Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Landscaping on the New Frontier: Waterwise Design for the Intermountain West
Very nicely done, and very appropriate for the portion of the country where I live. ... Read more

Product Description
Create fun, safe, innovative outdoor landscapes for children

This unique resource expertly details the design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable children's landscapes and play yards.Numerous case studies cover projects including storybook courtyards, music and barnyard gardens, nature trails, wildlife habitats, memorial, and edible gardens. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Jury Comments: 2007 Professional Awards Program
2007 PA/DE Chapter ASLA President's Award Winner
Jury Comments:
The book is wonderfully illustrated and chock full of very useful information. This will be a great tool in the training and knowledge of a landscape architect in a very practical manner--good for every day use.

A Revolution in Play
"Designing Outdoor Environments for Children" is a thorough investigation of how spaces for children aid in the development of necessary motor skills, intellectual and imaginative stimulation, and an early exposure to nature that will foster lifelong appreciation. No topic is untouched - history, design process, sustainability, case studies, and fundraising are all included. Not only is the text written in a clear, concise manner with many insightful images, but the text also provides the seeds with which a revolution in children's play will occur, hopefully soon. Designers, parents, principals, and teachers should all read, and will undoubtedly benefit from the unique concepts presented here. The environments for our children can become more inspirational, more nurturing, and should be made over; the authors tell you why and show you how.

Excellent Resource
I have found 'Designing Outdoor Environments for Children' to be an excellent addition to my library.I will include this publication as a part of the'Introduction to Horticultural Therapy' class I am teaching.It will be very useful in helping students understand the essential role outdoor environments can play in teaching children about nature.The book is also an excellent resource in my own work designing residences and school playgrounds.Children, more than ever, need to reconnect with nature.The need to strengthen our interaction with nature cannot be overstressed today! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What a difference!
We bought a fixer-upper. There were a couple of anchor trees, but we did not know what to do. We consulted a couple of landscape architects, but they were giving us common, canned ideas. With this book, we were able to tell them what we wanted and then the architect we chose was able to give us a plan we loved! Thank you Sunset! ... Read more

Product Description
With this essential reference, written by experts, you'll get a guide to more than 400 landscape plants, with helpful drawings and photographs that carefully instruct you on how to create, design and professionally install your landscape. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Michael Dirr is not the author
Bought this on the strength of Michael Dirr's name - while he is one of SEVERAL contributing writers, he is NOT the author of this Ortho book - book itself is no better and no worse than any of the generic landscaping books available.If I hadn't bought it for cheap, used, I'd likely return it as it doesn't really add much to my gardening book collection.Really wanted Dr Dirr's always interesting views and opinions on shrubs/trees but here the information has been simplified to the point where individual cultivers aren't even mentioned.

Authoritative source
This book is by one of the authorities on southern plants, woody plants especially. He is a professor at the U. of Ga, and author of many texts on this subject.

With this volume, you get the benefit of his experience and information without paying the high price for one of his textbooks. This one is illustrated with color photos. If you are selecting trees or woody shrubs for your yard or property, it is an excellent source of information. I think it is not likely to go out of style, so keep it around. ... Read more

Product Description
Shows homeowners how to plan, design, and create their ideal landscapes.

Introduces a simplified process for planning.

Concentrates on landscape techniques that quickly produce results.

Provides clear, simple, easy-to-follow directions.

Hundreds of cutting-edge ideas and solutions.

Packed with labor-saving and cost-cutting tips.

User-friendly at-a-glance organization and eye-catching design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

It's really All About Landscape Design
Hi, I'm Jo Kellum, the author of this book. In it, I take you step-by-step through the design process so you can create a yard you'll love. Fancy drawings aren't necessary, but you do need to plan before you plant and this book shows you how. Whether you need a little design advice or are planning a major landscape makeover, I think you'll find All About Landscaping helpful. I am a landscape architect myself but this book is written for everybody (no landscape experience required!)

P.S. Write reviews and let me know what you think!

P.P.S. If you're looking for information about how to pick the right plant for the right place and tons of how-to projects on everything from planting to pruning, check out my latest book: Landscaping 1-2-3 (The Home Depot). There are three versions of this book so you can buy the one that has the best information for your region.

