The Complete Garden Planning Manual

Library Journal

This is not as encyclopedic as Fell's Complete Gardening Book (HP Bks., 1987) and does not discuss vegetable gardening, but it succeeds in describing how to plan and execute a pleasing landscape and garden. Descriptions of garden types such as perennial, Japanese, rock, and shade and water gardens are provided. The author explains how ``hardscape'' elements like fences and walls can be integrated into a garden. Six case studies, illustrated with drawings and plans, are used to show how some have improved their gardens and overcome landscape problems. A catalog of plants arranged by their use, (i.e., annuals for sunny places), growing charts, and nursery information round out the book. Though this doesn't break any new ground, it will be an attractive and useful addition to public library collections.-- Peter C. Leonard, Mt. Lebanon P.L., Pa.