GuideReviews Index

"The Art and Craft of Stonescaping" -- David Reed
"The Art and Craft of Stonescaping" supplies information on dry-wall stonework projects. Dry-wall stonework comprises patios and walkways, as well as stone stacked vertically.

Modern Garden Writing: Book Featuring Top Modern Authors
The garden writing in "The Gardener's Bedside Reader" is engaging, the plant illustrations alluring. A collection of modern garden writing well worth reading.

"Lawnscaping: Shape the Perfect Landscape Around Your Lawn" -- Scotts
The subtitle of this Scotts lawn care book says more than the title. It's not primarily a book on lawn care. Rather, this Scotts book is on landscape design that assumes a central role for turf.

Garden Book Featuring Gertrude Jekyll, Other Famous Garden Writers
Gertrude Jekyll is said to have designed over 400 gardens, between her Old World and New World undertakings. A British author of 13 books, Gertrude Jekyll's first book was "Wood and Garden."

Book on Growing Wild Orchids
William Mathis' book on growing wild orchids has great pictures. But Mathis is repetitive in presenting his tips for growing wild orchids, perhaps to fit more of those great pictures into the book!

Book on Attracting Wildlife
Attracting wildlife to the yard was never easier! This book on attracting wildlife to yards differs from many similar books by offering specific advice, including plant lists for different regions.

"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.

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.

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.

Newcomb's Wildflower Identification Guide
Newcomb's wildflower identification guide is based on a key system. By answering questions about what a plant looks like, Lawrence Newcomb guides you to wildflower identification in a logical, systematic manner.

"The Color Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses" -- Rick Darke
Rick Darke's work is a collection of ornamental grass pictures and information on the families they fall into. Ornamental grass pictures of sedges, rushes, restios, cat-tails and selected bamboos are exhibited.

"Landscape Planning" -- Judith Adam
"Landscape Planning" is a book that, among other things, shows you how to draw a landscaping plan. The drawing tips are complemented by practical advice on how to begin the physical work that commences once landscape planning is complete.

"Complete Guide to Water Gardens" - Kathleen Fisher
Book review on Kathleen Fisher's work on water-garden design, including Japanese-style. Photos and illustrations introduce the novice to water-garden design, as I relate in my book review.

"All About Flowering Trees and Shrubs" -- Ortho Books
When you need handy information about flowering trees, shrubs or other gardening components, Ortho books usually come to the rescue. This Ortho book on flowering trees and shrubs is no exception.

"The Lawn Bible" -- David R. Mellor
The author, David Mellor, refers to himself as a "lawnatic," thus the title of this lawn care book, "The Lawn Bible." Mellor is a fanatic about well-kept grass, and the reader benefits from his passion.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Rock and Water Gardening
"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Rock and Water Gardening" has mostly just black-and-white photos. But this book on rock gardens and water gardens is a fine introduction for the beginner, as my book review reveals.