The Best Garden Design Book I Found!
Ok, so I decided to design my own front garden.I get sudden inspirations to do something like this and, typically, buy every book that looks reasonable on that subject that I can find.Despite it's lack of pretensions and humble origin, this book with the single most useful book I found on designing a garden.The entire design process was simply presented and gorgeously illustrated!A Really Useful Book!

Great Information!
This book not only has great information, but also, great ideas.I would reccommend it to anyone that would like get a head start on landscaping their yard. ... Read more

Product Description
Irresistible ideas in a uniquely formatted book. Lavishly illustrated with 200 photos, including 32 full-color photos. Filled with ideas for entryways, patios, driveways, side yards, multipurpose areas, pools, walkways, and much more. Directions for how to design your landscape from ideas to working drawings to planting and maintenance. Charts of plant materials for every area of Florida, condition of soil and sunlight, and purpose. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Landscaping Ideas; Plant Ideas Need Refinement
This book contains many inspiring examples, as well as do-it-yourself instructions, for designing landscapes in Florida. The landscape designs that are presented, photographed and discussed in this book provide nearly everything a Floridian needs to design and plant a landscape of their liking.

However, the treatment of native plants is very limited, and discussion of non-native nuisance plants is almost non-existent.We live in a state with so many beautiful, low-maintenance natives, as well as such an abundance of non-native nuisance plants, that I could not help but be disappointed by this aspect of the book.The one list of native landscape plants is extremely short and includes a few plants that are not native.Also, some of the recommended non-native plants in this book, most notably punk (melaleuca), are plants that are forbidden in several counties due to their tendency to escape cultivation and invade natural areas, crowding out the native plants that our wildlife need to survive.

Use this book to design your landscape and to get a general idea of which plants will do well in Florida.However, when selecting your plants, I recommend purchasing a good book on landscaping with native plants, such as Rufino Osorio's or Bob Haehle's, which are also available on amazon.com.This will insure that your landscape will not only look beautiful but will also require little water, pesticides or fertilizers and will be compatible with our wonderful natural environment. ... Read more

Product Description
Home Landscaping: Texas is the latest edition in Creative Homeowner's best-selling Regional Home Landscaping series, providing easy, practical ideas to beautify outdoor environments. Starting with the 200 best plants that thrive in the region, landscape professionals from Texas created 46 outdoor design concepts. Included are easy-to-follow instructions to create the paths, fences, walls, and arbors included in the designs, as well as information on plant care and maintenance. Clearly written in a friendly style, Home Landscaping: Texas provides insider advice to turn even a novice gardener into a landscape pro.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Home Landscaping Texas Book
Excellent pictures of planned landscapes that are actually usable in Texas. Very good for a beginner with no experience in planning a landscape. Usually gives a page number and picture of the plant used , which was helpful not only in recognition of the plant at the nursery but to identify plants that I have but did not know the name of. Gives diagrams in color for both shady and sunny areas, various sized property lots,front or back yards, and stand alone beds. Most useful book to help guide one in planning ones own property and still get the expensive landscapers look! Highly recommend.

GREAT RESOURCE FOR EVERY TYPE OF GARDENER!!
I'm a Master Gardener and this a great book - very clearly written - great illustrations - I use it often and recommend it to all gardeners no matter what their experience level.

Home Landscaping Texas
Good book and reference for landscaping design for Texas.I was disappointed that more actual photo designs were not present.

Home Landscaping Texas
When I received my book I was surprised at what good condition it was in.It could have passed for brand new.I feel like I got a much better book than I was expecting.I would order used books in the future.

useful
An excellent book for beginners.It features great landscape designs and a good overview of plants. Colorful illustrations, easy to read and practical.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great book, very entertaining and informative
We have a full shade yard.Other than ivy, we have had very little success getting a natural looking, attractive backyard.

There is a section in this book that showed us how to plant native plants in layers that are both attractive to people and to wild life.

Well worth the read for anyone wanting a natural looking landscape.

