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Garden Renovation: Transform Your Yard Into the Garden of Your Dreams
“Provides inspiration for turning a tired garden into an enlivening treat.” — The English Garden
Your garden, just like your house, sometimes needs a makeover. The change can be as minor as replacing a shrub or as major as pulling everything up and starting from scratch. No matter the size of your space or the scope of the project, the sage advice in Garden Renovation will help you turn your yard into a paradise. Bobbie Schwartz draws on her years of experience as a garden designer to teach you how to evaluate your yard, determine what to keep and what to remove, and choose the right plants and design plan.
Your garden, just like your house, sometimes needs a makeover. The change can be as minor as replacing a shrub or as major as pulling everything up and starting from scratch. No matter the size of your space or the scope of the project, the sage advice in Garden Renovation will help you turn your yard into a paradise. Bobbie Schwartz draws on her years of experience as a garden designer to teach you how to evaluate your yard, determine what to keep and what to remove, and choose the right plants and design plan.
264 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2017
78 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 1, 2017
Bobbie Schwartz has almost fifty years of gardening experience, with forty of those years spent as a landscape designer. To say this woman knows her stuff is an understatement, and this book is a wonderful reflection of her knowledge and experience.
Garden Renovation is divided into six sections. Section One talks about recognizing the clues that your yard needs to be updated (such as overgrown plants, a lack of design functionality, no clear paths to the house, etc.), as well as tips for getting the process started (like knowing your budget).
Section Two covers landscape basics, like light conditions, ideal soil, sun and shade charts, awareness of animal life, and more.
Section Three, which is probably my favorite section, discusses different hardscape elements you can incorporate into your design. She showcases some beautiful paths in here, and I got a lot of good ideas from this section alone.
Section Four is a very general overview of types of plants. If you're looking for specifics, you're going to need to look elsewhere. Section Five is about putting your plans into action. This is a very short section, too, and it mostly talks about how to hire a landscape designer.
Section Six is another one of my favorites. It gives a few before and after landscaping projects. In my mind, it's always fun to see a drab space transformed into something beautiful.
There are small vignettes throughout the book that highlight certain issues, and I actually found these to be incredibly helpful. I absolutely loved reading her opinions on buying native vs. exotic plants. She has such a balanced perspective, and her approach seems very reasonable and no-nonsense.
There is also a brief list of online resources in the back. These are informational resources, not product endorsements. So there are links to articles or websites that share info on plants, wildlife, weed control, mulching, stuff like that.
I really enjoyed reading this book. As a beginning gardener who also happens to be a giant book nerd, I've obviously read a ton of books on gardening lately, and Garden Renovation has become one of my favorites. And because Schwartz does most of her work in Zone 6, her advice is perfectly applicable to my garden in Chicago.
I highly recommend reading this book. And if you like this one, I'd also suggest Growing the Midwest Garden by Edward Lyon.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley.
Garden Renovation is divided into six sections. Section One talks about recognizing the clues that your yard needs to be updated (such as overgrown plants, a lack of design functionality, no clear paths to the house, etc.), as well as tips for getting the process started (like knowing your budget).
Section Two covers landscape basics, like light conditions, ideal soil, sun and shade charts, awareness of animal life, and more.
Section Three, which is probably my favorite section, discusses different hardscape elements you can incorporate into your design. She showcases some beautiful paths in here, and I got a lot of good ideas from this section alone.
Section Four is a very general overview of types of plants. If you're looking for specifics, you're going to need to look elsewhere. Section Five is about putting your plans into action. This is a very short section, too, and it mostly talks about how to hire a landscape designer.
Section Six is another one of my favorites. It gives a few before and after landscaping projects. In my mind, it's always fun to see a drab space transformed into something beautiful.
There are small vignettes throughout the book that highlight certain issues, and I actually found these to be incredibly helpful. I absolutely loved reading her opinions on buying native vs. exotic plants. She has such a balanced perspective, and her approach seems very reasonable and no-nonsense.
There is also a brief list of online resources in the back. These are informational resources, not product endorsements. So there are links to articles or websites that share info on plants, wildlife, weed control, mulching, stuff like that.
I really enjoyed reading this book. As a beginning gardener who also happens to be a giant book nerd, I've obviously read a ton of books on gardening lately, and Garden Renovation has become one of my favorites. And because Schwartz does most of her work in Zone 6, her advice is perfectly applicable to my garden in Chicago.
