Reinvent Your Garden

Rating:
Summary: The photos, alone, make this one a winner
Review: n recent years I have not been a big fan of gardening books in the Sunset series, but this one is a winner. Its brief is to demonstrate makeovers large and small, and at this it succeeds brilliantly. You will certainly find several ideas between the covers that you have NEVER imagined. The benefit of seeing the "unimaginable", of course, is that our minds are pried open a bit further to imagine completely new paths of thinking for ourselves. To this end, the book is a fine springboard.

The photos are very large, which is important to helping the reader catch the full impact of various projects. I am dubious about painting the trunks of camellias (not that the question is going to arise, practically speaking, in Zone 5), but the full page photo that shows that the impact is undeniable. Thumbnail photos are included of many of the "before" situations, some of which are truly dire. I came away encouraged about some problems in my own garden, even if I did not want to emulate in detail a specific project. But if I had, there are helpful drawings and some detail in the text about how to get started. There is a detailed discussion, for example, of how to lay stepping stones in a lawn.

Some of the projects to do immediately are not things I would ever want to do in this lifetime (making a wreath for the front door comes to mind), but others, such as the interesting refurbishing of a little bench, were attractive and well explained. I mention this only as a way of showing the breadth of taste taken into account.

For me, the excellent color photographs are the book's great strength. Sometimes one wants to be shown, rather than told, about projects, and the photos tell beautifully about the various reinventions. But those who want some directions should not come up too short.

I would be disinclined to give this as a present, if only because as a gift it might deliver a message at least faintly censorious: get out there and reinvent your garden! But I am awfully happy that I gave this book to myself.

Rating:
Summary: Great Garden Makeovers from the Experts at Sunset
Review: This one is a winner. Packed with practical ideas for transforming dull outdoor spaces into beauty spots, and top-quality Sunset touches throughout. A great selection of projects, all doable by most homeowners, and for real homes. Best of all, Sunset has done it right, with excellent how-to instructions, exceptionally good plant choices, and a nice display of publishing competence -- solid writing, pleasing layout, even a thorough index!

I particularly like that they haven't simply reissued the same old ideas in the latest colors. Instead, they include step-by-step instructions and photos for acid-staining concrete. In another project, they add a touch of whimsy to a trellis by adding tiny lights. They put their finger on plants that are coming into vogue, and even, bless them, provide the name in both English and Latin, sometimes right down to the variety!

Projects range from total front yard redos to small quick touches. There's a good representation of home styles (Victorian, Asian, Ranch, Condominium and more), and garden types from arid to boggy. Beginners will find the book useful and experienced gardeners will discover some new ideas.

I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: Great Garden Makeovers from the Experts at Sunset
Review: This one is a winner. Packed with practical ideas for transforming dull outdoor spaces into beauty spots, and top-quality Sunset touches throughout. A great selection of projects, all doable by most homeowners, and for real homes. Best of all, Sunset has done it right, with excellent how-to instructions, exceptionally good plant choices, and a nice display of publishing competence -- solid writing, pleasing layout, even a thorough index!

I particularly like that they haven't simply reissued the same old ideas in the latest colors. Instead, they include step-by-step instructions and photos for acid-staining concrete. In another project, they add a touch of whimsy to a trellis by adding tiny lights. They put their finger on plants that are coming into vogue, and even, bless them, provide the name in both English and Latin, sometimes right down to the variety!

Projects range from total front yard redos to small quick touches. There's a good representation of home styles (Victorian, Asian, Ranch, Condominium and more), and garden types from arid to boggy. Beginners will find the book useful and experienced gardeners will discover some new ideas.

I highly recommend it!