Super book on a great, eco-friendly topic!
Native butterflies, birds and other animals depend on the plants they evolved with. Tylka's book is engaging, filled with great color photos, and tips for gardeners who would like to see a little life in the yard. Covers sun and shade landscapes, as well as plants that attract migrating birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. A really handy feature is the chart for each topic. For example, the chart for "Large Native Trees" lists 21 trees, unique features of each, its soil requirements, and the wildlife it attracts. Published by Missouri Dept. of Conservation, the information applies throughout the Midwest. Boy, I really like his advice about fall leaves in the yard--leave them! ... Read more

Product Description
Almost 25 million households are involved in landscaping projects* Three region-specific editions tell gardeners everything they need to know about landscaping in zones 2-4, 5-6, and 7-10* Geared for every skill level* Information, photos, and projects approved by garden experts at The Home Depot* More than 500 photographs and illustrations ... Read more

Product Description
Have you ever wondered why your neighbors’ property isalways so beautiful? It’s not as difficult as you think!

In The Everything® Landscaping Book, noted gardener Allan A. Swensonwalks you through his quick and easy steps to beautifying your homeand increasing its value by up to 10 percent. The Everything®Landscaping Book shows you how to "frame" your home with vibrantflowerbeds, blossoming bushes, and shady trees. Whether you’re anovice or longtime homeowner, you can learn to create a water garden,plant window boxes, and color-coordinate your landscape design like aprofessional.

Other features include:

·Selecting the right plants for your climate
·Growing outdoor living rooms
·Color-coordinating your property
·Attracting desirable wildlife

Featuring an eight-page color insert and illustrations throughout, TheEverything® Landscaping Book helps you ensure a stunning landscape youcan enjoy for years to come. ... Read more

Product Description
Authors Jeff and Marilyn Cox present a complete workbook for garden transformation with ways for readers to change their landscape from sterile and boring to lush and vividly alive. Includes detailed instructions on doing everything from making a natural path, garden pool or wildwood meadow to custom-coloring concrete and aging wood. 80 full-color photos; 75 illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Lots of information
Book arrived quickly and safely.Lots of useful information that I can refer back to again and again.

A natural
Landscaping with nature is a nicely organized book that helps you create a plan for a natural landscape.It recommends plants and designs based on your area.The plans are not too elaborate and not too simple and the plant lists, both native and convergent species, are extensive.
All in all, Landscaping with Nature was exactly the book I was looking for to slightly civilize the natural landscape of my property. ... Read more

Product Description
Offering expert advice for any size garden, this book features a wide range of design ideas, suggestions for planting and maintenance, projects, and specific details on working with materials and tools. "Highly recommended for every homeowner, novice or advanced."--The Star-Ledger. 2,000+ photos & illustrations.Amazon.com Review
First published in 1972 and recently updated, The PracticalGuide to Home Landscaping is as good as its title! This big bookis really the equivalent of four books in one. It includes "GoodIdeas for Your Garden," with hundreds of photographs from gardensof every size and variety; "Planning," which spells outstep-by-step instructions for planning the space needed for thenecessities and the luxuries, and how to get it all down on paper;"Planting," which explains how to choose the right plantsfor the job, covering all climate zones; and finally, a two-partsection on "Construction," with instructions on how to workwith basic materials, including wood, masonry, canvas, plastic panels,brick, and even soil. There's a list of 130 specific projects you cando yourself, including walkways, fences, raised planting boxes,storage ideas, and decorative accents of many kinds for thegarden. This large book is a gold mine of information, instructions,techniques, and ideas for both the beginner and the seasonedgardener. --Mark A. Hetts ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Practical guide to home landscaping
Alot of information and ideas;didn't care for the black and white pictures.

Work, Work, Work
Tho an older book, the information is as true and up to date as one just off the press.Quite informative

Disappointing
This book is almost identical to previous editions of the book. Although, I have not reviewed every single page, the book appears almost identical, page for page, to a previous edition that I already own.I thought that this updated version would provide updated photos.Sadly, I am disappointed with this version.A book that advertizes itself as an update should have substantive changes that make it different than previous versions, this book is almost a copy of a very old issue that my grandfather owned. ... Read more

Product Description
Decks are popular in North American landscapes because they serve as outdoor sanctuaries. They are in the back yard, where life is quiet and less hectic. The deck is the perfect place to read the Sunday paper, listen to a ballgame, or entertain when the weather's nice. But a large, flat expanse of deck isn't all that exciting. Often, decks look bare and uninviting and can take up valuable gardening space.

