Book Description
The complete, fully illustrated guide to natural and chemical-free gardening. Whether an experienced gardener looking to go organic or a beginner wanting to create a healthy, eco-friendly garden, Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening contains the tips and techniques needed to produce beautiful flowers, top-quality herbs, and appetizing, wholesome fruits and vegetables. Explore the latest methods for cultivation without chemicals, discover the benefits of composting, and learn how to maintain an organic garden year-round.
Customer Reviews:
Poorly researched.......2007-09-27
This book is poorly researched. One section of the book talks about fungi being plants that do not undergo photosynthesis. This idea has not been accepted by the science community since the mid 50s. It goes on to mention potato blight as common pathogenic fungi....potato blight is not casued by a fungi. The causative pathogen (an oomycete) was once in the kingdom fungi but later moved to a different kingdom in the late 70's. This leads me to beleive that the authors have taken a lot of updated information for granted. I could go on and on about this book. If you are new to gardening and and want something to ready this is an OK book. If you want or need a book that give real uptdate advice this is not the book. In my opinonin this book falls into the catagory of books that are ment to be on a coffe table and not really used. A good name was used to sell a poor product.
Gardening made easy........2007-08-27
I find this book very user friendly. I find the format helpful and it's contents very informative. I especially find the care and pruning guides helpful and the variety of topics inspiring.
Brilliant! Buy this book........2007-07-26
I've been gardening for a few years, and this book really broadened my knowledge. Also made me feel less like a cheapskate for not running out to buy all the latest garden gizmos - they point out that you can reuse pruned shoots, for example, to stake up your garden plants. Highly recommended.
excellent resource.......2007-03-18
If you are interested in organic gardening, this is the book to have. I have not had one question that it couldn't answer yet!
Awsome reference book.......2006-12-01
If I could only have one book it would be this one. It is what is says...an Encyclopedia. Luckily I'm not limited to only one book as it does not cover some topics as well as other books. But that's the point of an encyclopedia..touch on all topics as best as can be done for the space available.
The first 30 pages are dedicated to the history of the organic movement and the basic design recommendations for an organic garden.
The next 70 pages cover the basics of soil care, watering, weed control, plant health and raising plants.
The next 100 pages cover various garden aspects like lawn care, woody plants, garden flowers, container gardening, gardening for wildlife and the use of greenhouses and covers.
Another 100 pages cover growing fruit, herbs and vegetables. This section alone is larger than 90% of most gardening book and well worth the price of the book alone.
It has the standard appendix and reference sections you would expect for a gardening book but a surprising extra is the H.D.R.A Organic Guidelines for Gardeners that is included as an appendix. I didn't even know such a thing existed until I read this book. Absolutely wonderful!
Book Description
Contractors will never again be without the legal information they need. This user-friendly guide for home builders and remodelers includes a free CD-ROM with legal forms and contracts available to copy and adapt for their needs.
Book Description
A fascinating, definitive history of garden development and design. From the earliest documented gardens of ancient Mesopotamia to the eclectic landscapes of the 21st century, The Story of Gardening is an engaging tale of the development and design of the garden. Brimming with glorious full-color photographs, intriguing timelines that chart the histories and fashions of individual plants, and evocative narratives, Hobhouse draws on a lifetime of work to create an enlightening overview of designers and styles that have inspired her creations and forged her gardening philosophy.
Customer Reviews:
I love this book........2007-06-10
Hobhouse is one of my favourite gardening writers. This book is another fine example. Great photos and comprehensive research.
Gang Chen, author of Planting Design Illustrated
Book Description
In this book, renowned garden designer Motomi Oguchi offers the reader a step-by-step, practical approach to creating Japanese gardens, drawn from a wealth of experience that covers thirty years and encompasses the design of more than 400 gardens. The author uses real examples from gardens he
has designed, constructed, and photographed to illustrate his key points, approaching each work from the perspective of the home or building owner.
