GuideReviews Index
Hedge Trimmers on Poles: Remington Axcess Hedge Trimmers
Treat Remington Axcess hedge trimmers as specialized tools. As hedge trimmers on poles, the Remington Axcess gives you access to tough-to-reach places in trimming shrubs.
Small Garden Tillers
Review of small garden tillers (also called "cultivators"). Typical small garden tillers have a 2-horsepower engine and are designed to be light-weight rototillers, making them easy to handle.
Pump-Free Garden Sprayers
Most garden sprayers have to be pumped. But Black & Decker's rechargeable garden sprayers require no pumping.
Black & Decker Alligator Loppers
Review of Black & Decker Alligator Loppers. Being specialized tools, you'd want to clear brush away first with other tools, then finish up with Black & Decker Alligator Loppers.
Live Animal Traps for Pest Control: "Have a Heart"
Review of Havahart live traps (often misspelled 'Have-A-Heart') for in garden pest control. Havahart live animal traps are a humane alternative to other pest control measures, so to practice humane (and fun!) garden pest control, just 'Have a heart!'
Landscape Vision Design Software Program 5.4
Review of the Landscape Vision design software program. My review considers the pros and cons of the Landscape Vision design software program.
Craftsman Gas Leaf Blower Vacuums: 4-Cycle Leaf Blower Vacuums
Gas leaf blower vacuums with 4-cycle engines have lower emissions than 2-cycles, making them less hostile to the environment. These Craftsman gas leaf blower vacuums have the added benefit of easy start-up.
"Garden Voices: Stories of Women and Their Gardens"
Carolyn Freas Rapp's "Garden Voices: Stories of Women & Their Gardens" is not primarily about the cultivation of the soil, but rather the cultivation of the soul. "Garden Voices" presents the unique stories of 12 women for whom working the land is sacred.
BV4000 Leaf Hog Leaf Blowers ("Hand-Held Lawn Vacuums")
The assembly of BV4000 Leaf Hog leaf blowers (lawn vacuums) is fairly straightforward, an important point for the 'gadget-challenged.' I also give these leaf blowers (lawn vacuums) a good rating in terms of power.
Shop Sweep Shop-Vac Vacuums
The Shop Sweep is an outdoor vacuum cleaner put out by Shop-Vac that mulches grass clippings, leaves and pine needles. Use these Shop-Vac vacuums to clean driveways, sidewalks, patios, garages.
Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: SquirrelStop
Among the most effective -- and entertaining! -- squirrel-proof bird feeders are the spinning feeders. Their method of keeping out squirrels, making them bird-only: the rodent's weight activates a spinning mechanism that sends them flying!
ConceptDraw Landscape Design Software
Review of ConceptDraw landscape design software. ConceptDraw is your average program: you can use templates or start from scratch.
Reel Lawn Mowers
Consumer product review of reel lawn mowers, as an alternative to rotary machines. Reel lawn mowers are quiet, safe, pollution-free, maintenance-free and cheap.
Book on Landscape Terracing - Building Garden Terraces
Review of a book on building garden terraces, replete with photos. Terracing your landscaping into raised garden beds makes for an attractive and effective use of space.
Jerry Baker's "Backyard Problem Solver"
Review of one of Jerry Baker's books, 'Backyard Problem Solver.' As is usually the case with Jerry Baker's books, this one is packed with powerful 'tonics,' but there's plenty more for those not interested in the tonics.
"Brick Projects for the Landscape: 16 Easy-to-Build Designs"
Alan Bridgewater' book offers numerous ideas for brick landscape design. The book provides instructions for completing 16 brick landscape design projects.
"Complete Decks" -- A Better Homes & Gardens Book (ed. Paula Marshall)
Beginning with the preliminary considerations of deck construction ("how best to position a deck for comfort and convenience"), you'll learn everything about deck construction basics, including maintenance and repair afterwards.
Black & Decker's, "The Complete Guide to Building Decks"
Building decks successfully requires planning and executing those plans with precision. This Black & Decker guide to building decks will help out do-it-yourselfers on both scores.
Book on How to Attract Birds
Backyard bird watchers may wonder how to attract birds to their gardens, and there are books out there to help. This Audubon Society book is all about landscaping to attract birds.
Book: Jerry Baker's "Plants Are Still Like People"
Book review of Jerry Baker's "Plants Are Still Like People," an updated version of Jerry Baker's classic, "Plants Are Like People." My review highlights some of the tips that have made Baker a favorite of landscapers and gardeners.
Ortho's "Complete Guide to Trees and Shrubs"
"Complete Guide to Trees and Shrubs" considers the aesthetic and practical benefits of our woody friends. The information on why, how and when to prune trees and shrubs is especially useful. The section is conveniently divided up by the various types of trees and shrubs, since their pruning requirements differ. Learn how to prune: deciduous trees and shrubs, espalier plants, vines, broadleaf evergreens and needled evergreens. See how to erect guidelines to ensure straight cuts on hedges.
"Complete Landscaping" -- This Old House
"Complete Landscaping" is put out by a name you trust in matters of the home and yard -- This Old House. What I especially like about This Old House's book on landscaping is the succinct presentation on drawing landscape plans.
Black & Decker's "The Complete Guide to Creative Landscapes"
Black & Decker's "The Complete Guide to Creative Landscapes" takes you through all the steps in establishing the yard of your dreams. Black & Decker's "Creative Landscapes" book takes you from drawing plans to implementing the ideas therein.
MTD Yard Machine Lawn Mowers -- High-Wheel, Briggs & Stratton Engine
Review of MTD Yard Machine lawn mowers with a Briggs & Stratton engine and high wheels in rear to facilitate mowing slopes or bumpy areas. If you want a basic model at a cheap price, this MTD Yard Machine lawn mower with a Briggs & Stratton engine is a smart choice.
Landscaping Made Easy With "Landscaping for Dummies"
Review of "Landscaping for Dummies" and its landscaping made easy approach useful for novices. Pros and cons of the book are provided, as well as an outline of ideas.