I highly recommend reading this book. And if you like this one, I'd also suggest Growing the Midwest Garden by Edward Lyon.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley.
June 30, 2018
Mostly good to flip through for the images and captions for ideas. Otherwise this is mostly a book on really expensive landscape changes with a few “low budget” ideas tossed here or there and emphasizes the idea of things while being very short on any how-to. It was also disappointing that large sections of text would reference plants that didn’t have any nearby pictures which did a disservice to those who don’t already have the names of all these plants memorized with their corresponding mental picture. Still; many of the images of gardens are lovely and can be springboards for your own garden plans.
October 9, 2017
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
It's almost always awe-inspiring to see engaged, talented professionals doing what they do best. Bobbie Schwartz and Timber Press have teamed up on Garden Renovation. Ms. Schwartz has nearly 50 years in the gardening and landscaping business and it shows. This is a meaty workbook oriented book which isn't just eye-candy. It's full of lush and illustrative photographs of course, but more importantly, it's designed as a workbook full of really sound advice.
Our houses and environments are unique. Our goals for our spaces are also unique to us and our expectations and desires for the places we live. This book gives concrete advice for laying out a detailed plan to get from 'where we are' to 'where we realistically want to be'. Landscaping (even for the enthusiast) can be very daunting, very fraught, and very expensive. Obviously we want to avoid as many pitfalls as possible. The author's vast experience with a broad variety of situations and budgets really shows in the work. This is a practical book full of great advice including defining goals, setting realistic budgets and work plans, timelines for implementation, and other vital steps in success. The planning chapter encompasses roughly 10% of the total content.
The book moves on to essential landscaping concepts such as soil, amendments, climate, sunlight and other physical constraints. The subject matter is well researched and presented in a clear understandable manner.
Another important concept in landscaping and preparing and creating our perfect outdoor space is hardscaping, those permanent or semi-permanent structures, walkways, driveways, balconies etc which are possibly expensive or difficult to change. The book presents creative practical methods for changing or incorporating existing hardscape elements into the garden design or solutions for changing them within budget. This is an incredibly well presented chapter, easily the best and most practical I've seen on the subject. The chapter (indeed the whole book) is lavishly photographed with great illustrations showing the contrasts between different solutions for common problems. It includes sections on patios, decks and furniture selection. This chapter alone is worth the price of admission.
Plant selections in gardening are obviously essential. However, too many books turn into basically 'flavor of the month' lists of 'essential' plants which wind up being dated in a few years. This book cleverly and classically avoids the trap of being dated by teaching the reader how to assess a plant's functionality and why to choose a certain plant over other alternatives. By teaching the reader to train their own eye and trust their own instincts, the author educates the gardener. It's very much the 'give the man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him forever' mentality and it really works.
Teaching and showing are all fine and well, but at the end of the day don't change the outdoor home environment one jot. The last 25% of the book are given over to concrete advice for methods of establishing a plan and following through. I loved that the author did NOT just toss off a bit of 'you can do it yourself' fluff, but also said 'there are things which are beyond the scope of all but the most fanatical DIY'ers. Clearly explaining the difference between landscape designers and landscape architects and offering reasonable advice on when to call in the experts was a refreshing change from many other DIY gardening books in my experience. There's also a subchapter on how to choose and work with your chosen professional.
The last chapter includes a wide variety of before and after success stories. These are also well photographed and practical, showing the possibilities hidden in different situations. I, personally, am really good at 'grunt work'... I love gardening passionately, but I'm woman enough to admit that I'm a bit of a plodder when it comes to actually seeing the inherent possibilities creatively. This book is solid gold for me for that reason. It presents myriad creative solutions which would never have occurred to me in a clear manner. There were a fair number of 'forehead smacking' why didn't I think of that?! moments.
The very end of the book includes a bibliography, online resource section and index. It's slanted toward the US gardener, but includes so many bits of advice which are applicable to gardeners everywhere.
Five stars, wonderful book, perfectly presented, and flawlessly edited (I didn't find a single mistake, and when I'm reviewing, I LOOK).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
It's almost always awe-inspiring to see engaged, talented professionals doing what they do best. Bobbie Schwartz and Timber Press have teamed up on Garden Renovation. Ms. Schwartz has nearly 50 years in the gardening and landscaping business and it shows. This is a meaty workbook oriented book which isn't just eye-candy. It's full of lush and illustrative photographs of course, but more importantly, it's designed as a workbook full of really sound advice.
