5 comments about Taunton's Front Yard Idea Book: How to Create a Welcoming Entry and Expand Your Outdoor Living Space (Idea Books).

1. My book is so filled with post-its marking which ideas I'll be emulating. It may take awhile, but it'll be worth it if my front yard ends up anywhere near as beautiful as some of these pictures. I'm looking forward to enjoying my front yard in a private garden setting, just like I enjoy my back yard. It's mine to enjoy, not to work like a dog on just for the neighbors benefit!
   
   Editing to add - it is now three years after I originally posted this review. I used many of the ideas learned from this book, and it sparked many of my own! My front yard looks like a park, I love to look out my windows and enjoy. Even a walk to the mailbox has become a serene experience because of the lush gardens and plantings.
   People drive through our neighborhood, stop in front of our house and I see them looking and pointing at different gardens, etc. We'll be selling our house to retire in a couple of years, and I feel confident that our place has tremendous "curb appeal" because of what I learned and implemented from this book.



2. A good-looking front yard isn't just a wise investment in your home, it's a gift to your neighborhood. Webber's book is packed with ideas for real families and real houses. For example, the book's chapter "Driveways and Parking" offers ideas on expanding a narrow driveway or parking spot, even parking bays and pull-offs!

   Webber uses a logical, easy to follow pattern. First she gets us thinking about our goals for an area, then she provides reliable information, combined with Taunton's characteristically good photography.

   All in all, the book's a good investment for any homeowner with a front yard.




3. I can't begin to say how much I adore this book!! I'm telling you now, if you read this book from cover to cover & allow yourself to digest each & every picture, you'll never look at a front yard the same again. Literally, American is stuck in a rut. I look up & down my street, & all I see are blank, bland, boring lawns!! Wretch! This book has made me realize something that took me directly out of that silly, traditional mindset: I PAY AS MUCH FOR MY FRONT YARD AS I DO MY BACKYARD! This book has motivated me to "reclaim" my front yard for my own use, & I can't wait to have it all in & done! It won't be my neighbor's front yard anymore! It won't look like public domain anymore!!!



4. I love elaborate front yard plantings, but this book just isn't the inspirational guide that Liz Primeau's similar "Front Yard Gardens: Growing More Than Grass" is.

   It's a fairly pedestrian, utilitarian book, nothing special. The Primeau alternative actually conveys a sense of the excitement and adventure inherent in de-lawning your front, and the examples shown are more interesting than the bland gardens depicted here in Taunton's offering.

   I've read through this once, then returned it to the library. "Front Yard Gardens" I bought, and I've read through it three times. Buy it instead. Do redo your garden, but don't expect Taunton's Front Yard Idea Book to inspire you.

   Note: a 3 star ranking from me is actually pretty good; I reserve 4 stars for tremendously good works, and 5 only for the rare few that are or ought to be classic; unfortunately most books published are 2 or less.




5. This book helps change your perspective on the front yard in general. It talks about the wastefulness of large lawns and tells you how to cover ground in a way that is not only functional for your family but better for the environment. Her advice of what to do if you live in a track neighborhood with only plantings left by the builders is great. She talks about how to transform your yard in such a way that neighbors follow suit instead of looking at you like you've ruined the golf course aesthetic of the neighborhood. Her perspective that the front yard is a semipublic space and how to respect the neighborhood while inspiring them was good. The pictures are great and most of the ideas would blend in with other neighbors while still being origonal and attention getting. Thumbs up.

5 comments about Dirr's Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates: An Illustrated Encyclopedia.

1. I am still waiting for a reference book like this for Southern California. This book largely ignores us. Virtually nothing on Eucalyptus. Half our palms aren't there. NO bamboo at all. No Agapanthus even. Lots of holes. Suprising that there is still only Gordon Courtwright's books.



2. Well, the name pretty much says it all for this book. There are some wonderful photographs throughout the book with small descriptions beside each photo. As a reference book, this is great but I would not recommend it if you are looking for a good book to read on those long winter evenings.

   Another drawback is that many trees that will thrive in warmer climates are not listed. It seems to list the more commonly known ones instead of the ones that very little information is available on.

   I do feel that this book will be a great help to those who either know or suspect which plant they have and want to make a positive identification. The photos are definitely the best part of this particular book.




3. I don't know what the above reviewer expected...by way of clarification; bamboos are grasses, and agapanthus are herbaceous perennials NOT shrubs or trees. If you are expecting to find a comprehensive acount of all warm climate plants this is not the book for you (as the title clearly states)

   If you are someone who is looking for a good primary survey of trees and shrubs for this zone this is an extremely useful book. Professional and non-professional alike. It may not have every esoteric specie but it will serve as a solid foundation of what performs best.