With DECKSCAPING, learn to landscape on and around your deck. Landscaping and planting techniques help create the feeling that the deck is surrounded by the garden while hiding the deck's unsightly undercarriage. Add structure and privacy to the deck by building a lattice-covered pergola and growing climbing vines on it for shade. Containers planted with flowers, herbs, or vegetables bring the garden, with its fragrances, butterflies, birds, and wildlife, right up onto the deck. Running low on space? Attach hanging baskets and planter boxes to the railing. What you plant around your deck is just as important as what you plant around your house.

In addition to teaching landscaping and planting techniques, DECKSCAPING provides decorating tips on furniture, ornaments, and water features that strengthen the link between indoor and outdoor rooms. Homeowners will also learn how to evaluate a deck, analyze its usefulness and effectiveness, and identify options to improve it so that it is comfortable, safe, and appealing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

review by www.beachbrightsreviews.blogspot.com
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2O2G2H16N53FW I hope that by doing a video review, I am giving others a better glimpse inside the book. This is an excellent book for anyone looking to create an outdoor space.

Enjoy-

landscaping ideas
I liked the book very much after checking out the same book from a library. It gave me an idea of how I wanted to redesign and renovate my patio garden.

A book for the unimaginative
A fair book - I suppose if you have no imagination - have never looked at another landscaping book - or a new to the concepts.Nothing new in here - so that's where I was disappointed.

Works for ALL budgets and here's why
I love to garden but I don't have a huge budget so I was delighted to discover this book, which covers topics I hadn't seen in similar books. Among other things, it includes:

Full color photos of all sorts of deck gardens, from evening gardens to container gardens, trellis gardens and more

Detailed tips on how to camouflage ugly (but usually inexpensive) containers, allowing readers to spend more on plants and less on containers. She provides instructions for numerous and easy "cover-ups" for those awful plastic pots. I love this!

Tips on planning deckside flower beds, choosing furniture and buying or making trellises and other supports are invaluable. This author knows her stuff and even includes plans for all sorts of items (I love the very easy copper trellis she includes)

She lists the plants by their common and horticultural names and includes photos of nearly every plant - in color.

Plans for the deck gardens are incorporated into the larger landscape theme (assuming you have one) so that your deck fits into your total garden design scheme, a very nice touch.

If you aren't a natural decorator, her chapter on "Decorating with Style" will save you time and frustration. Her examples are never tacky, always tasteful and accomplished with a minimum of time, effort and fuss. Again, something to love!

Finally, this book allows readers to simplify their deck gardening time, which means there should be more time to savor the results of your efforts. Who wouldn't love that?

Essential if you love your deck
There is so much room for change in a deck garden that an idea book is great to keep around. This is my favorite one. It's packed with ideas you may never have considered, like including ornamental grasses for their flowing texture, growing pretty peppers in pots, or fine-tuning your plant choices to attract butterflies. Practical matters like choosing furniture or using awnings is covered as well. If you have a deck or patio and you like to garden, you need this book. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Full-color photographs and illustrations complement a comprehensive home landscaping reference that presents more than forty landscaping projects, tips on creating theme gardens, and information on planning and planting beautiful, personalized landscapes. 50,000 first printing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An excellent resource
Unlike many gardening/landscaping books, this one has *specifics* about different projects, i. e., terracing hillsides, building paths, etc.Much information not found in other books.

Informative but Blurred
I agree with the other reviewers that this book is very informative and helpful. However, if you also like gorgeous garden photos you're bound to be somewhat disappointed. There are lots of photos, but they aren't insharp focus. Sometimes only one flower or a portion of a background picketfence is all that is sharply focussed. I understand blurring to accent aparticular flower, but that is not what has been done here. It's more likethe shots of middle-aged movie stars where close-ups are in soft-focus tosoften their aging. Ridiculous there, very annoying in a book where youexpect the photos to be outstanding. Still they show nice composition andgroupings.

Great Book!
Great book...shows step by step how to do everything

interesting,isn't it ??
it is really very informative ... Read more

Product Description
Produced to be the most comprehensive do-it-yourself book on successful landscaping.

Half how-to and half idea guide, this book will contain 240 pages with 400+ photos/illustrations.

Includes a visual encyclopedia of the most popular plants, shrubs, trees and flowers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I'm an Idiot for buying this book
Did not tell me what I needed to know to pick plants for my yard.I found most of what I needed in Sunset's Western Garden Book (I'm in the western US).

The Complete Idiots Guide to Landscaping
This book is very informative and gives alot of ideas and information on how to landscape smaller areas.