Our houses and environments are unique. Our goals for our spaces are also unique to us and our expectations and desires for the places we live. This book gives concrete advice for laying out a detailed plan to get from 'where we are' to 'where we realistically want to be'. Landscaping (even for the enthusiast) can be very daunting, very fraught, and very expensive. Obviously we want to avoid as many pitfalls as possible. The author's vast experience with a broad variety of situations and budgets really shows in the work. This is a practical book full of great advice including defining goals, setting realistic budgets and work plans, timelines for implementation, and other vital steps in success. The planning chapter encompasses roughly 10% of the total content.
The book moves on to essential landscaping concepts such as soil, amendments, climate, sunlight and other physical constraints. The subject matter is well researched and presented in a clear understandable manner.
Another important concept in landscaping and preparing and creating our perfect outdoor space is hardscaping, those permanent or semi-permanent structures, walkways, driveways, balconies etc which are possibly expensive or difficult to change. The book presents creative practical methods for changing or incorporating existing hardscape elements into the garden design or solutions for changing them within budget. This is an incredibly well presented chapter, easily the best and most practical I've seen on the subject. The chapter (indeed the whole book) is lavishly photographed with great illustrations showing the contrasts between different solutions for common problems. It includes sections on patios, decks and furniture selection. This chapter alone is worth the price of admission.
Plant selections in gardening are obviously essential. However, too many books turn into basically 'flavor of the month' lists of 'essential' plants which wind up being dated in a few years. This book cleverly and classically avoids the trap of being dated by teaching the reader how to assess a plant's functionality and why to choose a certain plant over other alternatives. By teaching the reader to train their own eye and trust their own instincts, the author educates the gardener. It's very much the 'give the man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him forever' mentality and it really works.
Teaching and showing are all fine and well, but at the end of the day don't change the outdoor home environment one jot. The last 25% of the book are given over to concrete advice for methods of establishing a plan and following through. I loved that the author did NOT just toss off a bit of 'you can do it yourself' fluff, but also said 'there are things which are beyond the scope of all but the most fanatical DIY'ers. Clearly explaining the difference between landscape designers and landscape architects and offering reasonable advice on when to call in the experts was a refreshing change from many other DIY gardening books in my experience. There's also a subchapter on how to choose and work with your chosen professional.
The last chapter includes a wide variety of before and after success stories. These are also well photographed and practical, showing the possibilities hidden in different situations. I, personally, am really good at 'grunt work'... I love gardening passionately, but I'm woman enough to admit that I'm a bit of a plodder when it comes to actually seeing the inherent possibilities creatively. This book is solid gold for me for that reason. It presents myriad creative solutions which would never have occurred to me in a clear manner. There were a fair number of 'forehead smacking' why didn't I think of that?! moments.
The very end of the book includes a bibliography, online resource section and index. It's slanted toward the US gardener, but includes so many bits of advice which are applicable to gardeners everywhere.
Five stars, wonderful book, perfectly presented, and flawlessly edited (I didn't find a single mistake, and when I'm reviewing, I LOOK).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
October 13, 2017
I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an extremely useful book for anyone interested in renovating or freshening up their landscape. While it assumes a certain amount of garden experience on the part of the reader looking to do it on their own, it is largely a book of ideas meaning that anyone, with any level of garden and landscape experience, could take to a professional landscape designer and say "I like this idea."
The most valuable advice that Schwartz offers the reader is to really study your property, across seasons (most of all summer, but really all, if you want an all-season garden, and to study light and shade patterns throughout the days and the seasons. You have to know what you are dealing with- wet, dry, full sun, part shade, before you can meaningfully design anything new. She recommends waiting a full year, if possible. This also allows you time to decide where you are spending time outside, and if you aren't, where you might like to.
Offering advice about visuals and creating "inviting" spaces, Schwartz also tackles the practical stuff about pests like deer, moles, voles, geese (yes, geese can be a pest and if you don't know that, you've never spent time around geese), raccoons and various others, and how and why to create barriers, walls, and fences. She gives advice on how to make paths and walls that harmonize with your house's architecture, and how to design pleasant and eye-catching sheds that will keep all those gardening tools and the potting bench out of your garage. One of the things I especially liked was that Schwartz is absolutely unafraid to tell you to take down trees that were badly placed and do not work for your yard. Take them out, she says, and plant better and wiser. The little ecosystem in your yard will thank you.
