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.
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.
Softcover, 224 pages, Published 2003
Customer Reviews:
Pools and Spas.......2007-07-23
There are some good ideas and landscape ideas in this book for designing spas and pools. In the end I probably only spent 20 minutes in this book and didn't get a whole lot out of it. We spent a considerable amount of money on our pool but we live in Arizona and the landscape ideas didn't apply to this climate. Overall, lots of pretty pictures. 2 out of 5 stars.
We Borrowed Then Bought!.......2005-05-28
We also borrowed this from the library, but found we didn't want to return it. We spent hours showing each other what pictures we really liked, got great tips on thhe issues the pool owner faces and have a real idea of what we need to consider. So, since we want to use this during the planning process, we bought it!
Another Winner in Pool Books!.......2005-04-18
I borrowed this book from the library (too many pool books are not worth buying), and spent the rest of the night looking at it. Great photo examples of various types of pools that are described in detail, along with chapters on Safety, Design, Landscaping, Materials, etc... One of the best! (Same review as Pool & Spa Planner by Better Homes & Gardens, because they are both great books!)
Great info, great pictures, recommended resource.......2004-07-08
There are a lot of pretty home design books out there that have very little information tucked between the pictures. This book is full of information but also has a number of handsome photos of pools, spas, and water gardens which will give you ideas if you are planning a custom designed pool or tub. It's a great resource for someone thinking of installing these features in their backyard, and it also touches on landscaping, lighting, and even sauans.
Required reading for pool owners.......2004-04-07
Full of photographs of beautifully designed pools and spas set in various architectural environments, "Pools & Spas" is literally full of creative ideas if you are planning on adding a pool or spa to your home. However, the book does not stop with designs but also includes information on maintenance, various types of pool equipment, and even the process of installing an in ground pool. While the coverage of in ground pool installation is not detailed enough to do it yourself it does give you an idea of what is going on at the various stages so you know what to expect from your contractor.
If you are even thinking of installing a pool or spa, whether in ground, above ground, or portable, you should pick up a copy of "Pools & Spas". It includes a lot of factors that you might overlook when planning your pool and everything you need to know to take care of it correctly when it is finished.
Book Description
Detailed, illustrated plans for building a variety of styles.
More than 50 garden structures included, with construction drawings and lists of materials.
Expert construction advice—how to use tools, prepare sites, buy lumber, and apply outdoor finishes.
Selection tips for plants compatible with the structures featured.
Customer Reviews:
Trelliss, Arbor & Pergolas: Idea and Plans for Garden Structures.......2006-11-12
Good information on the different aspects of building the various landscape structures.
Great idea and how-to book.......2005-05-22
My husband and I had a landscape plan drawn up that included a pergola. Since my husband rebuilt part of our fence, he wanted to tackle the pergola himself. So, I bought him this book and he really loved it.
The beginning of the book shows a variety of ideas for trellises, arbors and pergolas. Even if you're not going to build it yourself, the photos, drawings, and descriptions of styles may help you select or design one that you like and fits your house/yard. My favorite idea from the book was a trellis that goes over the garage door - what a neat idea!
The next section of the book has all the necessary instructions and shows you how to build a number of these structures. This could come in handy if you decide to build it yourself.
Section three offers some suggestions for plants that will climb up structure.
The final portion of the book goes over the different types of tools you may need for your project. There are also drawings and descriptions to help the novice learn the basic building and wood-working skills needed for these projects.
Although we haven't started our pergola yet, I'm sure this book will come in handy. We've definitely been enjoying looking through it to see what kind we might want!
Product Description
Millions of people now are gardening in America today. And the good news is that the "tipping point" for organic gardening is here to stay. Green is the new black. Grow Organic is an easy-to-read book that includes eight chapters on everything from soil management, to companion planting, to beneficial bugs for flowers and veggies. Each chapter contains quick tips for beginning gardeners and advanced quick tips in every chapter for experienced gardeners more than 250 in all. Co-authors Doug Oster and Jessica Walliser have nearly 50 years of gardening experience between them. Each chapter also includes "Tell-All" sections that share special methods they ve learned in their own gardens 'been there, done that' lessons.