4. In this book, our leading expert on woody plants gives brief descriptions and excellent photos of many of those suited for warm climates. As noted by another reviewer, the selection is more complete for the humid Southeast (of the U.S.) than it is for California and other Mediterranean climates. However, I expect that all warm-climate gardeners will find much of value.
   
   It is important to note that this book complements Dirr's two other major efforts on woody plants: his Manual of Woody Landscape Plants and a photographic volume (similar to this one) called Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs. The Manual provides more detailed taxonomic and cultural information (including info on propagation), but has line drawings of foliage only. The two photographic books cover most woody plants suited to the U.S. There is no overlap between the photographic books, which is why redbud and dogwood aren't found in this volume, as noted by a previous reviewer. They are hardy, and they are in Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs.
   
   This book is invaluable for seeing what mature specimens of these plants will look like and for Dirr's always interesting comments on suitable uses and culture. Highly recommended.



5. I was impressed with Dirr's Manuel of Woody Landscape book and really looked forward to this one. I live in Zone 8/B in south Georgia and so many plants labeled to grow in this area do not. Since Dirr is from Georgia I thought this book would be just what the doctor ordered. Well, not exactly.
   I loved having the color photos but was not impressed with the number of plants he excluded or included for that matter. I was hoping for the same format as his previous book, listing all the qualities and pros and cons. What I got was some pics with a paragraph or two (some without pictures at all) describing a few things about it. Some of the plants listed are common, even weedy. My main beef is that it is sometimes hard to tell exactly where they should grow because of the way it is written. Example: Zones (8)9 to 10. New Zealand,Australia, Tazmania. I assume the countries are where the plant originated but I can't tell if it grow in Zone 8 or not. There are also problems when he describes a plant that grows on the west coast. Example:Zones 6 to 8, 9 to 10 on the west coast. Does this mean 6 to 8 anywhere and also in 9 and 10 on the west coast or all the zones on the west coast only? I think my biggest problem occured in thinking since he was from Georgia he would be talking about the warm, humid climate in the southeast. It seems like a majority of the plants are for the Pacific Coast region. Like I said, my mistake. I got some good ideas but having decided on a holly that I want, have not been able to find it anywhere, even online. I am not sorry I spent the money but if I had had an actual copy in hand, say at the library or in Barnes and Noble, I would have just copied down the names of what interested me and jumped on the computer at home.

5 comments about Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting & Pruning Techniques.

1. I've been gardening for 4 years and I learned a few really useful things from Tracy's book; enough to keep it on my list of "most wanted" gardening books. There is a great deal of information on preparing beds, soil amendment, planting and some creative pruning ideas. I think of this book the same way I think of Jaques Pepin's "La Technique" when it comes to cooking. It's a basic, a classic, and it should be on your shelf, or better yet in front of you.



2. This is not another book of pretty pictures of flowers. The book takes you from start (preparing the soil), to caring for your plants (pruning tips), to finish (dividing mature plants).



3. Most garden books concentrate on flower type, color, pairing or such. This book gets you into the day to day maintance such as pinching, dead heading and pruning in a stright forward manner. By following these guides a gardener will end up with much fuller longer lasting flowers. If done with perenials the pinched tops can be just stuck in the ground in a shady spot and have new plans even if 75% do not start.
   HLM



4. I enjoyed an earlier copyright of this book and the new one is improved. Great reference for any gardener, especially those that want to do the best they can with the perennials.



5. The book was what I wanted, and in good condition. I'm happy with my purchase.

1 comments about Moth Orchids: The Complete Guide to Phalaenopsis.

1. This is a well-written and very important addition to the literature about Phalaenopsis orchids. The discussion about hybridization history and trends is excellent, and the book is full of excellent pictures that accurately capture the author's key points. The organization of the book is also first-rate.
   
   A few minor points that would have improved the book. I would have liked to have seen more detail in the culture section - perhaps the addition of an advanced culture and propagation section would have been appropriate. The index is lacking - it is simply a list of different Phalaenopsis. Including an index with subject-specific topics would have been useful. Finally, although Eric Goo and his Phoenix Orchids are prominently referenced in the text, they were omitted from the index of Sources and Suppliers.
   
   However, in spite of these shortcomings, I still rate the book at 5 stars. Pulling all of this information together into one book and illustrating it as well as is done is invaluable. I will return to this book's pages over and over again. Phalaenopsis lovers will be thrilled to have this book available to them!