All in all, a useful and easy-to-follow book that gives you tools to start planning your landscape redesign.
This is an extremely useful book for anyone interested in renovating or freshening up their landscape. While it assumes a certain amount of garden experience on the part of the reader looking to do it on their own, it is largely a book of ideas meaning that anyone, with any level of garden and landscape experience, could take to a professional landscape designer and say "I like this idea."
The most valuable advice that Schwartz offers the reader is to really study your property, across seasons (most of all summer, but really all, if you want an all-season garden, and to study light and shade patterns throughout the days and the seasons. You have to know what you are dealing with- wet, dry, full sun, part shade, before you can meaningfully design anything new. She recommends waiting a full year, if possible. This also allows you time to decide where you are spending time outside, and if you aren't, where you might like to.
Offering advice about visuals and creating "inviting" spaces, Schwartz also tackles the practical stuff about pests like deer, moles, voles, geese (yes, geese can be a pest and if you don't know that, you've never spent time around geese), raccoons and various others, and how and why to create barriers, walls, and fences. She gives advice on how to make paths and walls that harmonize with your house's architecture, and how to design pleasant and eye-catching sheds that will keep all those gardening tools and the potting bench out of your garage. One of the things I especially liked was that Schwartz is absolutely unafraid to tell you to take down trees that were badly placed and do not work for your yard. Take them out, she says, and plant better and wiser. The little ecosystem in your yard will thank you.
All in all, a useful and easy-to-follow book that gives you tools to start planning your landscape redesign.
August 20, 2017
I was really excited to read this book to get some ideas of things to enhance my small garden space. While this was a very comprehensive and interesting read, I feel like I know even less about what I would need to do to undertake a garden renovation. The space between expert and neophyte with regards to landscaping is pretty vast in my opinion and sharing concepts without guiding readers in clear direction for undertaking the steps resulted in the content being lost in translation for me in many parts of the book. Also, undertaking garden renovation sounds more cumbersome and overwhelming after reading compared to the more romantic and exciting perspective I had on it when I became interested in reading this book. I'm just not convinced after reading this I could do it without real landscaper guidance and support.
3 stars - the examples and photos were inspiring. The author clearly knows a lot about landscaping and that kept me engaged even when the content felt a little extensive.
3 stars - the examples and photos were inspiring. The author clearly knows a lot about landscaping and that kept me engaged even when the content felt a little extensive.
April 13, 2018
I’ve owned and read many garden books in my lifetime and have been an avid gardener for over 40 years. Even with this wisdom and experience, some things would grow, some things would not. I’d try this author’s trick of three strikes yer out! - that if a plant still won’t grow after attempting three different times in three different locations, then give up on that plant and move on. That, I can confirm, is solid advice to garden by.
Another is soil. Four different homes, four different soils to test and amend and plant accordingly. This is so important to get it right or your plants won’t grow or thrive. Here in the Midwest, we are known for heavy clay ridden soil that with heavy moisture, will literally cause your plant to rot and die. So the author gives solutions for that - plant recommendations, create rain gardens, soil amendments, permeable walkways and retaining walls, etc.
In my case, I need to do a refresh of what I’ve already got and this book will assist with that. In areas where I’ve had lush colorful flower gardens for years, I’m now tapering back and planting long lived bushes, groundcover, etc so that I don’t have to spend as much time and money on plants and flowers and maintenance. Which is exactly what the author recommends and what I personally need right now. This book was right on for me.
Thanks to the information and tips in this book and all of its pictorials, I look forward to making changes and then sit back and enjoy, but with a smaller footprint to manage.
Now, if only this Chicago “spring” weather will cooperate...
Another is soil. Four different homes, four different soils to test and amend and plant accordingly. This is so important to get it right or your plants won’t grow or thrive. Here in the Midwest, we are known for heavy clay ridden soil that with heavy moisture, will literally cause your plant to rot and die. So the author gives solutions for that - plant recommendations, create rain gardens, soil amendments, permeable walkways and retaining walls, etc.
In my case, I need to do a refresh of what I’ve already got and this book will assist with that. In areas where I’ve had lush colorful flower gardens for years, I’m now tapering back and planting long lived bushes, groundcover, etc so that I don’t have to spend as much time and money on plants and flowers and maintenance. Which is exactly what the author recommends and what I personally need right now. This book was right on for me.
