[.uk] The Landscape Makeover Book: How to Bring New Life to an ... (ISBN 156158259X)

Amazon.com Review:
Is your garden reminiscent of a classic grande dame in need of some extra TLC? For the yard version of cosmetic surgery, turn to The Landscape Makeover Book, a helpful manual full of step-by-step photos, planning guides, and practical suggestions. Covering projects both big and small, this guide shows you how to add a pool or patio, prune generations-old shrubs for increased health and vigor, and top off that pesky tree that makes your gutters overflow every October. Have an unknown vine taking over the backyard? Useful charts will help you to identify those pesky plants and learn to use their low-maintenance talents to your advantage--or get rid of them entirely. Plenty of glossy photographs add a designer's touch to the down-and-dirty detail in these pages, but in general, those looking specifically for design inspiration will need to look elsewhere. There are only two types of classic garden design mentioned, Colonial and Victorian, but the authors do provide extensive help in priority setting and planning. While it may seem obvious to not reseed the lawn before adding a walkway, haven't we all found ourselves in similar situations with home-improvement projects? The section on reshaping beds is particularly useful, with plenty of attention given to individual plant rejuvenation and precise edge trimming. For those with an empty lot of dirt and grass, you'll need information other than what this book dishes out. But if you're facing an overgrown garden that looks like it really may have been a showstopper at one point, this is the guide that will help you in staging a glorious comeback. --Jill Lightner

Sadly Disappointed:
The book's write up sounds exactly what I was looking for, ideas on updating existing landscapes. Needless to say I was disappointed. There was nothing new that a gardener would not have already have read in Southern Living or Country Home Gardens magazines. Its fine for a glance at Barnes and Noble with a cup of coffee, but don't waste your money taking it home.

Lots of Inspiration, But Not Much How-To Detail:
I would say this is a worthwhile book if you are looking for pictures of made-over yards and decks. There are very few "before" pictures and not a lot of detail on how to achieve the results. The process is explained, from planning on paper to renovating walks, concrete stoops, garden beds and plantings. Examples of various projects are shown in photographs and described in some detail. Pruning and moving shrubs and trees are shown. There is not a lot of specific information about plants. There is a very brief discussion of water features. This book is a good place to start the process, but unless you already have construction and horticultural skills, you will need additional information to actually complete a project.

for the first time do it yourselfer in the garden:
This book will serve well for the FIRST TIME DO-IT-YOURSELFER to take on a major remodeling job in the garden. It goes over everething from the planning to the finishing touches. Tools required are discussed in simple easy to understand language and photographs are also included! Problems are also discussed- with photographs to help you understand. A good book to have if you are planning to revamp your lanscape!

D-I-Y For Outdoor Projects:
This book is not so much about plants as it is a how to book of outdoor projects you can do in your yard. It even has instructions for pools and ponds. Plants did not get slighted, though. There are instructions here on planting and pruning trees and shrubs. There are detailed instructions for building walkways and patios and decks. Summed up, a lot of this book is about curb appeal. If you want to improve your homes curb appeal, and you don't mind some hard work, this book could well inspire your plans and give you some good ideas.