5 comments about On Guerrilla Gardening: A Handbook for Gardening Without Boundaries.

1. On Guerrilla Gardening: A Handbook for Gardening Without Boundaries is a different kind of gardening book, describing how to use the power of gardening to beautify land one does not own - a technically illegal practice! And so those who engage in it apply tactics of Mao Tse-tung and Che Guevara to the (mostly) nonviolent acts of gardening. Cultivating plants has the potential to be an act of political defiance, yet it is a defiance meant to spread colorful blooms, fragrant smells, and happiness among neighbors rather than bloodshed or pain. Chapters cover the history of guerrilla gardening, the necessary tools, recommended courses of action (including positive propaganda tactics) and much more. A scattering of color photography enhances this eyebrow-raising gardening guide.



2. On Guerrilla Gardening is a delightful little book! The author mixes history, politics, environmentalism and practical gardening into an enjoyable weekend read.
   Guerrilla gardening can be a strong political statement about the waste of good land and the potential for abundance even when we're faced with a "food crisis," or it can just be something you do for fun.
   My only concern is the "waging battle" metaphor that sprouts throughout the book; I wish even as we guerrilla garden, that we could make our speech more nurturing. It's only a little quibble though.
   If you've ever been saddened by an abandoned tree well near your bus stop or your office, this book will give you the gumption to go out there and turn it into a lovely little garden!



3. I thought this book was great. After finishing reading the book I found a group in my area that was doing guerrilla gardening. I feel a lot better about living in LA now that I'm participating with the group. You can see what the book inspired at http://laguerrillagardeing.org



4. Aside from having great photos alive with community spirit, the book imparts nothing other than boyish enthusiasm with grand eloquent socialist political ideology and call for action using hyped up war jargons and weapon terminology. Good grief. We do not need to grow plants by using military tactics in total darkness and secrecy. Finally the author concludes like a deflated balloon his own deafeat in "legitmizing" his activies with the authorities. Had it never occured to him to just talk to the DPW ?



5. This is a book about the history of illegal gardening, and instructions (perfect!) on how to join the quiet war that is being waged with muddy boots and a watering can. If you have always found ways to live a responsibly mischievous life, you will definitely enjoy this book (it's got good photos too!). I read somewhere once that it is a leprechaun's duty to bring more laughter, joy and beauty into the world... I think that perhaps Reynolds has roots in that other world because he seems to be doing an excellent job at spreading joy, beauty, and openness, and bringing a bit of sparkle back to the world. Oh, and while your here, get some of some of these:Wildflower Seeds- 1000+ Low Growing

4 comments about Private Gardens of Georgia.

1. If you want to take a look at the best gardens, not only in Georgia, but in the world, just take a look inside. You'll also be accompanied by amazingly descriptive and creative writing. This is the coffee table book you will read first and then place on your mantle.



2. What a beautiful book...very well done...the Holder garden in Lagrange is fabulous.....everyone should own this book



3. What an incredible book!!! The gardens are absolutely beautiful and the authors did an outstanding job describing them. The photography is out of this world. This is the best gardening book around. I hope we see another book from these authors! This is a must see book that will give anyone inspiration for their own garden!



4. The pictures of the gardens are fabulous and stunning. You will want to create your own garden paradise like the ones featured in the book.

5 comments about Laughter On The Stairs (Beverley Nichols Trilogy Book 2).

1. A delightful read! Mr. Nichols (in a very "proper" British fashion) describes his hilarious adventures in home decorating and remodeling. His run-ins with his snobby neighbors can not be missed! If you love gardens, cats, home decorating, or if you just love to laugh; GET THIS BOOK! In fact, get all three books in this trilogy (ie: "Merry Hall", "Sunlight on the Lawn", and "Laughter on the Stairs").



2. In LAUGHTER ON THE STAIRS, Nichols continues his tale of the restoration of Merry Hall and it's grounds. Just after WWII, Nichols purchased a derelict Georgian House and it's tattered grounds, and with the help of his 'man' Gaskins, and the able Oldfield, who had worked the grounds for most of his life, he began a restoration project.

   MERRY HALL was written about six years into the project, and focused on the grounds. LAUGHTER ON THE STAIRS takes place a few years, when later Nichols has turned his attention to the interior of the old Georgian House. The former owner, a Mr. Stebbing had very Victorian tastes, which Nichols dislikes, and has tried to erase. At last, he plans to address the staircase, where a stained-glass window that was "unquestionably..most alarming" overhang the landing.