Oguchi begins with front gardens, as these are usually what one encounters first when entering a home. Typically, these front plantings are not defined Japanese garden types but rather, physical areas. He then moves on to tsubo niwa (courtyard gardens) and kare sansui (dry gardens) that might be
found in the middle or rear of a building, or any available small space. Next, he introduces tea and tree gardens, which are more likely to be sections of a larger garden; and highlights specific characteristics and conditions of interior gardens.
Within each chapter are general layouts and methods of developing the various gardens, which precede specific, step-by-step instructions. The author also offers practical and affordable variations on more ambitious designs and shows how they can be adapted to the readers home or building. In
addition, Oguchi emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance and offers suggestions for special touches and restoration.
Average customer rating:
- For Beginners Only
- A must buy
- A No-Bull Garden Book
- Gardening, Not Design
- This is the most entertaining gardening book ever written.
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Green Places in Small Spaces: A Practical Guide to Designing and Planting a Small-Space Garden
Kerwin Fischer
Manufacturer: The Taunton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1561581844
Release Date: 1997-05-01 |
Customer Reviews:
For Beginners Only.......2001-06-02
This is a great book for the beginning gardener, but does not provide much information or inspiration for anyone who already knows the basics.
A must buy.......2001-03-30
Green Places in Small Places fills a void left by so many other gardening books. You've got a small place. It may be sunny, it may be dark. It may have soil it may have cement. It may even have people walking over it.But Kerwin Fischer will tell you how to make it a "green place." Green, pink, even blue.
Often using examples of a garden he voluntarily cared for in Manhattan, Mr.Fischer takes you from evaluating your space (chapter 1) through how to tend for your small green place through the seasons (Chapters 8-17).
The book is a welcome change from the many books that are often too "flowery" and abstract to help you get started. But the book does a good job of avoiding technical language (although it does provide a useful explanation of technical terms.)
Highly recommended.
A No-Bull Garden Book.......2001-03-13
This good is a clear step-by-step blueprint for creating a garden virtually anywhere. The author has a dry, ascerbic wit and is a great debunker of misconceptions about plants, as well as a bit of a plant historian. It's a really good read, as well as a really good manual.
Gardening, Not Design.......2001-01-25
Although a good book on planting a small garden this book is not, as I thought by its title, a book on designing small gardens. There are only two fairly complete gardens shown amidst the many beautiful pictures of plants. The book deals almost exclusivly with the planting and growing of flowers, primarily perennials, bulbs,has a chapter on houseplants and treats the subject of soil amendments, fertilizers and such. If you need to know what plants to use in your small garden, this book will help.
This is the most entertaining gardening book ever written........1999-09-15
This book makes me believe I can do anything in the garden. It's rare to pick up a "how-to" book that draws you in and and sounds personal. Green Places in Small Spaces is the antithesis of text book-type writing. This book is great, especially for a first time gardener, and one that doesn't have a lot of time or money to spend on gardening.
I liked the fact that the author spoke to me in the first person, gave good, solid advice backed up with anecdotes, and took me through the seasons. This author is also quite opinionated - - and it made the book a good read. This is the most useful and entertaining gardening book ever written, filled with great advice.
Book Description
An invaluable source book for creating outdoor living spaces that incorporate natural materials and are low maintenance.
Amazon.com
If you find aquatic plants fascinating but aren't sure where to start, let this thorough how-to manual be your guide. Brimming with practical insights and photographic inspirations, the Complete Guide to Water Gardening supplies step-by-step instructions for all types of water features, from full-blown oriental ponds to a simple container of bog plants. Possibilities are only as limited as your size and budget.
Proper planning is essential to good results, and this book takes it nice and slow. Explanations are straightforward and comprehensible for folks who have some previous home improvement experience, but for a first-ever project, this may be biting off a bit more than you can chew. Leveling, backfilling, laying concrete--these are a few of the details to prepare for in adding even a small pond to your garden. You'll see your efforts pay off quickly, though. Flourishing plants and a return of natural amphibians are a couple of rewards in sight.
