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Garden Design for the Short Season Yard

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The only garden design book written just for the Canadian prairies

Tired of advice for gorgeous yards that can only be created in climates like California, southern Ontario or Victoria? Author Lyndon Penner wrote Garden Design for the Short Season Yard for you, because he knows prairie gardeners face challenges no one faces in gentler climates.

Anyone can learn the basics of garden design. In this accessible guide, you'll discover the pros' secrets: practical ways to transform your yard using basic design principles. You can create an aesthetically pleasing yard that meets your needs, whether you want stunning curb appeal, privacy, low maintenance, or a lush retreat. You'll develop your eye for design with Lyndon's short critiques of gardens, both good and bad. You'll also find worksheets to help you design your own garden.

With his signature style and wit, Lyndon delivers his expert advice for a four-season makeover for your yard. Topics include:


Elements of design, such as scale, balance, texture, colour and repetition. Choosing a theme and a focal point. Weather, diseases and pests. Low-maintenance, water-wise, and shade gardening. Trees, perennials, annuals and permanent garden features.

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

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About the author

Lyndon Penner

6 books6 followers

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Fader.
196 reviews
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April 7, 2025
Great guide to designing a garden in the prairies! Lots and lots of detail, this whole book is practically annotated and highlighted now.

However, I can just feel weird vibes coming through where they don't need to ("It is important to be aware that the world of gardening is as subject to trends and fashions as anything else, and I think it’s really important that your garden be classy and beautiful rather than merely “so in right now.” Your garden should be Audrey Hepburn or Sofia Lauren, not Taylor Swift or Demi Lovato." Weird take.)
Profile Image for Allysia K.
196 reviews77 followers
October 4, 2019
It's nice to read something hyper-specific to your region, especially something written by someone with so much enthusiasm and humor as Lyndon. Looking forward to reading his other book as well!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews

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