Thanks to the information and tips in this book and all of its pictorials, I look forward to making changes and then sit back and enjoy, but with a smaller footprint to manage.
Now, if only this Chicago “spring” weather will cooperate...
June 26, 2017
When spring rolls around, I typically can't wait to get back to gardening. And, "Garden Renovation" by author Bobbie Schwartz is an excellent resource for those who are looking for a little bit of everything.
Not sure where to start? Start off with establishing your budget and work from there.
Bobbie has 48 years in the business and covers six important topics, " Choosing Change, Understanding Landscape Essentials, Working with Hardscape Elements, Assessing and Choosing New Plants, How to Put Your Plans into Action, and Success Stories.
I like that we are able to view client properties that are similar to our own. And not only does the book cover a myriad of design elements, it speaks of ways to use irrigation and permaculture. But, my favortite topic of all is .. 'sheet mulching.'
Bottom Line: Garden Renovation is a great read. It provides a wealth of information on the different types of gardens you can integrate into your landscape. Just put on your wellies and gloves and go to it.
Reviewed ARC for Net Galley
Not sure where to start? Start off with establishing your budget and work from there.
Bobbie has 48 years in the business and covers six important topics, " Choosing Change, Understanding Landscape Essentials, Working with Hardscape Elements, Assessing and Choosing New Plants, How to Put Your Plans into Action, and Success Stories.
I like that we are able to view client properties that are similar to our own. And not only does the book cover a myriad of design elements, it speaks of ways to use irrigation and permaculture. But, my favortite topic of all is .. 'sheet mulching.'
Bottom Line: Garden Renovation is a great read. It provides a wealth of information on the different types of gardens you can integrate into your landscape. Just put on your wellies and gloves and go to it.
Reviewed ARC for Net Galley
August 14, 2017
As someone who has a large yard with minimal landscaping, I was very interested in the opportunity to review this book. It has lovely photos and discusses a variety of issues that are important to consider when planning landscaping. It turns out that this book is less a step-by-step how-to guide and more of a discussion of ideas and issues: why garden renovation might be undertaken; a description of the elements to consider when planning; tips for working with hardscaping; how to select plants; and preparing to make renovations, including working with landscape professionals.
While there are a number of photos, mostly from the author's work, the book ends with a chapter illustrating garden makeovers. There are a number of different types of settings and environments (wet vs. dry, shady, vs. sunny, etc.) that are included to inspire the reader. The book ends with a list of sources.
This is a review of a digital version provided through NetGalley.
While there are a number of photos, mostly from the author's work, the book ends with a chapter illustrating garden makeovers. There are a number of different types of settings and environments (wet vs. dry, shady, vs. sunny, etc.) that are included to inspire the reader. The book ends with a list of sources.
This is a review of a digital version provided through NetGalley.
August 7, 2017
The author has written an excellent text on gardening. Specifically, how to renovate your tired, old garden into the garden of your dreams. She does this by teaching you how to recognize what you have, how to know what needs updating, and how to begin your renovation. She explains to you about how to determine what your site can handle, be it the climate, soil, animals, usage, etc. The author then gives you ideas of what you can do with your site. She really likes to design interesting pathways in your garden. Schwartz doesn't give a lot of information on what plants to use, or how to plant them. For that, you might need a different book. There are many out there. The book concludes with some beautiful examples of what people have done.
The book is beautifully photographed. It's guaranteed to get you thinking about your own site, and how to improve it.
The book is beautifully photographed. It's guaranteed to get you thinking about your own site, and how to improve it.
August 3, 2017
Garden Renovation - Transform Your Yard Into the Garden of Your Dreams by Bobbie Schwartz is an inspiring and imaginative look at creating an inviting outside. I especially like the second chapter - Understanding Landscape Essentials, along with the artistic elements in chapter 3 – Working with the Hardscape Elements. This raised the book from being just another book on plants for your yard.
Thinking of the beautiful gardens and yards that you see in magazines such as Southern Living or Better Homes and Gardens, this is the book for you. Of course, this is labor intense and there is maintenance as well, still Bobbie Schwartz gives the reader the knowledge to accomplish that very thing. If you are willing to work, this is a complete do-it-yourself yard makeover. If not, it is still an in interesting beautiful book to have for dream garden wishing.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
Thinking of the beautiful gardens and yards that you see in magazines such as Southern Living or Better Homes and Gardens, this is the book for you. Of course, this is labor intense and there is maintenance as well, still Bobbie Schwartz gives the reader the knowledge to accomplish that very thing. If you are willing to work, this is a complete do-it-yourself yard makeover. If not, it is still an in interesting beautiful book to have for dream garden wishing.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
September 16, 2017
This is a very useful book, it isn't just a pretty book, but it actually has a lot of very helpful and sensible information on thing to think of before you start looking at plants or design. There are some good photographs but the information is what you buy this book for.
I love the bit about the upkeep of the ire pit, how often are things are incorporated in the garden without and though about after care. This book covers a lot of things from fire proofing, sheds, paths, walls, hot tubs, lighting and much, much more. If your serious of making a practical and beautiful garden this is a must.
I love the bit about the upkeep of the ire pit, how often are things are incorporated in the garden without and though about after care. This book covers a lot of things from fire proofing, sheds, paths, walls, hot tubs, lighting and much, much more. If your serious of making a practical and beautiful garden this is a must.
November 10, 2017
This gorgous book is more about garden design than plant care, though many perennials are discussed by name. Practical information on planning, maintenance, and expectations are presented in a witty style to prompt the individual planning required for a garden touch up or overhaul. The relationship between the home and the garden is explored and demonstrated in before and after photos. You'll find beautiful ideas that can be implemented by do-it-ourselfers and those who may hire a designer but haven't thought through what will bring them joy. Great resource section too.
May 8, 2017
4 Stars. I liked this book. I got a lot of good ideas that I'll probably use in my garden. I actually learned quite a bit from this book! There are lots of pictures & lots of ideas. I wish my yard was bigger!! If you're planning on renovating your garden, this book is worth checking out!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
April 8, 2018
As an avid, amateur backyard gardener, who always seems to be doing garden makeovers on a budget, I enjoyed this informative book. It covers an array of gardens in various zones. Photos are necessary in garden books and this one shares many. I appreciated the ideas as well as advice for gardeners, such as things to look for when making a change.
April 30, 2018
Well done....just what I needed to guide me in considering landscaping for my new four-year-old house with zero landscaping. I made a chart to track sun and shade. I made note of 'styles' that appealed to me and seemed to fit both the house and the property. I feel like I know where to start now. A wealth of good info and practical ideas. Loved the before and after photos.
February 24, 2019
This book would be great for beginner gardeners with little knowledge of design principles. Since I am not, the best thing it could offer me was a few tidbits and some pictures. Not really worth the price if you ask me.
October 6, 2020
First a note that 'garden' in this book means 'yard' not 'food plants'. A complete guide to transforming your lawn into a perennial beauty of color and texture. Explores all aspects the homeowner needs to consider in in site alteration; a good one-stop read.
October 23, 2023
Probably a solid 4 stars, but I'm rounding up to an enthusiastic 5 because Bobbie Schwarz lives in the same area I do (east side of Cleveland), and it's always fun to read about places you know.
Finished sometime in September. Can't remember precisely when.
Finished sometime in September. Can't remember precisely when.
August 24, 2017
Reviewed for Library Journal.
January 2, 2018
Lots of suggestions and advice on how to improve your yard. The photographs are stunning!
January 4, 2018
I do like to see before and after photos.
March 29, 2018
This book was interesting in that it showed houses and yards that looked like ones that non-magazine people actually live in. It also shows the evolution of some gardens over several years.
October 9, 2018
Useful guidebook to the garden design process.
August 18, 2020
Helpful book by local author
December 10, 2020
I learned a lot about the basics of designing a garden and just wish I'd had the pictures in color on my Kindle!
August 31, 2021
Packed with good advice for new home owners looking to evolve their existing garden landscape and many photos for inspiration.
April 3, 2022
This brought up many, many questions to be answered before and during the actual digging in. Setting priorities of bite-sized projects might make the renovating less of a hopeless mess!
April 2, 2023
Really not for your “average” homeowner…geared more toward the wealthier homeowners. Good illustrations could lad to workable plans for average homeowners
May 14, 2025
Lots of scattered information. I was expecting more focus on renovation.
August 23, 2025
Loved this book! I've never read a gardening book before and it was so engaging, inspiring, and informative! Really enjoyed all the photos, too!! Makes me want to redesign my whole yard!!🌱🌺🌸🌻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews