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Rating: 
Summary: Complete info about a wide range of small garden projects
Review: This cleverly designed book provides a short description of each project (sometimes including a tidbit about the idea's pedigree), a full page (i.e., about 6.5" x 11") color photo, and a double page of thorough instructions with detailed drawings. Measurements are given in both English and metric systems. A few pages about tools and specific techniques are included at the end of the book. I'm happy to have this book and expect to get good use from it, so why not five stars? First, and this is important if like me you expect the cover of the book to provide a fair look at what is inside, the book does not include instructions for the obelisks that adorn the herb garden on the cover. There are, however, instructions for the low fence. But I _really_ wanted a plan for the obelisk and, although one project is for something with this name, it is not nearly as elegant as what is pictured on the cover. Second, at least one of the projects (a wall cascade) probably requires professional-level masonry, unless you're keen to have this wall come tumbling down on top of you. I reasonably expected that someone of average handy experience would be able to tackle all this projects; this is one that I know I had better give a miss. It was a disappointment not to have other water feature ideas covered. Finally, several of the projects for decorated containers are just about too easy for words; it surprised me that these are included as actual projects. In a similar vein, some of the projects are quite simple planting ideas (growing a rose through a tree, herb topiary, a knot garden). But the book's suggestions about plantings do not include information about hardiness. Watch out! Still, there is much here to use and enjoy: a scented arbor, a chamomile seat, a raised window box, and much more. There is little advice about how to integrate any of these projects into a larger design, but if you have figured out the design you want, here are some plans to implement.
Rating:
Summary: Complete info about a wide range of small garden projects
Review: This cleverly designed book provides a short description of each project (sometimes including a tidbit about the idea's pedigree), a full page (i.e., about 6.5" x 11") color photo, and a double page of thorough instructions with detailed drawings. Measurements are given in both English and metric systems. A few pages about tools and specific techniques are included at the end of the book. I'm happy to have this book and expect to get good use from it, so why not five stars? First, and this is important if like me you expect the cover of the book to provide a fair look at what is inside, the book does not include instructions for the obelisks that adorn the herb garden on the cover. There are, however, instructions for the low fence. But I _really_ wanted a plan for the obelisk and, although one project is for something with this name, it is not nearly as elegant as what is pictured on the cover. Second, at least one of the projects (a wall cascade) probably requires professional-level masonry, unless you're keen to have this wall come tumbling down on top of you. I reasonably expected that someone of average handy experience would be able to tackle all this projects; this is one that I know I had better give a miss. It was a disappointment not to have other water feature ideas covered. Finally, several of the projects for decorated containers are just about too easy for words; it surprised me that these are included as actual projects. In a similar vein, some of the projects are quite simple planting ideas (growing a rose through a tree, herb topiary, a knot garden). But the book's suggestions about plantings do not include information about hardiness. Watch out! Still, there is much here to use and enjoy: a scented arbor, a chamomile seat, a raised window box, and much more. There is little advice about how to integrate any of these projects into a larger design, but if you have figured out the design you want, here are some plans to implement.
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