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This 'n That
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In Brief -
| .. | These are the books on design with the larger picture in mind - where to put the garden bed itself for example, rather than what to plant in them. Many of the huge quantity of design books available don't always slot themselves neatly into categories, but as a rule I've tried to put the books that focus on planning your overall space here, and books on creative planting design over on the "Planting Design" page. Books that are a bit of both? Well ... what page they end up on I think depends mostly on the
phase of the moon!
Evelyn
Books here are in alpha by author order.
| ... | | LANDSCAPE PLANNING: Practical Techniques for the Home Gardener, by Judith Adams. One of the most useful gardening books to come out for some time and should be the first  garden book choice for new homeowners. It explains step-by-step the whys and hows of landscaping an average home, or when and how to hire a professional. Its format couldn't
be clearer or more user friendly, and cuts through confusion by using "top 10" lists of plant recommendations organized by landscape need. For example - "10 Best Specimen Trees" or "10 Best Groundcovers", "10 Best Perennials for spring", "10 Best Weeping Trees" (which gratefully doesn't include the overused weeping mulberry!). There are so many individual thoughts, choices and phases to designing a home landscape, and a book like this is a real help to guide you through the initial decisions when planning a garden. Great for landscape professionals as well - the good photos and clear format help you work efficiently with clients during the selection process. 224pgs / 10 x 10 / full colour photos throughout / $27.95pb
~ | John Brookes GARDEN DESIGN, by John Brookes Boldly stated on the front cover is "The World's Best selling garden design book". Quite a claim, but I believe it! First published in 1991 it quickly established itself as the designer's bible. Brookes is one of the world's  top designers, and has taught, lectured and communicated to an ever wider public since going into practice in the 1960's, but most importantly he has a real skill at discussing design concepts in a way that really teaches design principles rather than simply show them. He takes each of the important design considerations and
puts them in terminology and in a sequence which average gardeners with no previous design training can understand and apply. An exceptional book visually as well, with quality photography of both large and small gardens, plant combinations, and elements such as paths, fences, etc., and a basic lesson in design graphics. Each chapter deals thoroughly with a particular design concept or decision and covers both general space design and planting design. 380pgs / 9 1/4 x 10 1/2 / full colour photos drawings, and plans throughout / $49.95hc
~ | DESIGNING YOUR GARDENS AND LANDSCAPES: 12 Simple Steps  for Successful Planning, by Janet Macunovich. With a practical approach aimed at the average sized home, Janet walks us through her successful 12 step approach to garden and site design. Learn how to set goals, establish a budget, asses a site, make a plant list, create scale drawings, and understand how garden focal points work to create a harmonious and well balanced design. Helpful checklists, practical illustrations, and Janet's easy writing style make this one of the best design books for a newcomer who wants to learn landscape design concepts to
design their space. 176pgs / 8 1/2 x 11 / b&w line drawings throughout / $29.95spiral paperback.
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| | The general design/landscaping shelves at the store take up 1/2 of a 30 foot wall. Just call and let us help you find a book to fill your needs from the 100's to choose from. Evelyn | | | | | |
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