2 comments about Curb Appeal Idea Book (Taunton Home Idea Books).

1. The Taunton Press has published some excellent books - I especially like "Built-Ins". But this books seems to have been thrown together with little thought or integrity. Featured are numerous pictures that can been seen in their other books; this recycling of images is an affront to the reader - I never forget a photograph, and feel ripped-off when I recognize it from a different book.
   The Taunton Press should re-think its strategy; re-hashing previous publications and slapping on a new title is lazy, unoriginal, and insulting to its readership.



2. Someone else said it was not great or original, but I disagree.
   Maybe because I do not have the other Taunton home books,
   so these images are all new to me. I am a designer and this has
   been an excellent resource for me. I use it a lot. I love the
   ideas and I turn to this book over and over for inspiration. I
   highly recommend it if you're looking for ideas to rejeuvinate your
   home's exterior or if you are sharing design ideas with your cleints,
   as a real estate agent or architectural design consultant.

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.

1 comments about Outdoor Living Idea Book (Taunton Home Idea Books).

1. This is a wonderful book for all styles of outdoor living. The photography is absolutely excellent. It makes a great gift.

2 comments about Treehouses and other Cool Stuff.

1. I'm not one to write reviews of books, but this time I feel compelled to do so. The Stiles books on building are really quite unique and I particularly like their new one on Tree Houses and Other Cool Stuff. It is filled with inventive projects that parents can do with children.
   
   The instructions are just wordy enough and the illustrations look quite easy to follow. I'm going to give this book as gifts. It would make a good gift for a Mom or Dad with young children, or for active grandparents, come to think of it.



2. 't was great fun! We already built two of the projects described with detailed directions and plans in this wonderful book: the downhill racer ... and what fun do the kids have with it! and the lemonade stand on wheels, which we take sometimes to the beach. We are looking forward to build a tree house next spring. If experience is any guide, it should be ready for the summer.

1 comments about The New Outdoor Kitchen: Cooking Up a Kitchen for the Way You Live and Play.

1. Deborah does an amazing job with this how - to on outdoor cooking. beautiful pictures and designs to inspire even the most uncreative of readers. highly recommended - she even includes pictures of her own amazing outdoor kitchen which is just a testament to her knowedge and experience. even if you are just looking for ideas or creative possibilities pick up a copy and you will not be disappointed- you truly get what you pay for. i wish i could just carry out all of the projects she puts in here!

No comments about Outdoor Rooms II: More Designs for Porches, Terraces, Decks, and Gazebos (Quarry Book).

2 comments about Patios and Walkways (Do It Yourself).

1. The organization is excellent; the presentation of a series of sample projects makes the information very accessible to the novice, while providing some flexibility in how you can use the book. If one of the projects is exactly what you want to do, just read that section and plunge right in. If you don't know what you want to do, or want to do something a little different from what is described, read the entire book and get a good understanding of both basic principles and the variations that are possible. I had nothing bad to say about this book immediately after reading it (several times), but imagine my surprise when, while researching concrete pavers online, I ran across a familiar photograph - from this book - at a paver manufacturer's website. Reading the acknowledgements and copyright info for the book confirmed it - a number of the supplemental photographs are marketing materials provided by manufacturers. No wonder that this book seems to imply that pre-cast concrete pavers are the greatest thing since sliced bread! It seems obvious in retrospect that the book is biased by this manufacturer input. For this reason, if you are hoping to save a lot of money with DIY, this may not be the book for you. It doesn't cover the cheapest patio/walkway options (gravel and concrete), and the emphasis is more on saving money on labor so that you can spend extravagantly on materials. If you already know that gravel and concrete aren't quite right for you, then this might be just the book you need.



2. Step by step pictures are easy to follow and informative. This book is set out in a user friendly manner and one of the best of it's type I have read.

5 comments about The Complete Yurt Handbook.

1. It's amazing how much information is in this rather small book. You could keep it in your pocket as you built your own functional yurt. The writing is to the point and very informative. I've checked out many books on building yurts and this is the best. High points of this book for me: clear patterns, listing of materials and tools needed, time estimates for building, vocabulary of yurt parts, basic history of the people who use yurts, their various regions, and yurt variations. Get this book if you really want to build a yurt and do it right.



2. None of the chatter, just good info on how to build yurts and gers. Forget the other larger books. Simple and to the point. Most of the drawings are freehand and not cad, but nothing is lost in the process.



3. This book is an invaluable source of information on the history, building and use of the portable felt structures called Gers. Well researched and clearly written, the book covers all the detailed procedures needed for building one of these structures including authentic plans for a variety of sizes. There is a good glossary of terms and many helpful suggestions for the sourcing of materials.



4. One of the best books I've found with concise building instructions. It also gives the historical context and more period method of construction as well. Great book for a beginner, which I am.



5. Excellent pictures. Good overall introduction to Yurts. Quick read. Not a lot of stupid info.

2 comments about Step-by-Step Outdoor Stonework: Over Twenty Easy-to-Build Projects for Your Patio and Garden.

1. Twenty different projects are presented in color photos and detailed drawings. Lawrence concentrates on patios, paving, steps, garden walls, stone furniture and decorative ponds. These are all projects that homeowners can handle themselves with this concise guide.



2. This large paperback book may only be 96 pages but it is incredibly detailed and the color photos and illustrations are excellent. For each project the author covers types of materials, site preparation, design, estimating quantities, measuring, as well as step by step instructions on building the project. Projects covered: Garden Walls, Arches, Patios, Paths, Steps, Planters, Rock Gardens, Seats and Tables, and Ponds. A section on "Small Weekend Projects" shows how to make a mounting for a sundial, paving around trees, laying stepping stones, and building a patio planter out of rocks.

   A "Reference" section in the back of the book includes detailed information on tools, natural stone, man-made wall blocks, paving slabs and blocks, mortar and concrete, dry mixed materials, mortar mixes and ready made concrete.

5 comments about What Color Is Your Swimming Pool? A Homeowner's Guide to Troublefree Pool, Spa & HotTub Maintenance.

1. I own a home with a large spa in the basement. When I purchased the home, the spa was not filled with water, and since I had no experience maintaining pools or spas, I read this book to give me some general operating tips. Although the book is not written to explain details concerning all complex pool and spa maintenance procedures, it is an excellent introduction for the novice pool or spa owner.
   
   It is true that the author sometimes refers the reader to a trained pool professional, but I think that is appropriate given the range of possible complications. He also recommends getting a periodic professional water analysis (most pool shops will do this free or at very reasonable cost) as the chemical sticks are good for only fairly basic information. One of the strengths of the book is the explanation of the basic applied chemistry involved in pool maintenance.
   
   After reading this book and getting a water analysis, I have been confidently enjoying the hot tub. Overall, I recommend this book for all pool and spa owners, especially novices. People with a lot of experience with pools may desire a more advanced text, but I think this one works great for probably 99 percent of the pool and spa owners out there.



2. This book was written in layman's terms. Everything was explained in easy to follow step by step directions. I feel much more in control of my pool after reading this book. I will definitely keep it around as a reference book.



3. Middle of the road. I preferred the Ultimate pool guide, but as a newcomer to pools this book also helped me understand a lot.



4. This book quickly answered some vexing questions I have had for some time concerning the correction of imbalances in my pool water. It clearly explains what steps are needed to put things right. Good value for money!



5. This is a good book if you need to know the basics about a pool. But it's not real technical, it did not provide enough information no how to get or keep the chemicals correct in the pool. But if you're like me and did not know anything about your pool it is a very good starter guide for you.