Customer Reviews:
Good book, but something felt missing.......2007-06-13
I'm not a gardener, but a homeowner who was very impressed with Doug's appearance on a local Pittsburgh newsmagazine (OnQ). I got the book, and immediately liked it, particularly the section on composting and organic lawn care (which I cared most about).
The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because it seemed like just a collection of tips and tricks, without out enough structured how-tos. Maybe I just need it spelled out, or maybe I'm not hard-core enough of a gardener, but I can't give it the oh-my-god-this-is-the-best review. Though I still recommend it to anyone interested in gardening.
Love the book.......2007-05-16
In the past, we have used all of the typical lawn and garden chemicals. We want to go organic to be safe with animals and the environment. This book is the answer. We also love the radio show on Sunday mornings. Jessica and Doug are very informative and friendly to the callers.
Well written and accessable.......2007-05-06
My wife and I listen to Doug and Jessica's program on Sirius and, when we heard about their book, we knew it would be a good resource to have on hand. I enjoyed the conversational tone of the book-- it's kind of like listening to them on the air and makes it easy to absorb the knowledge they present.
While we have gardened organically for years, we've learned that it is both a science and an art. Like any art, there is much to be learned from those with with experience-- those who have made the mistakes you want to avoid. This is the first book I've read where the authors actually admit they've made mistakes and they don't make you feel guilty about having made any of your own.
The chapter with the step-by-step guide to organic pest control is great. Nothing makes you want to reach for the quick fix in a can like seeing your hard work invaded, but the steps given here (and the gentle reminders to be patient in letting nature achieve her balance) help maintain a little sanity while reminding you that an intelligent, methodical approach can help you keep the upper hand.
The other important point to make about any reference is that the index is effective.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to start getting the chemicals out of their gardens but don't know where begin. For those who have been doing this for a while but can still benefit from good advice, the writing style is light and terse making it easy to skim over the bits you already know.
Organic gardening need not be a daunting task.......2007-04-28
So, you want to know everything about organic gardening but don't know what to ask? No problem. Just pick up a copy of the new book Grow Organic by Doug Oster and Jessica Walliser. The book has "over 250 Tips, and Ideas for Growing Flowers, Veggies, Lawns, and More," which means you won't have to ask any questions to get a good handle on understanding the ins and outs of organic gardening.
The authors say they will "arm you with all the know-how you'll need to garden organically." And that they will "be with you every step of the way." One of the first steps taken is to explain the term "organic." Eaters everywhere are ever more concerned about the ingredients in processed foods. Doug and Jessica want gardeners to return to the old ways of gardening, pre WWII, when "our great-grandparents gardened." That was before the introduction of hamful chemicals now used in many gardens and on many more farms.
Using "scare tactics" in a friendly manner, Jessica and Doug list nine pieces of "information" about why you should switch to organic gardening. Information such as: "Kids who grow up around conventional lawn and garden chemicals are 6½ times more likely to get leukemia than kids who grow up in an untreated environment," and the "67 million pounds of chemicals applied to residential lawns each year." (The authors add: "These are scary facts, and there are lots more where they came from." I do not doubt the words of the authors, however, a list of sources for the facts would have been appropriate.)
In Chapter 2, "Taking The Leap," Doug and Jessica explain the necessary steps needed to wean a garden off the " 'steroids' of chemical fertilizers" and convert it to "natural care." For the beginning organic gardener, this Chapter is most helpful. Jessica and Doug lay out a six-step process that is clear and understandable.
At the end of each Chapter, Doug and Jessica share their organic gardening knowledge with readers in their "Tells All" section. This is a personal touch I found very warm and informative - a lot like talking across the garden gate with your next-door neighbor. The authors also include end of chapter tips, tricks, and useful anecdotes on many aspects of organic gardening.
