Backyard Idea Book: Outdoor Kitchens, Sheds & Storage, Fireplaces, Play Spaces, Pools & Spas

Taunton's Idea Books

by Lee Anne White

Much more than just lawns, the backyards of today make full use of this area's unlimited possibilities for lounging, dining, playing, and communing with nature. Outdoor kitchens make cooking a treat for the senses while backyard fireplaces create a natural gathering place for friends and family. Decks, patios and porches can be transformed into fully furnished outdoor rooms with floors, walls and ceilings. Backyard Idea Book helps readers unlock the extraordinary possibilities of this incredibly flexible area, and showcases a huge array of cutting-edge ideas for turning backyards into personal, satisfying spaces. New twists on old themes are offered, as well as some of the freshest ideas from the brightest talent in landscape design. An effective combination of stylistic concepts and hands-on advice helps readers select specific projects, while hundreds of color photos serve to inspire and delight.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

Through the camera lens and pen, Lee Anne White has explored the work and creative process of some of America's most talented landscape architects, garden designers and avid gardeners. Her favorite gardens are those with a strong sense of style, which use materials in unexpected ways, and reflect the personality of their owners. As an avid gardener, she has broken ground and more than a few shovels in Connecticut's rocky loam and Georgia's red clay.
In addition to writing or editing more than 15 books on landscape design, Lee Anne has served as a major contributing photographer to each. Recent titles include Patio & Walkway Ideas That Work, Outdoor Kitchen Ideas That Work, Water Garden Idea Book, Outdoor Living Idea Book and Backyard Idea Book. Her work has appeared in Fine Gardening, Garden Design, Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living Gardener, AQUA, Traditional Home and Atlanta Magazine's HOME. She is the former editor of Fine Gardening and teaches a garden photography workshop for The Maine Media Workshops.
Lee Anne is fascinated by creativity and the creative process in all of its forms. She has a master’s degree in Creativity and Change Leadership, and has been exploring the role of creativity in women’s lives. Her latest book, Her Own Way: Creating an Authentic Life, will be released in early 2013.

Reviews

[Heather R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed flipping through this book to give me ideas for the work in progress on my backyard. Unfortunately, most of these ideas were for huge backyards and big budgets. Also, it’s really mostly just pictures and ideas — very little by way of how-to instructions or examples of how to apply the ideas to a real-life situation. Nice pics but not that helpful.

[Betty Loven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serves its purpose- gives you ideas for your backyard, and that's about it. There are great photos that will really make you wish you were wealthier, but alas. I was kind of hoping for more ariel views of some things or at least a general idea of where to go to get projects started on your own but again-mostly eye level photos. I realize it is from the early 2000s so I can't be so harsh but I'll definitely spend the next few hours trying to locate similar things on Pinterest since that will have more in depth information. Again, a great place to start if you have absolutely no idea about any backyard improvements but overall it made me excited about an idea, only for me to realize I'll be searching elsewhere for specifics.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was quite disappointed by this book despite the beautiful photographs. Backyards are not shown in their entirety so you are often left with more questions than answers. In a large number of the backyards shown, an excessive amount of ground is covered with paving materials which results in a sterile appearance. No details are provided on plantings or materials. In general these backyards are expensive layouts done by professionals rather than warm quirky backyards. If you like to look at pretty photographs, you might find this book interesting, otherwise look elsewhere.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very solid book with a lot of great ideas for building an enjoyable outdoor living space. Since we have yet to accomplish that ourselves (it is the dead of winter right now, so we are looking at a few more months until we even begin to plan to pour concrete), but I got some very workable ideas for what I want to do, and there are a hot of ways to go depicted and discussed.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great photos, a few interesting points, and a whole lot more "you could only afford this if you were rich."

[Anna Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great pictures. Earned it another star.

This is a book of unappealing, cluttered up yards that no one can afford (or afford to build, themselves). I'm not even enjoying these kinds of books, and twenty years ago when I was house dreaming, I used to *love* these kinds of books.

Taste has diminished. Creativity is at rock bottom. Costs are thru the roof.
Excuse me while I go weep.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of full color photos of back yards. Didn't show too many full backyards -- mainly featured individual components as concepts to feature in your backyard.