   Nichols nosey-parker neighbor Rose doesn't want to see the house altered. She remembers the days when Mr. Stebbing was the owner, and she does not approve of the new owner's changes. She was particularly outraged by the savage destruction of the old boxwood hedge. Now, Nichols proposes to destroy the lovely stainglass window Mr. Stebbing had installed over the staircase. Of course Merry Hall is Nichol's house and he can do what he likes, but he is concerned about the neighbors reactions to his plans. The story takes an interesting twist when burglers break in one night and in a strange way help him solve the dilemma.

   This is a light and amusing book, and one I found very intertaining reading before bedtime.




3. Magical writing and so descriptive, from another era, gossipy, funny and at times thoughful. Great insight into Beverley Nichols life. Recommend this to anyone who enjoys gardening and life in general.



4. This is the second volume in the Merry Hall trilogy, a set of books that focuses on Beverley Nichols' home life while he resides at Merry Hall, not his work life (which is presumably covered in his multi-volume autobiography). Where the first volume focused almost exclusively on the rehabilitation of the garden portion of his newly-purchased property, Laughter on the Stairs focuses on the re-doing of the house, interspersed with stories of local goings-on.
   
   With a deft hand Mr. Nichols describes the horrible but inevitable way in which home improvement projects tend to snowball into something much bigger and more expensive than one had intended. At the same time he takes great delight in un-doing the monstrosities that the previous owner has inflicted upon the house.
   
   Meanwhile, we are introduced to a couple of new "characters", specifically Marius' old governess Miss Mint, a very sweet and extremely timid woman who is welcomed into the local community; Erica Wyman, a famous gypsy novelist of dubious experience who is not; and Five, who arrives as a kitten and quickly settles into the Nichols' household.
   
   Among the amusing stories that the author recounts are one that involves the sale of Miss Mint's fake Tudor cottage with a dried-up well to the odious Ms. Wyman, and the flower show, which goes horribly awry in a most satisfying manner.
   
   Mr. Nichols is the sort of person that you'd want as a friend - he's a gentle soul who is enraptured by beauty in every form and can scarcely bear to harm a bug, but he also has a marvelously dry sense of humor and a delicious way of describing the personalities and interactions of those around him.
   
   As a reviewer, I despair of coming up with a sufficient list of adjectives for Mr. Nichols' writings, as I intend to search out and read them all. Although that intention itself is perhaps review enough.



5. A great read. Part of a trilogy; I have just purchased the other two books as this book was so much fun to read. This book will interest people who have a love of old houses, English villages, and gardening.

5 comments about Ask Ed: Marijuana Gold: Trash to Stash.

1. I don't think I have seen any book like this on the market, because I would have bought it. This fantastic book gives all the information about what to do with the parts of the marijuana plant that aren't bud. I have searched far and wide for easy hash making tips and recipes for anything that's not a brownie. This book has everything I want to know and in one place. Ed Rosenthal is the master at direct, easy-to-understand cannabis information. There's reviews for most of the big name vaporizers, great recipes, dosage guidelines, contact information for all the products and companies featured, a whole chapter about making hash and another about water hash.It tells you all about what "trash" is and how to store it.There's a color photo section and tons of photos and illustations throughout. All the information is easy find, understand and apply. A must have. Did I mention I really like this book?



2. Look at this book and you will get so excited about everything you can do with your stash, especially the leftover trim and leaf. There's stuff in here you've never thought about and stuff you have thought about but didn't how to do- how to make pills, tinctures, butter, baked goods, everything. Looking at the pictures even got me motivated enough to actually try to do some of this, and that's definitely a feat. Read this book! Then cook for me.



3. Trash to stash was incredibly informative and easy to read. I enjoyed the hi-resolution images and the detailed descriptions of each process. I had fun learning about how to convert what I would normally throw away (clippings, leaf, shake, and stems) into something that will get me high. I also liked reading about vaporization; it?s cool to know there are ways to inhale/ingest that are much healthier and easier on the lungs. It was nice seeing reviews and comparisons of the different vaporizers, because it gave me the ability to know what I want before I buy. There are also extensive sections on cooking, tincture making, and tea brewing. Specifically, I really liked the detailed instructions concerning hashish (many different ways to make!) and keif, I love the smell of fresh keif in the morning (hello green bud O?s!).
   
   Trash to Stash is a definite thumbs up; no stoner should be without it!