Plant selection involves a good understanding of this developing ecosystem, and the sections concerning options and routine maintenance are specific in the requirements of your new garden. Close-up shots of healthy plants and systems, as well as diseases and pests, will provide an excellent education. If you're looking for a new adventure in gardening and don't mind getting your feet wet, this could provide just the experience you're looking for. --Jill Lightner
Book Description
Expert advice and ideas are available on every page, highlighting the latest trends in planting, products, and design.
Customer Reviews:
Good for info.......2004-12-04
This is a great little reference tool for building a pond. It does lack detail in construction or things like filtration and upkeep.
The outdoor plant and fish sections were informitive. It gives a lot more detail there but it's getting there certain chapters were a little vague. It's a good book for basic know-how and we be good to add to a group of books on the topic. However not stand alone one stop resource.
good, but not complete.......2004-08-11
This is a very good book on water gardening and does have some nice pictures. I must disagree with another reviewer; this is NOT the only book you'll ever need on the subject. It is very good and a valuable recourse, but has left me with many questions still unanswered.
OK for general info........2002-06-07
My husband and I found this book helpful as a general reference for building our pond. We were disappointed that there wasn't more detail in certain key areas. For example, when you look up pH in the index and turn to the selected page, they just show you a picture of a pH test kit. It would be nice to know why we need one!
The equipment section would have been enhanced with a greater variety of filtration/pump set-ups and the pros/cons of each configuration.
The section about plants is excellent; it is extensive, with detailed thumbnail descriptions, and helpfully separated into groups.
I would recommend this book, but not as a complete source of water garden info.
Got to buy this book.......2002-01-09
We have a giant hole in our backyard and it is a tribute to this excellent book. It describes the process of creating a water feature as well as or better than any other publication on the market. We will have a wildlife and bird resource thanks to the quality of this publication. My sincere thanks to the author/editor/writer.
THE Book on Water Garden Construction and Maintenance.......2000-04-19
If you want to build a pond/stream/waterfall, and you want the pleasure of doing it yourself, this is THE book to buy. There are several good ones available, and you should consider some of them to help yourself gain valuable knowledge about the subject.
However, of all the books in this field, this is the most comprehensive, best illistrated, and the most diverse guide of its kind.
The Hard cover edition (if available) will be a book you'll want to keep with your other favorites.
Amazon.com
Full of solid, practical advice and plenty of how-to pictures, Small Gardens is an ideal title for those looking to maximize their limited gardening space. Focusing on appropriate plants for small areas and exploring all kinds of options for dealing with slopes, uneven ground, and specific family requirements, you'll find direction for growing healthy plants and creating your own unique haven.
Designed to be a complete do-it-yourself guide, don't let the small format of this book fool you--it's absolutely jam-packed with ideas for all styles of gardens, and as always, publisher Dorling Kindersley manages to take fairly complicated projects and reduce them to a manageable size that even the home improvement novice can handle. Practical considerations are dealt with firmly--no skipping such detail work like drawing up thorough plans or designing around underground utilities.
The aim of this book is to get you professional-quality results, and if you follow directions carefully, you'll get the job done beautifully. The plant listings supply plenty of ideas for all climates and special needs--new gardeners will find all kinds of useful tips.
Inspirational ideas are plentiful--the garden photographs are lush and detailed, and provide all kinds of unusual notions for creating a truly unique gardening space. Whether you're looking to make to most of a private courtyard or incorporate a built-in barbecue into your small lot, you'll find options for all your projects that will set your plants off beautifully with striking combinations of textures and materials. --Jill Lightner
Book Description
Expert advice on growing in small spaces from a trusted name in gardening.
Get the solutions to your gardening problems from the American Horticultural Society's Practical Guides! Select from this ever-growing library of titles for the best gardening advice on plants and plant care, garden design, and garden construction. Small Gardens Includes: Planning a small garden -- deciding what you want from your garden and how to achieve it; making the most of your space; choosing a style that you like and the most suitable materials. Garden designs- selection of 20 illustrated plans chosen to show the wide range of ideas for making a small garden seem larger; creating a sense of privacy; introducing areas for relaxing, entertaining, and children's play, and keeping maintenance to a minimum. Preparing plans -- taking accurate measurements and making your plan a reality.