No gardening book would be complete without a chapter on the health of soil and Jessica and Doug have done an exceptional job with their Chapter "The Real
Dirt - Organic Soil Management" in Grow Organic. This Chapter stands out as one of the most important keys in our understanding as gardeners of the health of the soil in our gardens and its relationship to the plants, flowers, and vegetables we grow.
Doug Oster and Jessica Walliser have given gardeners an impressive tool to use to help them become not only better gardeners, but also better stewards of the land. Grow Organic should be on every gardener's book shelf, within easy reach.
A GREAT introduction into Organic gardening!.......2007-04-23
Being new to the world of gardening, especially organic gardening, this book has made my new hobby very enjoyable. The authors give easy to follow steps on how to make your garden and lawn beautiful while keeing your family (and the environment) safe. Whether you are new to organic gardening or a seasoned professional, everyone can take something away from reading this book.
Book Description
In Landscaping Your Home, some of the best designers in the field show how to do a complete makeover of front, back, and side yards. The book is packed with fresh ideas for entrances, foundation plantings, and pathways, and explains how to use landscaping to better situate a house, thereby increasing its property value. Lavish illustrations make this practical approach to landscaping easy to follow.
Customer Reviews:
Great book!.......2007-01-10
I am loving this book! It has so many helpful instructions on landscaping your home. Plus the beautiful pictures are great. It's a book that truly lives up to the Taunton tradition of excellent gardening material.
Advanced garden design reading.......2006-08-13
A cut above the typical home-center landscape book. Not another do-it-yourself guide but a collection of design considerations and approaches by multiple garden/landscape designers. Excellent for those interested in learning more about various principles of garden design.
A lot of help........2001-12-29
Great for helping you to relize the importance of a layout.
Planing ahead is something I didn't usually do.
A must for design start.......2001-03-27
What a great rescource for someone trying to make those needed changes. Just getting started is aleays the most difficult of any task. This book assists in getting anyone well on their way.
Amazon.com
There are countless books about lifestyles that are inaccessible, either because they are engulfed by abstract ideas or are set in palaces, real or imagined. The Outdoor Living Room: Stylish Ideas for Porches, Patios, and Pools is a rare exception: gorgeous photographs of beautiful outdoor spaces that are accessible, or at least seem to be. Split up into sections that can appeal to anyone-"Modern," "Classic," "In Town," "Romantic," or "Whimsical"--this book can move even the most hardened city dweller, or bring dreamers out of their country homes. The book has a distinct magazine-like flavor, but the rigor of the photographic summation of elements in each section offsets this. The text is uninspiring, usually describing the photographs or making vague generalizations, but no matter, because the photographs are what this book is all about. They are beautiful and plentiful, whetting the appetite for sunny days in our own "outdoor living rooms." --Juliette Cezzar
Book Description
In the summer months and year-round in warmer climates, Americans love spending time outdoors. More and more, people are treating the outdoor spaces on their properties as true extensions of their homes, turning porches, pools, patios, decks, and gardens into outdoor living spaces that serve the same functions as indoor rooms.
In The Outdoor Living Room:
Stylish Ideas for Porches, Patios, and Pools, acclaimed author Martha Baker offers more than forty-five striking examples of this enlightened approach to outdoor decorating.
The Outdoor Living Room is divided into six chapters, each representing a specific type of outdoor style: Classic, Rustic, Romantic, Modern, Whimsical, and In Town. Six or seven different locations are featured in every chapter, each contributing a different idea or novel aspect of the same style. A multipaged “Components” section appears at the end of each chapter focusing on important elements of outdoor decorating, such as paving and lighting, followed by a heavily illustrated “Ideas” spread with tips on achieving a particular look. None of the magnificent spaces in this book has ever been published before; they range from a Southeast Asian–inspired tropical garden in Florida to a Japanese tea garden atop a New York City roof, from a grand wraparound porch on a classic home facing Lake Michigan to a thoroughly modern all-white patio near Miami.
The Outdoor Living Room also includes an extensive resource section, illustrating and describing garden furniture, architectural and landscape elements, and decorative items. Packed with more than 350 full-color photographs,
The Outdoor Living Room is at once a practical sourcebook and an inspirational delight.
