herbs. The color pictures are clear with all the pertinent details to make an accurate identification. Well worth the investment!



4. I bought the Smithsonian Handbook of Herbs because of it's exceptional picture helps to identify herbs. I have used the Peterson's Field Guide which has better written information and more herbs, but pictures are small and only in one stage of the herbs cycle. The Smithsonian Handbook for the most part shows the Herb from flowering to the seed stage, leaf formation and the whole plant, flower - fruit - seeds etc. In summary a very good visual help.

5 comments about Trees of the Northern United States and Canada.

1. This is a great book to help with the identification of tree specimens that you find in our northern forests. Beautifully illustrated, with pictures of leaves (and fall color), flowers, fruits, and the bark of both mature and young trees, Farrar really provides horticultural enthusiasts with all the tools they need to make correct identifications (in most cases, of course). In addition to the pictures, other botanical information is provided such as max heights, growth rates, silhouettes, reproductive information, ranges, etc.

   My only small complaint with the text is that the ranges for several species are incomplete, covering only the areas in Canada and the very northernmost United States. Many species have a much broader native habitat, and it's often necessary to reference a second text for that information. Other than that; however, it is a great text that even includes "quick recognition" tips for most species. Farrar gives us a valuable resource for horticulture lovers and woodsmen of the north.




2. Every attempt I've made to identify a tree with this book has been successful. Worth every penny.



3. There is no one book that will satisfy all your tree needs, but this one comes closest. Though it is Canada-centric, it should be useful no matter where in the US you may live. The pictures and line drawings are excellent, but most importantly they are consistent throughout. The "Quick Recognition" bits are a wonderful feature.
   It is organized as an identification book but I use it more as an encyclopedia and wish it was organized alphabetically by genus. This is a book you read, then go for a walk, then read again. Highly recommended to everyone.



4. This book is just about as complete as everyone else that has reviewed says. I really only wanted North American trees and that is precicely what I got. A very fine book that is well organized with abundant photos, drawings and discriptions. I am just a novice so the more complete of a book the better. The only thing I wish is that I had an old beat up one to take into the woods.



5. This is an excellent book with clear photos of different parts of trees in its stated regional area.Maps are very good also and easy to see. I know what I am talking about since I have all the field guides available thru Peterson, Audubon,etc for North American coverage. Coverage of species native and introduced is thorough. This makes identifying them easier by narrowing your choices .Too big for field work,but good notes taken in the field with your significant other helping you with smaller regional guides and camera phones in tow will suffice when you get back to your home or motel.You can sip a glass of red wine together and share the day's fun in the Natural world!

5 comments about Conifers for Gardens: An Illustrated Encyclopedia.

1. At last a conifer book that gives us the courage and knowledge to grow conifers in our home gardens. That's the problem with conifers--people dislike them or fear them because they don't know them and understand them. It's hard to love conifers and buy them and grow them if one doesn't see their attraction and potential. If we understand them, conifers can have a meaningful relationship with our gardens. Bitner's book helps us see the beauty of conifers and it encourages people to love conifers. When you read this book you'll want to introduce some conifers to your prized plants at home and make conifers part of your garden structure and personality.
   
   Bitner's photographs are fantastic. They show the overall habit as well as beautiful close-up shots of the needles, cones and bark. The book is a very user friendly reference as it is organized alphabetically by generic names; beginning with an interesting overview of the genus followed by details of species and cultivated varieties within the genus. His plant descriptions are thorough and informative. He also tells us how to and where to grow conifers. Bitner's crisp and descriptive writing style is refreshingly filled with tidbits and stories about conifers--conifers that provide food or shelter for wildlife, some that are not so tasty to "hoofed browsers", those that are used for their wood and other commercial products, selections for "holiday trees", and he often includes many conifers' historical ties to native Americans and early settlers.
   
   This book should be by every gardener's bedside for fun and interesting reading and it is a "must have" for the any serious gardener's reference shelf. I don't know how we survived so long without it.



2. Very informative for most of the information. Also very helpful in choosing conifers for my area. Could give a little more info on zones and size of trees. Sometimes that info is mentioned and sometimes not. Overall a good book with good information.



3. I have never read a very good book about conifers, with nice photos, like this.



4. I was somewhat disappointed that many significant conifers had been left out of this "encyclopedia", making it difficult to do the research I need.
   The photographs are of higher quality than an older 2-volume Conifers: The Illustrated Encyclopedia by van Gelderen and van Hoey Smith.



5. I am a professional gardener. This book is very helpful and useful and it has lots of pictures. The only thing that I might say is missing is that not every variety shown has mature height and width, and it doesn't always say what the light requirements are. But, it still gives me varieties that look like what I might need for a given property, and if it doesn't give all the information I need, I just look up the variety from another source. Overall, it is a good "idea" book.