Customer Reviews:
good value.......2000-04-27
This is a good planning guide - an excellent starting point - and a good value for the price. It doesn't cover much in the way of plant reccomendations, but the ideas related to space planning were very helpful
Book Description
- Both Latin and common names always listed
- Striking color photography
- Comprehensive information on bamboo, palms, climbers, cacti, ferns, and other architectural plants
- Clear, easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for key tasks
- Useful hints and tips from the experts
- Suggested planting combinations for theme gardens
Amazon.com
Most gardens need some kind of structural help to create edging, raised beds, trellises, fences, dividers, and retaining walls. Wood has traditionally been one of the most common and versatile materials to enhance and beautify the garden. Scott McBride, a well-known gardener and professional woodworker, nicely outlines many of the wooden structures that can be used in the garden in this well-illustrated and comprehensive guide. He lays out the planning process; the selection of proper grades and varieties of wood; and the basics of borders and steps, retaining walls, raised beds, fences, gates, arbors, trellises, and pergolas. Individual plans are provided with descriptions of the basic process to create customized projects with beautiful results. --Mark A. Hetts
Book Description
A good landscape is so much more than just plants and soil. A well-done wooden structure adds exciting height and dimension to any yard. In Landscaping with Wood, expert builder and gardener Scott McBride helps homeowners, gardeners, builders, and woodworkers add attractive and useful structures to outdoor spaces. He explains all the basics of construction, from choosing materials to the finished product. Step-by-step color photos, detailed instructions, and helpful sidebars on using tools enable homeowners to create beautiful and durable landscape structures. The book covers practical structures such as borders, raised beds, and retaining walls as well as classic arbors, pergolas, and fences.
Customer Reviews:
Beginner's manual.......2007-08-23
Found this very basic. Someone with no introduction to outdoor construction of structures may find it helpful.
Great for beginners.......2002-07-20
I just love this book. I'm new to woodworking.
One of the things I like about this book, is the tips. It doesn't just show you how to put the project together, he gives you tips on making it last.
Although I thought the parts on wood selection would be boring, it will help me to select better wood at the lumber yard.
The pictures are in color and shows you the steps to complete the project. These are practical projects so there are not a lot of fancy trim details, which is great for a beginner. The hardest item is the arbor on the cover page and I think I could do that after looking at the book. Some of the projects will depend on the size area that you have. He doesn't give you a list of materials but tells you the size boards he uses or recommends.
If you're a beginner this book will give you confidence.
Comprehensive. Pratical & impressive projects for everyone.......1999-12-13
This is one of the most informative and useful outdoor construction books I have seen. It is packed with practical and doable ideas to enhance the structure and beauty of any garden space or outdoor living area.
There is a great section on wood characteristics and making the right selection for your application. Joinery, hardware and finishes for outdoor use are covered in detail. Masonry foundations and heavy timber construction are also included.
Projects include borders, steps and retaining walls. Raised beds can add stable planting areas and decorating opportunities. Free standing structures include arbors, pergolas, trellises and fences with some great design ideas.
Excellent diagrams, step-by-step instructions, tool & safety tips, and a resource guide should help anyone with basic carpentry skills complete some very impressive projects. There is something here for any yard or garden.
Books:
- The Samurai's Garden: A Novel
- The Samurai's Garden: A Novel
- The Well-Designed Mixed Garden: Building Beds and Borders with Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs
- The Worm Book: The Complete Guide to Worms in Your Garden
- Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture
- Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring
- Wildlife Warrior: Steve Irwin: 1962 - 2006, a Man Who Changed the World
- Wiring 1-2-3 (Home Depot ... 1-2-3)
- Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year (Wise Woman Herbal Series, Book 1) (Wise Woman Herbal Series : No. 1)
- A Passion for Flowers
Books Index
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