Customer Reviews:
A carpenter's point of view.......2006-07-10
I bought this book as a gift for my husband, who is a carpenter. He makes furniture as a hobby and has improved our back patio with the addition of a handmade trellis, flower shelves and boxes, and--of course--plants, plants, and more plants.
He says, "This is a book for rich people," but as he gazes at the photos I see him drawing blueprints in his mind. Buy the book for ideas if you are rich and can pay someone else to execute them, or if you are handy and can build them yourself, like my husband. Or buy it because you just like to admire the elegant spaces where the other half plays.
I'm dreaming of an adirondack chaise lounge handmade by my husband, which I'm sure will appear on my patio one day soon.
Beautiful book.......2001-09-28
Loved this book. Beautiful photos-my only criticism is that I found many photos were repeated through the book in different chapters. I liked the index at the back of the book which listed sources for finding objects featured in photos. I also have Martha Baker's book, Garden Ornaments, and recommend both. These books have a permanent place on my bookshelf and bedside table.
Book Description
Creating Beds and Borders covers everything from layout to plant selection. Aimed at the North American gardener, the information is based on the experiences of 15 top designers who stress experimenting with color, texture, and form; show how to use color to dazzling effect; and promote the idea of leaving some of the design to chance. Lee Anne White is the former editor of Fine Gardening.
Customer Reviews:
Highly Recommended - Especially for Newbies.......2004-06-09
I admit it, I know nothing about gardening. I just figured out the difference between an annual and a perennial. This book is amazing. It's simple and easy to use. The book is mostly pictures but there's also descriptions of what plants are included in the pictures. You can also learn how to draw bed layouts. If you're new to gardening, pick this one up for some great idea.
A useful collection.......2003-12-06
Beds and borders are the heart of most gardens and finding new ideas for creating and improving them is always a treat. In this book Taunton Press has collected more than twenty of the best articles on the topic from its "Fine Gardening" magazine. They deal with issues such as design strategies, plants, techniques, and there is a special section on problem solving. Each article has a tiny photo and very brief bio of the writer so you get a sense of their background.
The illustrations in these books, as in most Taunton books, are just gorgeous and the individual topics are well chosen. My favourite was "Lacing the Border with Beauty" which showed ways to lighten the border with lacy foliage and delicate flowers. The writer came up with ideas I'm dying to try, along with a list of lacy garden plants.
Each article has a fresh approach, new ideas to solve problems such as a hot climate, wet soil, rocky soil and techniques for choosing and planting shrubs, perennials and annuals.
The pleasure of books of collected articles is that you get a taste of many approaches without having to wade through thousands of words from any one writer, This lightness of touch, together with the careful selection of articles and first class illustrations make this book a delight.
A useful collection.......2003-12-06
Beds and borders are the heart of most gardens and finding new ideas for creating and improving them is always a treat. In this book Taunton Press has collected more than twenty of the best articles on the topic from its "Fine Gardening" magazine. They deal with issues such as design strategies, plants, techniques, and there is a special section on problem solving. Each article has a tiny photo and very brief bio of the writer so you get a sense of their background.
The illustrations in these books, as in most Taunton books, are just gorgeous and the individual topics are well chosen. My favourite was "Lacing the Border with Beauty" which showed ways to lighten the border with lacy foliage and delicate flowers. The writer came up with ideas I'm dying to try, along with a list of lacy garden plants.
Each article has a fresh approach, new ideas to solve problems such as a hot climate, wet soil, rocky soil and techniques for choosing and planting shrubs, perennials and annuals.
The pleasure of books of collected articles is that you get a taste of many approaches without having to wade through thousands of words from any one writer, This lightness of touch, together with the careful selection of articles and first class illustrations make this book a delight.
Fine Gardening Design Guide to island beds and borders.......2001-05-01
"Creating Beds and Borders" is a volume in the series of 'Fine Gardening' Design Guides issued by the Taunton Press. The book consists of separate articles by various contributors to 'Fine Gardening' magazine. Continuity is supplied by the subject matter, garden beds and borders.
This book's articles are grouped into four sections: (1) Design Strategies; (2) Great Border Plants; (3) Special Techniques; (4) Garden Gallery. It begins with four articles on the design of island beds and borders. Plant selection and placement are the topics covered by the majority of the essays, along with techniques for starting and renovating perennial beds. Gardening in the shade, in bogs, and in Southeastern heat and humidity all receive special attention in section four.
The one topic I felt could have used more coverage was flower bed edging techniques. One of the authors advocated a six inch by six inch trench to separate the bed from its surroundings. Another author, Sydney Eddison wrote an interesting article on "Good Looks Begin at the Edge," but she concentrates on edging plants, rather than on the physical separation of bed and lawn. Perhaps a future volume in the 'Fine Gardening' series will address the challenge of excluding the lawn from the flower bed (information I could certainly use).
Because it discusses a technique we're currently experimenting with, my favorite article in "Creating Beds and Borders" is "Roses Enliven a Border" by Judith C. McKeon. Up until a few years ago, we segregated all of our roses into one bed, away from the other perennials (I don't remember why). However, McKeon advocates growing roses as specimens in a mixed border:
"When shrub roses are grown as graceful specimens in the mixed border, they become part of its architecture, giving structure and a substantial backdrop for perennial companions. Like other ornamental deciduous shrubs, roses enhance the garden with the seasonal interest of their flowers, foliage texture and fruit displays."
I would only disagree with McKeon's recommendation to use the old Alba rose, 'Konigin von Danemark' as part of a mixed border. Our specimen of 'the Queen' is a hefty seven-footer and she is absolutely covered with thorns. Even the thorns have thorns. If you plant one of these royal ladies in your border, you'll never work in there again unless you cover yourself in leather.
'Konigin von Danemark' is a beautiful, raspberry-scented rose that could possibly be used as a deer hedge. For a mixed border, try other McKeon favorites such as 'The Fairy' or 'Gertrude Jekyll'.
Color photographs grace almost every page of "Creating Beds and Borders". It is not organized as a reference book per se, but is a collection of beautifully illustrated and well-written essays for (most particularly) the American gardener.
Book Description
Swimming pools aren't what they used to be. No longer just rectangular blue holes surrounded by concrete aprons, today's pools come in myriad shapes and sizes - from square wading pools, long lap pools, round spas, and teardrop-shaped jet pools to elaborate naturalistic pools complete with boulders, vanishing edges, waterfalls and lush landscaping. Pool houses, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and patios for entertaining may accompany them. The Pool Idea Book showcases the latest innovations in pool and spa design; offers creative design ideas for decks, outbuildings, and landscaping; and addresses practical issues such as screening, security, and storage. It includes chapters on pool design, pool surrounds, landscaping, outdoor rooms and structures, and enclosures. This visual handbook features many color photographs and illustrations, and dozens of useful sidebars to help homeowners design the ultimate pool for any lifestyle or budget.
Customer Reviews:
Zillions of Pictures.......2007-06-08
This is a great book for pool ideas. It contains ideas for just about every kind of pool and there are lots (350, at least) of photographs. This is just what I was looking for since we are planning to put a pool in our yard and it's a blank slate. This books is great for those without a lot of imagination, like me.
More pictures than you can shake a stick at!.......2006-05-02
I looked through lots of pool idea books in my local book store and none of them had as many pictures as this book. There are a few pages of text in each chapter, but the bulk of this book is 4 (or so) pictures per page which is exactly what I wanted in an idea book. I recommend highly.
Excellent Buy.......2004-06-15
This book has a great variety of pool designs from contemporary to rustic designs. Fabulous book with alot of great pictures.
Book Description
Advice on furniture choices and arrangement for any room with a fireplace.
Ideas for decorating the mantel and hearth throughout the year.
Special section on selecting and maintaining fireplaces and stoves.
Customer Reviews:
Better than expected!.......2007-09-16
This book was everything I was hoping for & more! So much practical information and ideas. This book had ideas no matter where your fireplace is located or what your style is.
Not a single idea for me.......2007-02-26
Like another reviewer said, The Fireplace Design Sourcebook by Melissa Cardona is a much better choice. Why he gave this book 5 stars anyway I can't figure out. I have over 20 postits marking pages in the other book and not a single one in this book. Not a single idea for the stone, mantle, or anything worth using. Way too much filler writing that didn't apply to anything, describing styles and types that are never applied in real world designs.
"The Inglenook is a charmingly old-fashioned idea and the word itself is equally quaint. Ingle is a British word for..." Well, you get the idea.
I can see the point that this book has a good decorating focus, but I still don't think it is a great book even for that and if you are just looking for fireplace ideas I think you will find this lacking.
Excellent Book.......2006-10-11
The Better Homes & Gardens book "Fireplace Decorating & Planning Ideas" is an excellent book. We are building a new home, and were looking for fireplace designs for ideas. There is also a lot of "how to" information, in which we weren't particularly interesed, but the book gave us some good ideas. An even better book, for our application, which we ordered at the same time, is a Schiffer Book by Melissa Cardona entitled "The Fireplace Design Sourcebook" It has more photographs, and an enormous variety of fireplace designs to peruse.
The Best Fireplace Book.......2004-01-01
This is the best fireplace book I have seen. First of all the book has hundreds of beautiful and varied fireplace pictures. The pictures are great because they show the fireplaces in the home, decorated, and with the home furnishings around them. They are all warm and inviting although very different. The text of the book flows well also. First it helps even a novice decorator find the styles that work with your personality and home. Then it breaks down fireplace ideas by the different living areas in the house.
Fireplace: Decorating and Planning Ideas.......2002-08-25
My wonderful brother built a beautiful fireplace mantel and surround for me. I got my inspiration from this great book. I also use it for ideas for decorating the mantel - I love to change the look often.
Book Description
No longer just a bland square of pressure-treated lumber nailed to the back of the house, decks have taken on new shapes, surfaces, and levels. And patios have evolved from dull slabs of poured concrete to encompass a wide range of forms and materials - from warm brick to chic bluestone to casual gravel. Taunton's Deck and Patio Idea Book is a photographic exploration of the possibilities for these spaces, and the features that define them, including railings, built-ins, and overhead structures. Hundreds of photos depict the full spectrum of styles and sizes, from the simple wraparound deck, to the curved, multilevel redwood deck with outdoor kitchen; from the small brick patio to an elaborate series of terraced patios with stone walls.
Books:
- Taylor's Guide to Shade Gardening: More Than 350 Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers That Thrive Under Difficult Conditions, Illustrated with Color Photographs and Detailed Drawings (Taylor's Gardening Guides)
- The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest
- The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest
- The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest
- The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications
- The Essential Garden Book
- The Gentle Subversive: Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, and the Rise of the Environmental Movement (New Narratives in American History)
- The Home Depot Outdoor Projects 1-2-3 (Home Depot ... 1-2-3)
- The Lost Art of Towel Origami
- The Machine in the Garden: Technology and the Pastoral Ideal in America (Galaxy Books)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Educational Administration: Theory, Research, and Practice
- The Trouble With Physics: The Rise of String Theory, the Fall of a Science, and What Comes Next
- Shifting Shadow of Supernatural Power: A Prophetic Manual for Those Wanting to Move in God's Superna
- Recollections. My Life in Bookbinding. With a foreword by Dr. Marianne Tidcombe.
- The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying Foreclosures
- Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production
- The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America
- Intermediate Accounting Volume II, Chapters 15-25
- Supply Chain Management with APO: Structures, Modelling Approaches and Implementation of mySAP SCM 4
- December Heat: An Inspector Espinosa Mystery
Landscape
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Curb Appeal
Backyard Idea Book: Outdoor Kitchens Fireplaces Sheds & Storage Play Spaces Pools & Spa (Idea Books)
Stonescaping Idea Book (Tauton's Idea Book Series)
Front Yard Gardens: Growing More Than Grass
Taunton's Deck & Patio Idea Book