Idiot's Guide to Landscaping Illustrated
This book is not at all what was expected for the price - all the pictures are black and white except for a very few color pages in the very center, which makes it almost impossible to help the reader identify plants, trees, shrubs, etc.All the black & white pictures blend so trying to distinguish what the publisher wanted the reader to focus on is extremely difficult.Might as well publish the book with only words and brief hand drawn illustrations.The reader still remains an "idiot" needing a guide to landscaping.

An excellent Guide!
Landscaping is a science as well as an art, but it doesn't mean you have to leave everything to the pros. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Landscaping" by Joel M. Lerner gives you the essentials so that even if you decide to let professional landscapers dig up, rearrange, and decorate your yard, you can make sure they do exactly what you envisioned. With Lerner's tips and detailed information, you can get a handle on the science and art of your own personal outdoors.

What I appreciate most about Lerner's Guide to Landscaping is the abundance of photos, sketches, and graphics. The layman's language text is well illustrated, leaving very little room for confusion or misinterpretation. And I especially enjoy the headings word play, like "The Plat Thickens," "Rocks Rule!" "Turf's Up!" and "Bean There, Vine That."

Aside from the photos that graphically explain the text, the sidebars and tipboxes are strategically located to answer questions you may have about the topic. For example, the "Green Thumb Guides" offer fundamental information and details spiked with Lerner's personal preferences and suggestions. The "Poison Ivy" box gives warnings and expert cautions about things that are often overlooked or taken for granted. The "Roots and Stems" sidebar includes definitions and explanations of technical landscaping terms. There are also tipboxes on "Planting Ideas" and "Suggested Tools." And most important, at the end of each chapter is a "The Least You Need to Know" section - in-a-nutshell bullet-lists of basics for beginners and reminders for experts.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Landscaping" appeals to the amateur landscaper because it breaks down complex concepts into simplified schemes. I've always struggled with where to start in planning a decent garden. Lerner organized the whole process into chunks of manageable tasks, and through his book, I now know that I should enlist Mother Nature, study the terrain, and draw my dream garden in detail.

"The constructed environment makes half the aesthetic impact," Lerner said. "The rest happens with the plants and the change of seasons. This book is written to make sure your plantings meet the basic principles of design, offer 12-month interest, appeal to the senses, provide shade, give shelter, attract wildlife, and discourage unwanted visitors, among the numerous other valuable attributes plants provide."

Lerner's book will help you understand the basic principles of landscaping, spark your creativity with its countless site plans and layout ideas, and equip you with the know-how to create a stunning garden and an outdoor home you can be proud of all year round. - Ruby Bayan (www.OurSimpleJoys.com)

Leaving No Stone Unturned
Life is a garden, and it is clear that Lerner digs it. His book has turned me from an all thumbs gardener into a green thumb, confident landscape designer. I wish I could display before and after pictures of my property. Thanks Mr. Lerner for the best tutorial I have found on the topic of landscape design. ... Read more

Product Description
Good Looks! Good Scents! Good Eats!Edible landcaping has it all.While many think of gardening in the desert or the hotter climates of USDA Zone 9 and above as a challenge, The Herb Lady has put together an offering for beginners, that includes a month-by-month calendar, recipes and landscaping ideas, to encourage gardeners to create an environment that is safe for family and pets, attractive, aromatic and you can eat it too! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Edible Landscaping Basics
This is a good book for someone just moving into the desert environment or someone who lives there and is beginning to get interested in edible landscope. Thoughtful and personal. A comfortable, non challenging introduction.
Those who are interested in food gardens that can be great for front yards may be more interested inThe Beautiful Food Garden: Creative Landscaping With Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits & Flowers. Those who need more reason to do it in the first place should read Food Not Lawns.Food Not Lawns: How to Turn Your Yard into a Garden And Your Neighborhood into a Community

This book is my new gardening bible !
Being a transplant from lush New England to the dry Southwest desert,I have struggled for years to maintain a successful garden.The Herb Lady covers everything in this essential and informative book.From vegtable and herb companion plant lists to a detailed month by month calendar with great gardening tips,
I can now take pride in my gardening bounty.With nearly 30 pages of recipes I can enjoy my bounty in unique and flavorful new ways. Many thanks to The Herb Lady. ... Read more