4. This book will save you a lot of surfing through mediocre web sites.
   
   The recipes are simple and easy to follow, and explained by just enough science to make it all interesting and reasonable. Every section includes a list of relevant internet resources, such as where to get supplies. Potential pitfalls and dangers are carefully noted. It's brief, but to-the-point and smartly written.
   
   Imagine the delightful home industries that will spring up when this stuff becomes legal again! I hope I live to see it.



5. This book is a great, easy to follow, well illustrated book about making hash, cooking with herb, and other ways of turning your trash into stash. Highly recommended. 420 forever!!!

5 comments about Outdoor Water Features: 16 Easy-to-Build Projects For Your Yard and Garden.

1. Do you like the refreshing sound of lemonade trickling into a glass, only you wish it would last longer? The relaxing sound of running water is refreshing and also attracts wildlife. This book has 16 projects you can build, most quite easily, with simple, readily available materials that will add sound and visual interest to your yard.

   The book has information about tools, materials and plants, well illustrated with photographs and watercolor drawings. There are even maintenance tips. Some of the projects are as small as container fountains and some as large as ponds. They even discuss "bog gardening." Most of the designs fall in the small to medium size range.

   Among the more interesting projects is a "Japanese Deer Scarer" which is an animated bamboo fixture that beats on a rock while dumping water. Also unique is a "Wine Bottle Spray Fountain." (We are avidly gathering the materials for this one as I write.) There are several that utilize sheet copper parts and one made from glass bricks.

   There are lots of good tips on design that you can use for your own variations. If you are only going to buy one book on outdoor water features, get this one. It is sure to be an inspiration for your next weekend "water" project.




2. This a basic slim book that does just what the writers promise. They show the novice gardener how to make 16 water features. There are assorted fountains, including a romantic fountain, bell fountain, perpetual water tap, a cascade and a glass waterfall. There is a still pond, a wall waterspout a cascade and a natural pond. It's fairly standard stuff but there are, after all, only so many ways to present simple how-to-do-it water feature information.

   There are useful sections on tools, materials and pumps, and you'll find plenty of illustrations, including cross-sections of the construction project.

   There is no bibliography, just a reading list that is really tacky because it only lists other books published by the same publisher. Unless you're new to gardening I'd stay away from books published by Storey. There is nothing basically wrong with them, but they lack the depth, originality and insight that the more experienced gardener generally seeks.




3. For anyone wanting to learn how to add water to their yard, this is the book to get. I loved it because the projects are easy to follow and there aren't any steps that you will not be able to do.
   The information at the front of the book lays out a good foundation for the projects that you will find throughout the book. From everything such as designing, planning and the tools you will need, to maintenance and the many projects; this book will lead the path to having the calming effect of water in your yard.
   The illustrations and photography just add to how helpful and very informative this book really is. This book would make a great gift for any gardener.



4. This book has some good information, great design ideas,
   and beautiful pictures. My pond is up and running, and
   the fishies and frogs and water lillies are VERY Happy.



5. I ordered this book as a gift. It shipped fast and I received it in only a few days after. It was exactly what they wanted. Thanks for the great service.

5 comments about Garden Stone: Creative Landscaping with Plants and Stone.

1. Garden Stone: Creative Ideas, Practical Projects, And Inspiration For Purely Decorative Uses by expert gardening and award-winning gardening writer Barbara Pleasant showcases garden stonework from gardens in all parts of North America illustrating what can be done in diverse geographical locations and climates. Instructional line drawings provide the reader with a wealth of practical, applicable information to devise, develop, and construct their own garden oriented stone projects. Enhanced with more than 50 photo portraits and descriptions highlighting plants that are especially effective when used in the company of stone, Garden Stone offers instructive advice on using stone when creating steps, walls, boundary definitions, and mood settings for gardens. More than 40 projects are presented to illustrate the manifold uses of stone to beautify the garden and give opportunity for gardeners to reveal their own unique and enduring artistic expressions. Garden Stone is a welcome and specialized addition to any personal, professional, or community library Gardening/Landscaping reference book collection.



2. Beautiful photographs. Gorgeous landscapes. Makes you want to go out and hoist some stones!



3. Many options and suggestions for stone work. I thought the book illustirations were beautiful and the material well presented. Helpful book for the garden library.



4. I loved looking at the pictures in this book and there was some information about types of rock which was interesting and well-wriiten. However, a lot of the book's ideas centered around rocks in combination with water features; very pretty but useless for those without water in their gardens. That also seemed a tad presumtuous considering the title. Maybe it should be called "Landscaping with plants ,stone and water features".



5. This book was nice to look out but didn't really give me what I was looking for. I wanted some ideas on using stone with running water.