The Master Book of the Water Garden: The Ultimate Guide to the Design and Maintenance of the Water Garden
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Didn't live up to the reviews
  • Excellent reference
  • The first pond book you need to read
  • Got/want a water feature? Get this book!
The Master Book of the Water Garden: The Ultimate Guide to the Design and Maintenance of the Water Garden
Phillip Swindells
Manufacturer: Bulfinch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Home & GardenHome & Garden | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. All About Building Waterfalls, Ponds, and Streams (Ortho's All About Gardening) All About Building Waterfalls, Ponds, and Streams (Ortho's All About Gardening)
  2. The Ponder's Bible The Ponder's Bible
  3. How to Build Ponds and Waterfalls: The Complete Guide How to Build Ponds and Waterfalls: The Complete Guide
  4. The Complete Guide to Water Gardens, Ponds & Fountains (Complete Guide) The Complete Guide to Water Gardens, Ponds & Fountains (Complete Guide)
  5. Smart Guide: Ponds & Fountains: Step-by-Step Projects (Smart Guide) Smart Guide: Ponds & Fountains: Step-by-Step Projects (Smart Guide)

ASIN: 0821227963

Book Description

Water has featured prominently in garden designs for thousands of years. Its appeal to the sensesits visually compelling light and movement and soothing splashing and bubbling soundsstill attracts the imagination of gardeners worldwide. With a wealth of practical ideas and tips on water gardening, this indispensable book helps minimize the problems faced in building and maintaining a water garden, and maximizes the pleasure a well-designed water garden can give. Including design optionsfor every aesthetic, space, and budgetthis guide is not only practical but inspirational.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Didn't live up to the reviews.......2007-08-14

This book is beautiful to look at but not really very helpful at the nuts and bolts. Its design advice is mostly in generalities, and though its building advice is pretty good, I've found more detailed information elsewhere. The discussion of plants is useful up to a point because it has lots of nice pictures, but it, too, is short on practical specifics. For example, it doesn't define "hardy" by referring to USDA hardiness zones, nor does it explain just exactly how to plant. It will say something like 'Depth: moist soil to 6",' but what does that MEAN? For step-by-step advice on building a pond, I'd recommend the Ortho book All About Garden Pools and Fountains. I wish I could recommend a better book on the plant side of water gardening, but I haven't found it yet!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent reference.......2007-06-27

We recently "inherited" a small pond when we moved to a new home and this has been a great resource to maintain the pond

5 out of 5 stars The first pond book you need to read.......2006-08-27

This author describes the historical aspect of ponds, the current trends of ponds and the types of plants and animals found in each type of pond. He lists problems and solutions. Very insightful. I like the ID stuff at the end listing each important plants and animals found in a pond. (He doesn't have turtles though).

5 out of 5 stars Got/want a water feature? Get this book!.......2002-10-16

When my husband & I bought a house recently, it came complete with a man-made pond, stream, and waterfall.

I borrowed every book about ponds and water features from the library. They didn't own The Master Book of the Water Garden. Too bad. This is the most complete book on the subject I've come across.

To begin with, it has wonderful pictures and makes a great coffee table book, even if you're not looking for water garden information.

There are two indices: one that's general and one that's specifically for plants. Throughout the book are "Problem Solving" asides. Sometimes entire pages are dedicated to answering questions about fish, plant depth, water quality, and much more.

But I thought its strength was the amount of very specific information on the subjects it covers. Other books dealt with just ponds, or waterfalls, or wet and dry streams. This book covers all that as well as fountains, water meadows, bogs, and containers.

Discussions include bridges, decking, walkways, lighting, filters, propagating plants, & the various kinds of liners. Cleaning and maintaining the water feature is included, as well as seasonal upkeep. Designing your water garden, picking plants, choosing a location, & deciding on size are just a few of the subjects covered. And fish subjects aren't limited to just koi and goldfish.

I was most interested in how to drain and repair a leaking pond. This has been difficult information to find. Swindells even tells you what to do with the fish while you're making repairs or changes to the pond.

