Ortho's All About Building Waterfalls, Ponds, and Streams

Rating:
Summary: great for do-it-yourself water gardeners
Review: Just like most of the garden pond books we see, this book recommends invasive plant species such as parrot's feather. If these authors are so knowledgeable, why do they suggest using noxious weeds in water gardens when they should know this is one of the main avenues for the spread of these plants?

When an author who isn't just a transformed hobbyist writes a book, I will buy it. I will pass on this one, thanks.

Rating:
Summary: same old info...
Review: Just like most of the garden pond books we see, this book recommends invasive plant species such as parrot's feather. If these authors are so knowledgeable, why do they suggest using noxious weeds in water gardens when they should know this is one of the main avenues for the spread of these plants?

When an author who isn't just a transformed hobbyist writes a book, I will buy it. I will pass on this one, thanks.

Rating:
Summary: great for do-it-yourself water gardeners
Review: Not withstanding the other review, this book is not by hobbyists, but by two growers and specialists in the water gardening field (you know this from reading the bio on each author and I did a little research on each and the industry)! Charles Thomas is a third generation hybridizer and nursery grower and Richard Koogle has over 20 years in the installation, construction and growing business.
The pictures and detailed descriptions are very helpful, particularly for a novice installer, such as myself.
There are great ideas for water features and solutions for building issues.

Also, good information on basic pond care and stocking.

A note about Parrot's Feather: used in contained, ornamental water gardens it is a beautiful and functional addition! It helps keep water clear, baby fish love to hide in it and it has a nice, surface growth habit that I love! I didn't see anywhere in the book a mention to toss it into a natural lake, waterway or any other place that would cause it to be a problem.

The only things I would like to see more of in this book (hence 4 stars), are more detailed plant and maintenance information. However, it's all about BUILDING... so, I knew this going in. The basic info. is still helpful.