My only criticism is that the plant index uses the Latin names for the plants. Though it does include common names, in many instances, if you're not sure what you're looking for, a specific plant may be a bit difficult to find. I must admit that there are full color pictures of the plants in the book, though my favorite water plant, horsetails, isn't included.

This book is already well thumbed and the pages wrinkled from where they've been wet. In other words, it's useful and used.
Ultimate Landscape Design (Ultimate Books)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Ultimate Landscape Design (Ultimate Books)
    Alejandro Bahamon
    Manufacturer: Te Neues Publishing Company
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    LandscapeLandscape | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Drawing & Modelling | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
    Garden DesignGarden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    LandscapeLandscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    FrenchFrench | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    GermanGerman | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    ItalianItalian | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    SpanishSpanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
    Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    NonfictionNonfiction | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    All French BooksAll French Books | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    NonfictionNonfiction | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    All German BooksAll German Books | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | Italian | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    NonfictionNonfiction | Italian | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | Italian | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    All Italian BooksAll Italian Books | Italian | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
    DibujoDibujo | Diseño Gráfico | Arte, arquitectura y fotografía | Libros en español | Formats | Books
    Diseño de JardínDiseño de Jardín | Jardinería y Horticultura | Hogar y jardinería | Libros en español | Formats | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Jardinería y Horticultura | Hogar y jardinería | Libros en español | Formats | Books
    PaisajePaisaje | Jardinería y Horticultura | Hogar y jardinería | Libros en español | Formats | Books
    No-FicciónNo-Ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books | Automotriz | Ciencias Sociales | Crimen y Criminales | Educación | Estudios de la Mujer | Feriados | Filosofía | Gobierno | Hechos Verídicos | Planeamiento Urbano y Desarrollo | Política | Sucesos de Actualidad | Transportación
    Dibujo y ModelismoDibujo y Modelismo | Arquitectura | Profesional y Técnico | Libros en español | Formats | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Arquitectura | Profesional y Técnico | Libros en español | Formats | Books
    PaisajePaisaje | Arquitectura | Profesional y Técnico | Libros en español | Formats | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Moving Horizons: The Landscape Architecture of Kathryn Gustafson and Partners Moving Horizons: The Landscape Architecture of Kathryn Gustafson and Partners
    2. Groundswell: Constructing The Contemporary Landscape Groundswell: Constructing The Contemporary Landscape
    3. Radical Landscapes: Reinventing Outdoor Space Radical Landscapes: Reinventing Outdoor Space
    4. Landscape Architecture: Water Features (Landscape Architecture) Landscape Architecture: Water Features (Landscape Architecture)
    5. Peter Walker And Partners Landscape Architecture: Defining The Craft Peter Walker And Partners Landscape Architecture: Defining The Craft

    ASIN: 3832790578

    Book Description

    Within the last few decades, the design of public spaces in both urban and rural areas has undergone important transformations. Factors such as technological, cultural, and social changes have all played a role in this shift. Now, both newly developed areas and regenerated urban centers challenge landscaping to go further than it has gone before. This book, organized into five geographical zones, gathers the best and most recent projects from around the world. Browse these pages to discover the ultimate in contemporary landscape design.
    The Washington Post Garden Book: The Ultimate Guide to Gardening in Greater Washington and the Mid-Atlantic Region
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • OK garden book
    • A Great Reference Book
    • Wonderful collection of pointers....
    • Excellent Guide for DC-Area Gardening
    • If you garden in the D.C. area, you must have this book!
    The Washington Post Garden Book: The Ultimate Guide to Gardening in Greater Washington and the Mid-Atlantic Region
    Adrian Higgins
    Manufacturer: Washington Post Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Month-by-Month Gardening in the Mid-Atlantic : What To Do Each Month To Have a Beautiful Garden All Year (Month-By-Month Gardening (Cool Springs Press)) Month-by-Month Gardening in the Mid-Atlantic : What To Do Each Month To Have a Beautiful Garden All Year (Month-By-Month Gardening (Cool Springs Press))
    2. Mid-Atlantic Home Landscaping Mid-Atlantic Home Landscaping
    3. Home Landscaping: Mid-Atlantic Region (Home Landscaping) (Home Landscaping) Home Landscaping: Mid-Atlantic Region (Home Landscaping) (Home Landscaping)
    4. Trees and Shrubs of Virginia Trees and Shrubs of Virginia
    5. Virginia Gardener's Guide Virginia Gardener's Guide

    ASIN: 0962597155

    Book Description

    Which plants do best - and worst - in Greater Washignton and the Mid-Atlantic region? How do you transform a neglected yard into a wondrous garden while minimizing the need for check-writing, maintenance and toxic chemicals? How can you create a flowing landscape with breathtaking colors and forms that will enchant you year round, not just seperate flower beds that bloom briefly in spring or summer?

    You'll find the answers to these questions - and many more - in this extraordinary guide, which is as masterfully written and beautifully illustrated as it is useful. Whether you have an urban backyard, a suburban landscape, a rural spread or an apartment balcony, this is your essential reference for gardening in Washington, Virginia, Maryland, and beyond. In addition to all the basics on soil composition, tools, drainage, pruning and the like, the guide provides what you need on an exceptional array of subjects.

    Customer Reviews:

    2 out of 5 stars OK garden book.......2007-09-24

    I bought this book thinking it would give some practical advice for a beginner in gardening in the Washington DC metropolitan area. To my disappointment this book wasn't that useful for me. I didn't care much for the writing style, too much talk but little useful information. When it comes to specific plants, often there's just one paragraph of each. And there's no pictures just paintings throughout the whole book. This is definitely a huge drawback to me.

    5 out of 5 stars A Great Reference Book.......2003-09-17

    I bought this book three years ago when my gardening abilities were still beginner. It turned out to be a great, and helpful read back then, and a book I still pick up now and then to get Mr. Higgins opinion on plant choice.
    I read Mr. Higgins column and online chats for the Post and find him to be informative and amusing.

    4 out of 5 stars Wonderful collection of pointers...........2001-07-16

    Adrian Higgins writes a weekly column for the Washington Post, and I have come to appreciate his warm and entertaining essays over the past few years. Higgins follows in Henry Mitchell's footsteps (one of the greatest gardening writers ever!!) and therefore has very large gardening shoes to fill. I don't think Higgins has the gardening acumen of his predecessor, nor does he have the wit, and he does seem to spend a great deal of time hobnobing with rich and famous gardeners whereas Henry was more down to earth--most of his columns were about his weekly efforts in his own patch. Nevertheless, I look forward to reading Higgins pieces.

    Higgins shares current knowledge about new plants (plants that once could not be grown successfully in the Washington area that now can be grown here thanks to genetic engineering), as well as creative ideas about older plants--some never used in local gardens. For example, regarding the latter, this past he wrote a piece on the Hyssop, which some of us have in herb beds, and he recommends for the perennial bed because it can stand up to the heat and humidity of DC (greatly exaggerated by old thinking -- DC actually has a relatively nice climate, just loss of oxygen thanks to car/SUV engines). Unfortunately, his gardening ideas mostly extend to those with five acres to spare.

    The essays in Higgins book are good but I would hesitate to describe it as the "ultimate" guide. The Mid-Atlantic area is comprised of a diverse range of growing conditions and it is difficult to generalize gardening tactics let alone ultimate techniques. Higgins is aware of the growing conditions, but the novice may find it difficult to keep the "facts" straight.

    The altitude in the mid-Atlantic ranges from the mountains to the sea level, and from above and below the Mason-Dixon line. DC itself is located in the upper range of many plants that do well in zone 8 to the south (Crepe Myrtle) and in the lower range of plants that do well in zone 6 to the north (Peonies). However, if you go east you move into Zone 8 again and if you go west you enter Zone 6.

    The soil composition of the area ranges from limestone (water in DC is very alkaline thanks to the Shenandoah Valley) to clay (Piedmont) to coastal sand. I've worked gardens in all these areas and found the combination of soil, water PH and weather patterns/temperture does not allow one to grow anything anywhere. In fact, if you live east of the fall line (approximately Route 1) and between Fredericksburg and mid-Jersey you'd be better off to read Allen Lacy's books.

    Still, I don't want to discourage readers from using Higgin's book. Many of his ideas will work--the key is to buy the types of plants that like your growing conditions. Blueberries for example come in different varieties--some do well in cooler mountain areas and others along the sandy shore. You won't know if Higgins methods work until you try them. That's the key to gardening anyway--try-al and error.

    4 out of 5 stars Excellent Guide for DC-Area Gardening.......2000-07-12

    If you live in the DC area, this is the gardening book to own--it is a practical, no nonsense guide. This book lists which specific varieties of plants thrive or do poorly in the DC Metro area. Most of my other gardening books gather dust while I take this one to the garden center.

    The book does not have color illustrations, so if you do not know what a plant looks like, you will need look it up in another book or investigate it at the store.

    5 out of 5 stars If you garden in the D.C. area, you must have this book!.......2000-04-03

    I bought this book 2 years ago and I have been using it constantly ever since. It contains a wealth of information about all aspects of gardening in the Washington, D.C. area -- everything from lawns to flowers to bulbs to shrubs. It is written very clearly and is a comprehensive discussion, including planting tips, diseases, best plants for different locations, etc. Further, it is entertaining! I am ordering another copy because I gave mine to a friend who is a professional gardener -- he said it was the best book he has ever seen specific to this area.
    The Ultimate Book of Cacti and Succulents
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Ultimate? Not Quite
    • Kill Your Lawn - Part 1
    • Good reference for many hard to find and unique succulents.
    The Ultimate Book of Cacti and Succulents
    Miles Anderson
    Manufacturer: Lorenz Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    ReferenceReference | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    CactiCacti | By Plant | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Cacti & SucculentsCacti & Succulents | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents

    ASIN: 1859674607

    Book Description

    With their incredibly hardy and low maintenance nature and their distinctly beautiful characteristics, it's no surprise that succulents are favorites among many people. With over 1,000 full-color photographs, this comprehensive volume details the botany and classification of cacti and succulents, and examines their diversity. Included in this informative resource are designs for growing succulent plants indoors and out with tips and ides for hanging baskets, patios and terraces, garden settings, and container cultivation. The photographic plant directory provides a definitive reference section for over 400 varieties of cacti and their care. The cultivation section provides guidance on all aspects of buying, planting and maintaining cacti and succulents and techniques for planting, propagation, grafting and maintenance.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Ultimate? Not Quite.......2004-10-28

    To give this book the title "Ultimate" is stretching the point a little. The subject of cacti is far too vast for any book on the subject to call itself ultimate. OK they had to call it something.
    On the serious side the book is excellently produced, well layed out and informative. The author knows his subject and presents it in an enjoyable and easily readable format. For those cactophiles who like their photographs, the ones in this book are hard to beat. The genera that are described in the book are described in some depth (not one species from each genus, a style I personally hate). There are symbols to tell you whether the plants are suitable for outdoors, greenhouse or windowsill. Each description of a species gives the natural habitat for the plant, average size the plant may attain and flower colour.
    The Cacti and Succulents have separate sections (good idea), and there are chapters on grafting (excellent photographs); pests and diseases; seed sowing and soil mixtures etc.
    Because the book covers both Cacti and Succulents, only the more popular species are catered for, but there are many specialist books on single genera for those who need them. After all a book is similar to a dog, a friend for life, and you can't have too many of those.
    This book contains all the information any hobbyist would need to grow cacti successfully and to keep them looking healthy for many years to come. It's in my collection.
    P.S. This book has appeared under several titles, so check before you buy, you may find you already own it.

    5 out of 5 stars Kill Your Lawn - Part 1.......2001-08-01

    For many years my students heard me say that when I bought my own house, I would kill my lawn and plant a cactus garden. Three years ago, I bought my very own California bungalow here in Whittier and began to convert the front yard into a cactus garden. One of the most helpful references in the process has been The Ultimate Book Of Cacti And Succulents by Miles Anderson. This book is not an encyclopedia nor is it meant to be. This book is a comprehensive introduction to cacti and succulents. It covers subjects such as planting and care and it also covers a selection of representative plants. The style of the book is similar to all the great books put out by DK. The garden is still a work in progress, but if you saw it you'd know how much this great book has helped.

    4 out of 5 stars Good reference for many hard to find and unique succulents........1999-02-24

    A very succinct listing of many common and some rare cacti and succulents. The best thing about this book is the vibrant and beautiful pictures that accompany the sometimes sparse text. The author gives a good general background on cacti and succulent origins, makeup, and care. One of the better books that I have come across in this genre.
    The Ultimate Gardening Book: Over 1,000 Inspirational Ideas and Practical Tips to Transform Your Garden
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Garden candy for your eyes!
    The Ultimate Gardening Book: Over 1,000 Inspirational Ideas and Practical Tips to Transform Your Garden
    Carole McGlynn
    Manufacturer: Sterling
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    ReferenceReference | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    By PlantBy Plant | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books | Begonias | Berries | Bonsai | Cacti | Citrus Trees | Clematis | Dahlias | Ferns | Grapes | Grasses | Greens | Hostas | Hydrangeas | Irises | Lavender | Lilacs | Lilies | Magnolias | Orchids | Palm Trees | Peppers & Chiles | Roses | Tomatoes | Tulips
    Professional ReferenceProfessional Reference | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. New Garden Book New Garden Book
    2. The Big Book of Flower Gardening: A Guide to Growing Beautiful Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, and Roses The Big Book of Flower Gardening: A Guide to Growing Beautiful Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, and Roses
    3. New Illustrated Guide to Gardening New Illustrated Guide to Gardening

    ASIN: 1855857383

    Book Description

    Whether you have a charming container garden or an elegant topiary, this oversized, 448-page, photo-packed guide explodes with 1,000 practical tips on making it bloom more beautifully with less effort and time. From water gardens to roof havens, a staggering variety of design and planting choices burst from the pages.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Garden candy for your eyes!.......2000-04-15

    Wonderful pictures. For the price, you can't beat the quality of this book. The information is given in short simple decriptions; you're not going to learn to be a master gardener reading this book. It is as if you are peaking over a neighbor's fence and sharing ideas. If you like to save seed catalogs because they are so pretty then you need this book.
    The Ultimate Rose Book (Including Miniature, and Wild-All Shown in Color and Selected for Their Beauty, Fragrance, and)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Good for older modern roses
    • The Ultimate Rose Book
    • Best Coffee Table Rose Book
    • detailed, classic book
    • Not the best book available!
    The Ultimate Rose Book (Including Miniature, and Wild-All Shown in Color and Selected for Their Beauty, Fragrance, and)
    Stirling Macoboy
    Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    RosesRoses | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Ornamental PlantsOrnamental Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. American Rose Society Encyclopedia of Roses American Rose Society Encyclopedia of Roses
    2. Roses Roses
    3. Taylor's Guide to Roses: How to Select abd Grow 380 Roses, Including the New Hardy Ever-Blooming Varieties - Flexible Binding (Taylor's Gardening Guides) Taylor's Guide to Roses: How to Select abd Grow 380 Roses, Including the New Hardy Ever-Blooming Varieties - Flexible Binding (Taylor's Gardening Guides)
    4. Rose Bible Rose Bible
    5. Best Rose Guide: A Comprehensive Selection Best Rose Guide: A Comprehensive Selection

    ASIN: 0810939207

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Good for older modern roses.......2006-11-05

    This is an excellent book for those gardeners wanting information on many of the older hybrid teas and floribundas plus climbers that are carried by only specialized rose nurseries. This book also tells it like it is and so you get the negative aspects of some roses. Yes the book is VERY large but perfect to raise a small child to the table.

    5 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Rose Book.......2005-10-10

    This is such a lovely book, it's worth owning just to look at the beautiful photographs of roses. However, it offers much more. There are full descriptions of each rose, including origin, developer, growth, fragrance, etc. I needed to find a rose developed in Germany. Using this book I created quite a long list of potential roses. When I located a grower of the rose I wanted, it was interesting to see this book prominently displayed among his reference works. Highly recommended.

    4 out of 5 stars Best Coffee Table Rose Book.......2004-09-19

    This is the first Rose Book in my collection; it is responsible for my interest in roses. It is the biggest book of my rose book collection; in height, thickness or weight. Its production qualities are high and more than a decade after purchasing it, it is a book I still hold dear.

    Over 1500 roses are presented, and for each there is a photo. The writing is clear and concise. And more than any other reference, we hear the writer's voice. When Macoboy particularly likes a rose, we know it. If he were writing a scientific reference, this may not be quite appropriate, but this personal voice brings us a step closer to viewing the roses as he does. And this draws us in.

    A few bits of crucial information are listed in tabular form, the rose's breeder, its class, and how fragrant the rose is. Entries are listed alphabetically in three main sections: Species Roses, Miniature Roses, All other roses.

    The book was published just after the commercial success of Austin's first remontant English roses and a handful of these roses are included.

    But almost twenty years after its first release (the edition I write about was printed in the late 1980's), the book is beginning to look and feel dated. There has been a huge amount of work in the area of minis and this section seems quite dated. A significant portion of the Hybrid Tea roses and floribundas are not in commerce - not even at specialty nurseries. And many of the most popular of these classes do not appear. To make matters worse, a noticable portion of the roses Macoboy treasures were distributed only in Australia, so European and American gardeners never would have had a crack at them.

    The photos are a mixed bag. On one hand almost every rose about which he writes is photographed. This is a monumental achievement. Few rose books come so close to complete photographic coverage as this one, and any that acheive full photographic coverage are less encyclopedic in scope and/ or present smaller photos. This may be the most photographically generous rose book in print.

    Most of the rose photos are pretty good. Many are excellent. And some of the excellent ones fill a whole large page. The layout is large and the feeling it creates is lush and luxurious. But a few of the photos are seriously flawed. One photo, for instance, is of a rose that is waving back and forth madly in the wind and all we can see about the rose is that the flower is reddish - the whole photo is a big smudge. And there are a few cases in which we have serious questions about color reproduction.

    So who should buy such a book? Well, if you are a rose-lover and wish to draw someone else into the field, this may be the best book to do it. The lavish illustration and infectious writing will do the trick better than just about any other book. And if you are a rose-lover and you want a coffee table book on roses, this may be the best choice. Or, if you know someone who is a little interested in gardening but knows nothing of roses and is afraid to take the plunge, this would be a good introductory gift.

    If you just want a reference, get Botanica's Roses it is more up-to-date and it presents more roses. And visit RoseFile.com for other info on roses and to get help finding more books about roses at Amazon.com.

    5 out of 5 stars detailed, classic book.......2003-06-06

    I love this book. I have been wanting to buy it for 2 years now and finally found it on amazon.com for much cheaper. At some stores this book goes for $100!

    I love it because it is HISTORIC and GOOD FOR GARDENERS! I like how the author talks about the rose in a mythical and realistic point of view. He gives history and information for scientists.

    I have never loved a book as much as I love this one. I treasure it. I am never going to let go of it. I especially love the front cover. The roses are all huddled together in different colors, and they almost appear as if they are people. The photography is magic!

    Simply said, if you love romantic style books with also some useful information about gardening this the one for you.

    2 out of 5 stars Not the best book available!.......2002-07-03

    I'm sorry but this book just didn't do it for me! It is too large and heavy, not to mention expensive. The photgraphs aren't as clear as other books (namely Botanica's Roses)and it doesn't included many of the most popular roses.

    Yes, it does describe each rose, if fragrant, how often it blooms and any known diseases, but then so do other books!

    My advice is to buy Botanica's Roses. It is paperback, much smaller and lightweight (ideal for taking to the nursery).
    So save the [price] and get the better book!
    Great Garden Formulas: The Ultimate Book of Mix-It-Yourself Concoctions for Your Garden
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Very informative. Has alot of solutions for plants.
    • Excellent book for amateurs of gardening!
    • This is a wonderful book!
    Great Garden Formulas: The Ultimate Book of Mix-It-Yourself Concoctions for Your Garden

    Manufacturer: Rodale Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Garden DesignGarden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    OrganicOrganic | Techniques | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Techniques | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. 1,001 Old-Time Garden Tips: Timeless Bits of Wisdom on How to Grow Everything Organically, from the Good Old Days When Everyone Did 1,001 Old-Time Garden Tips: Timeless Bits of Wisdom on How to Grow Everything Organically, from the Good Old Days When Everyone Did
    2. 1,001 Ingenious Gardening Ideas: New, Fun and Fabulous That Will Change the Way You Garden - Forever! (Rodale Garden Book) 1,001 Ingenious Gardening Ideas: New, Fun and Fabulous That Will Change the Way You Garden - Forever! (Rodale Garden Book)
    3. Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener
    4. Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden Great Garden Companions: A Companion-Planting System for a Beautiful, Chemical-Free Vegetable Garden
    5. Great Garden Fix-Its: Organic Remedies for Everything from Aphids to Weeds (Rodale Organic Gardening Books) Great Garden Fix-Its: Organic Remedies for Everything from Aphids to Weeds (Rodale Organic Gardening Books)

    ASIN: 0875968481

    Book Description

    Whether you're looking for a quick-cooking compost recipe or a safe spray to stop garden-eating pests, you'll find all-new mixtures that really work to solve your garden problems in Great Garden Formulas!More Than 350 Formulas for a Great GardenCompost; Weed ControlFertilizer; Birds, Butterflies, and BeneficialsSoil Care; Herbs for Every PurposePest Control; Home RemediesDisease Control; Yard and Garden Designs

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Very informative. Has alot of solutions for plants........1999-10-19

    The book has formulas that help plants. Such as, pest control and natural fertalizers. It also give you recipes for herbal shampoos and condtiononers. Great Book. :)

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent book for amateurs of gardening!.......1999-01-27

    This is a great book, from cover to cover. It is full of handy hints. I am a first time gardener and this book helped me a great deal throughout the gardening season. There's also a great section on herbs!

    5 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful book!.......1999-01-03

    This wonderful book is full of easy and useful ideas. It is pleasant to read, nicely illustrated, and oh so practical. I am buying a second copy to share!
    The Master Book of the Water Garden: The Ultimate Guide to the Design and Maintenance of the Water Garden With More Than 190 Plant Profiles
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • ONE OF THE BEST
    • Great coverage for building ponds and water gardens
    • COMPLETE!
    The Master Book of the Water Garden: The Ultimate Guide to the Design and Maintenance of the Water Garden With More Than 190 Plant Profiles
    Philip Swindells
    Manufacturer: Voyageur Press (MN)
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    GeneralGeneral | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Flowers | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    LandscapeLandscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Techniques | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants

    ASIN: 1564651886

    Book Description

    Water has featured prominently in garden designs for thousands of years, and its appeal to the senses still attracts the imagination of gardeners worldwide. Ponds and other water features need careful planning, and though there are other books with wonderful ideas, many of them lack the very practical information that water gardeners need to know.

    "The Master Book of the Water Garden" is the most comprehensive book on the subject. It includes detailed step-by-step illustrated instructions on all aspects of water garden construction and maintenance--from building a raised pond to propagating marginal plants. Philip Swindells also provides advice on choosing a style based on the reader's budget, time constraints, available site, and proposed function.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars ONE OF THE BEST.......2004-06-26

    This book has all the information needed to build and maintain a pond. There is everything you need to know from A-Z including maintaince, plants, fish, etc. A must have.

    5 out of 5 stars Great coverage for building ponds and water gardens.......2001-07-19

    This is an excellent book for building water gardens, ponds, pools and streams. The subject is covered thoroughly with detailed descriptions about installing fountains, lighting, islands, and landscaping. There are lots of lovely photos that will let your imagination grow as to the kinds of ponds you can design and build. You are only limited by the size of your yard. There is a large section about adding different types of water plants to specific areas of the pond. Plus, there is good coverage about adding fish, attracting wildlife, and performing seasonal maintenance. Construction techniques vary from simple to more complex designs, including waterfalls and ripple effects. Another book, Nash's The Complete Pond Builder, seems to have slightly better construction detail and also more examples of smaller ponds. However, Swindells' book is much more comprehensive and it contains a lot more information about maintenance, fish, and plants.

    5 out of 5 stars COMPLETE!.......2000-04-08

    This Book has GREAT content. Not only does it have clear, and easy to understand diagrams of plants, but it supplied me with information to build my own pond. Now, my pond is filled with koi that rest underneath some waterlilies . The water hyacinths, (which I did not know about until reading this book) , smell soooo wonderful. My pond would never be complete without this book. I say you buy it, because it is worth it's price!
    The Ultimate Herb Book: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Over 200 Herbs
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Ultimate Herb Book: The Definitive Guide to Growing and Using Over 200 Herbs
      Antony Atha
      Manufacturer: Collins & Brown
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      Herbal RemediesHerbal Remedies | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
      HerbsHerbs | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
      Accessories:
      1. RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
      2. Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3) Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

      ASIN: 1855859033

      Book Description

      Celebrate the diverse culinary, medicinal, aromatic, and decorative properties of herbs with an all-in-color illustrated guide to cultivating them anywhere, effortlessly. Planning and planting instructions are given for all kinds of herbs—hedges, flowering, medical—and for all types of habitat, and an easy-to-access directory provides full growing information, uses, and other vital statistics for 200 plants, both familiar and exotic. Budding herbalists can see at a glance if a particular species suits their site as well as their needs. Sprinkled throughout are innovative spreads dedicated to such topics as herbal beauty preparations; classic recipes for drinks and sauces; lavender linen sprays and potpourri sachets; and ideas for using herbs as decorative accents around the house.
      Garden Flowers (Ultimate Sticker Books)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Garden Flowers (Ultimate Sticker Books)
        DK Publishing
        Manufacturer: DK CHILDREN
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        NonfictionNonfiction | Flowers & Plants | Nature | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        NonfictionNonfiction | Gardening | Nature | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        Flowers & PlantsFlowers & Plants | Nature | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        NonfictionNonfiction | Gardening | Nature | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
        Similar Items:
        1. Trees and Leaves (Ultimate Sticker Books) Trees and Leaves (Ultimate Sticker Books)
        2. Ultimate Sticker Book: Birds Ultimate Sticker Book: Birds
        3. Butterflies (Ultimate Sticker Books) Butterflies (Ultimate Sticker Books)
        4. North American Birds (Ultimate Sticker Books) North American Birds (Ultimate Sticker Books)
        5. Pond Life (Ultimate Sticker Books) Pond Life (Ultimate Sticker Books)

        ASIN: 0756620996

        Book Description

        DK presents an exciting new look for some classic Ultimate Sticker Books, along with four brand-new titles about the plants and animals in your own backyard.

        Books:

        1. The Mini Zen Gardening Kit (Miniature Editions)
        2. The New York Times Practical Guide to Practically Everything: The Essential Companion for Everyday Life
        3. The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control: A Complete Problem-Solving Guide to Keeping Your Garden and Yard Healthy Without Chemicals
        4. The Organic Lawn Care Manual
        5. The Well-Designed Mixed Garden: Building Beds and Borders with Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs
        6. The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting and Pruning Techniques
        7. Trails for the Twenty-First Century: Planning, Design, and Management Manual for Multi-Use Trails
        8. Unlimited Access: An FBI Agent Inside the Clinton White House
        9. Versailles
        10. Walks, Walls & Patios: Plan, Design & Build

        Books Index

        Books Home

        Recommended Books

        1. How to Say It At Work: Putting Yourself Across with Power Words, Phrases, Body Language, and Communi
        2. A Passage to the Heart: Writings from Families with Children from China
        3. Singing Cowboy Stars/Book and Cd
        4. Substance Abuse: Information for School Counselors, Social Workers, Therapists, and Counselors
        5. The Essentials of Risk Management
        6. A Tangled Web
        7. The Rough Guide to Egypt 6
        8. Proceedings of the Conference Accounting and Economics : In Honour of the 500th Anniversary of the P
        9. The Economics of Regulation: Principles and Institutions
        10. In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead