Fantastic easy to understand read, 09 Jun 2008
I bought this book as I'm a novice to greenhouse gardening. This book is a must for others like me. It is written in an easy to understand manner and is structured so that you can pick out the sections you want or need without having to wade through endless pages of the stuff you don't want - not that there are any pages in the book that are surplus to requirements! The illustrations and photographs are very helpful too. The author doesn't use jargon or techno speak beyond the understanding of beginners and manages to instill the belief that greenhouse gardening is quite achievable for anyone who wants to have a go. Full of tips on what you need and don't need to buy also. An excellent book overall.

Fantastic easy to understand read, 09 Jun 2008
I bought this book as I'm a novice to greenhouse gardening. This book is a must for others like me. It is written in an easy to understand manner and is structured so that you can pick out the sections you want or need without having to wade through endless pages of the stuff you don't want - not that there are any pages in the book that are surplus to requirements! The illustrations and photographs are very helpful too. The author doesn't use jargon or techno speak beyond the understanding of beginners and manages to instill the belief that greenhouse gardening is quite achievable for anyone who wants to have a go. Full of tips on what you need and don't need to buy also. An excellent book overall.

Disappointing, 30 Mar 2008
If you are looking for a book full of ideas on nice paths for your garden and how to make them yourself, it is not your book. It explains (very well, I won't deny this) how to make a two cars driveway like a pro. Very useful if it is what you are looking for. Not my case, though.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 12 Feb 2008
If you want to know how to do it, this book is superb! From questioning if you are fit enough, and realistically have the time, to setting out and showing different laying techniques.Reading this will help you through the whole process. Its for you to judge if you have the skill to complete your project.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 17 Jun 2007
the "bible" of paths patios and driveways
absolutely essential for pros and amateurs alike for a great finish to your project

Fantastic easy to understand read, 09 Jun 2008
I bought this book as I'm a novice to greenhouse gardening. This book is a must for others like me. It is written in an easy to understand manner and is structured so that you can pick out the sections you want or need without having to wade through endless pages of the stuff you don't want - not that there are any pages in the book that are surplus to requirements! The illustrations and photographs are very helpful too. The author doesn't use jargon or techno speak beyond the understanding of beginners and manages to instill the belief that greenhouse gardening is quite achievable for anyone who wants to have a go. Full of tips on what you need and don't need to buy also. An excellent book overall.

Disappointing, 30 Mar 2008
If you are looking for a book full of ideas on nice paths for your garden and how to make them yourself, it is not your book. It explains (very well, I won't deny this) how to make a two cars driveway like a pro. Very useful if it is what you are looking for. Not my case, though.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 12 Feb 2008
If you want to know how to do it, this book is superb! From questioning if you are fit enough, and realistically have the time, to setting out and showing different laying techniques.Reading this will help you through the whole process. Its for you to judge if you have the skill to complete your project.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 17 Jun 2007
the "bible" of paths patios and driveways
absolutely essential for pros and amateurs alike for a great finish to your project


A descriptive detailed book on how to make trellises., 12 Jul 1998
The illustrations were very good as a first time person to trellis making, I found this book very exciting. The author made it simple for people to follow and do the project. I liked the detail he gave for making each project. Making arches to gates for your flower garden, they are all nice pieces of art. He tells also what is great to grow on the trellises. Thanks

Fantastic easy to understand read, 09 Jun 2008
I bought this book as I'm a novice to greenhouse gardening. This book is a must for others like me. It is written in an easy to understand manner and is structured so that you can pick out the sections you want or need without having to wade through endless pages of the stuff you don't want - not that there are any pages in the book that are surplus to requirements! The illustrations and photographs are very helpful too. The author doesn't use jargon or techno speak beyond the understanding of beginners and manages to instill the belief that greenhouse gardening is quite achievable for anyone who wants to have a go. Full of tips on what you need and don't need to buy also. An excellent book overall.

Disappointing, 30 Mar 2008
If you are looking for a book full of ideas on nice paths for your garden and how to make them yourself, it is not your book. It explains (very well, I won't deny this) how to make a two cars driveway like a pro. Very useful if it is what you are looking for. Not my case, though.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 12 Feb 2008
If you want to know how to do it, this book is superb! From questioning if you are fit enough, and realistically have the time, to setting out and showing different laying techniques.Reading this will help you through the whole process. Its for you to judge if you have the skill to complete your project.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 17 Jun 2007
the "bible" of paths patios and driveways
absolutely essential for pros and amateurs alike for a great finish to your project


A descriptive detailed book on how to make trellises., 12 Jul 1998
The illustrations were very good as a first time person to trellis making, I found this book very exciting. The author made it simple for people to follow and do the project. I liked the detail he gave for making each project. Making arches to gates for your flower garden, they are all nice pieces of art. He tells also what is great to grow on the trellises. Thanks

The Garden DIY Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great book to have with you in the garden, very easy to read and understand and if not a competent gardener.
Good basic instructions to follow with some useful information and hints and tips backed up with diagrams.
This book doesnt contain in depth knowledge for the profesional gardener but like I have said a must have collection of books for the keen gardener.

Excellent value for money with clear instructions, 31 Oct 1999
If you are new to DIY in the garden then this is the book for you. Although a little old fashioned in its style, its instructions are clear and helpful. For this price you won't find a better book on the market.

Fantastic easy to understand read, 09 Jun 2008
I bought this book as I'm a novice to greenhouse gardening. This book is a must for others like me. It is written in an easy to understand manner and is structured so that you can pick out the sections you want or need without having to wade through endless pages of the stuff you don't want - not that there are any pages in the book that are surplus to requirements! The illustrations and photographs are very helpful too. The author doesn't use jargon or techno speak beyond the understanding of beginners and manages to instill the belief that greenhouse gardening is quite achievable for anyone who wants to have a go. Full of tips on what you need and don't need to buy also. An excellent book overall.

Disappointing, 30 Mar 2008
If you are looking for a book full of ideas on nice paths for your garden and how to make them yourself, it is not your book. It explains (very well, I won't deny this) how to make a two cars driveway like a pro. Very useful if it is what you are looking for. Not my case, though.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 12 Feb 2008
If you want to know how to do it, this book is superb! From questioning if you are fit enough, and realistically have the time, to setting out and showing different laying techniques.Reading this will help you through the whole process. Its for you to judge if you have the skill to complete your project.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 17 Jun 2007
the "bible" of paths patios and driveways
absolutely essential for pros and amateurs alike for a great finish to your project


A descriptive detailed book on how to make trellises., 12 Jul 1998
The illustrations were very good as a first time person to trellis making, I found this book very exciting. The author made it simple for people to follow and do the project. I liked the detail he gave for making each project. Making arches to gates for your flower garden, they are all nice pieces of art. He tells also what is great to grow on the trellises. Thanks

The Garden DIY Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great book to have with you in the garden, very easy to read and understand and if not a competent gardener.
Good basic instructions to follow with some useful information and hints and tips backed up with diagrams.
This book doesnt contain in depth knowledge for the profesional gardener but like I have said a must have collection of books for the keen gardener.

Excellent value for money with clear instructions, 31 Oct 1999
If you are new to DIY in the garden then this is the book for you. Although a little old fashioned in its style, its instructions are clear and helpful. For this price you won't find a better book on the market.

Beautiful, inspirational - but perhaps just in my dreams..., 28 Jun 2008
While I cannot deny that this is a beautifully photographed book, with some idyllic suggestions for children's outdoor play spaces, I was very disappointed to find it wholly impractical for what you might call the 'everyday garden'. I chose to buy this book, out of the numerous other guides to family gardening on offer, based on the previous two reviews - which I think miss out on some crucial points. Yes, I could build a willow teepee, or a sandpit, and the stone sink barbecue is fabulous and I'm going to attempt one this weekend, but without an available woodland, ancient tree, terrace or orchard, I would say that 75% of this book is but a pipe dream for me to indulge myself in. My own garden is not particularly small, but neither is it particularly large, and even the 'small city garden' suggestions (with a pool and summerhouse on stilts) are more ambitious in scale than most city - or even town- gardens I know could seek to adopt.
I've got an ordinary rectangular plot backing onto a Victorian cottage, a reasonable size patio, maybe 25 ft of lawn and a stone outbuilding, so I have some scope to play with even if it's a little limited -and I will certainly be attempting to recreate some of the more modest projects in 'Family Gardens'. However, this isn't the 'one stop shop' book I was hoping for... I'll need to carry on looking to find ideas that I can realistically recreate in my little bit of England's green and pleasant land. I can't fault the magic of this book, or the quality of its images and text, but I think the statement 'Whatever the size of your outdoor space...' is just a bit misleading. If I had seen this in a bookshop, I would have picked it up with interest, felt rather excited flicking through, but ultimately returned it to the shelf realising the fantasy treehouses, wild flower meadows and water gardens were, sadly, just out of my league.


For those with children - and those without!, 24 Apr 2001
This book is inpirational. It is overflowing with wonderfull ideas to make your garden a place for everyone. From topiary to treehouses, from barbecues to borders - this book discusses everything you may ask, and a lot more besides. it doesn't matter on the size or shape or location of your garden, 'Family Gardens' address all. With beautiful photographs, wonderful yet simple diagrams, and an easy reading style Bunny Guinness has created a fabulous must have.

Inspirational and practical, 17 Aug 1999
Bunny Guinness writes from personal experience about the joys and difficulties of making a garden, not just for children, but the whole family, to enjoy. We've had enormous fun planting a few dead sticks in a circle and watching them grow into a real live willow wigwam, based on an idea in the book. Our two children love sitting inside - and so does their father - to sneak a quiet read of the Sunday papers. The only downside on this wonderful outdoor house, has been the plague of wasps which for some reason appear attracted to something exuded from the willow. Glad to say, the wasps have now gone.... Great book.

Fantastic easy to understand read, 09 Jun 2008
I bought this book as I'm a novice to greenhouse gardening. This book is a must for others like me. It is written in an easy to understand manner and is structured so that you can pick out the sections you want or need without having to wade through endless pages of the stuff you don't want - not that there are any pages in the book that are surplus to requirements! The illustrations and photographs are very helpful too. The author doesn't use jargon or techno speak beyond the understanding of beginners and manages to instill the belief that greenhouse gardening is quite achievable for anyone who wants to have a go. Full of tips on what you need and don't need to buy also. An excellent book overall.

Disappointing, 30 Mar 2008
If you are looking for a book full of ideas on nice paths for your garden and how to make them yourself, it is not your book. It explains (very well, I won't deny this) how to make a two cars driveway like a pro. Very useful if it is what you are looking for. Not my case, though.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 12 Feb 2008
If you want to know how to do it, this book is superb! From questioning if you are fit enough, and realistically have the time, to setting out and showing different laying techniques.Reading this will help you through the whole process. Its for you to judge if you have the skill to complete your project.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 17 Jun 2007
the "bible" of paths patios and driveways
absolutely essential for pros and amateurs alike for a great finish to your project


A descriptive detailed book on how to make trellises., 12 Jul 1998
The illustrations were very good as a first time person to trellis making, I found this book very exciting. The author made it simple for people to follow and do the project. I liked the detail he gave for making each project. Making arches to gates for your flower garden, they are all nice pieces of art. He tells also what is great to grow on the trellises. Thanks

The Garden DIY Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great book to have with you in the garden, very easy to read and understand and if not a competent gardener.
Good basic instructions to follow with some useful information and hints and tips backed up with diagrams.
This book doesnt contain in depth knowledge for the profesional gardener but like I have said a must have collection of books for the keen gardener.

Excellent value for money with clear instructions, 31 Oct 1999
If you are new to DIY in the garden then this is the book for you. Although a little old fashioned in its style, its instructions are clear and helpful. For this price you won't find a better book on the market.

Beautiful, inspirational - but perhaps just in my dreams..., 28 Jun 2008
While I cannot deny that this is a beautifully photographed book, with some idyllic suggestions for children's outdoor play spaces, I was very disappointed to find it wholly impractical for what you might call the 'everyday garden'. I chose to buy this book, out of the numerous other guides to family gardening on offer, based on the previous two reviews - which I think miss out on some crucial points. Yes, I could build a willow teepee, or a sandpit, and the stone sink barbecue is fabulous and I'm going to attempt one this weekend, but without an available woodland, ancient tree, terrace or orchard, I would say that 75% of this book is but a pipe dream for me to indulge myself in. My own garden is not particularly small, but neither is it particularly large, and even the 'small city garden' suggestions (with a pool and summerhouse on stilts) are more ambitious in scale than most city - or even town- gardens I know could seek to adopt.
I've got an ordinary rectangular plot backing onto a Victorian cottage, a reasonable size patio, maybe 25 ft of lawn and a stone outbuilding, so I have some scope to play with even if it's a little limited -and I will certainly be attempting to recreate some of the more modest projects in 'Family Gardens'. However, this isn't the 'one stop shop' book I was hoping for... I'll need to carry on looking to find ideas that I can realistically recreate in my little bit of England's green and pleasant land. I can't fault the magic of this book, or the quality of its images and text, but I think the statement 'Whatever the size of your outdoor space...' is just a bit misleading. If I had seen this in a bookshop, I would have picked it up with interest, felt rather excited flicking through, but ultimately returned it to the shelf realising the fantasy treehouses, wild flower meadows and water gardens were, sadly, just out of my league.


For those with children - and those without!, 24 Apr 2001
This book is inpirational. It is overflowing with wonderfull ideas to make your garden a place for everyone. From topiary to treehouses, from barbecues to borders - this book discusses everything you may ask, and a lot more besides. it doesn't matter on the size or shape or location of your garden, 'Family Gardens' address all. With beautiful photographs, wonderful yet simple diagrams, and an easy reading style Bunny Guinness has created a fabulous must have.

Inspirational and practical, 17 Aug 1999
Bunny Guinness writes from personal experience about the joys and difficulties of making a garden, not just for children, but the whole family, to enjoy. We've had enormous fun planting a few dead sticks in a circle and watching them grow into a real live willow wigwam, based on an idea in the book. Our two children love sitting inside - and so does their father - to sneak a quiet read of the Sunday papers. The only downside on this wonderful outdoor house, has been the plague of wasps which for some reason appear attracted to something exuded from the willow. Glad to say, the wasps have now gone.... Great book.

Eager to be Creative, 08 Oct 2004
Ms.MacKay's enlightening book on the multifacted uses of mosaic art is proving to be a valuable asset in my attempts to be creative in this art form. No longer is mosaic work limited to floor and wall coverings. The author introduces us to unique applications, using a variety of tiles, stones, glass, buttons, etc.to enhance our gardens and patios. This "how to" book takes you step-by-step in the selection of the materials required for each project, including detailed information on the process,and illustrations to assist the creator. Ms. MacKay's "Creative Garden Mosaics" affords the reader an opportunity to work in this medium with a clear understanding of the entire process.

Truly a must have for anyone who like a challenge made easy, 21 Feb 2004
From the very first page I was enthralled with not only the images but the text.
I wanted to read and learn how to create my own projects.
Never having done anything like this it made the task of learning very very exciting;I could not wait to start
The instuctions are easy to follow and the limits I now feel are boundless.
The back of the book has templates for projects to start you off if you dont have your own ideas ,but the images make you want to create your own sculptures.
The book goes beyond the usual thoughts you have of mosaics and introduces new and enthralling ideas of making mosaics out of any found material. pebbles, stones etc it even tells you how to make your own gold leaf glass.
A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS CREATIVE PURSUITS

Fantastic easy to understand read, 09 Jun 2008
I bought this book as I'm a novice to greenhouse gardening. This book is a must for others like me. It is written in an easy to understand manner and is structured so that you can pick out the sections you want or need without having to wade through endless pages of the stuff you don't want - not that there are any pages in the book that are surplus to requirements! The illustrations and photographs are very helpful too. The author doesn't use jargon or techno speak beyond the understanding of beginners and manages to instill the belief that greenhouse gardening is quite achievable for anyone who wants to have a go. Full of tips on what you need and don't need to buy also. An excellent book overall.

Disappointing, 30 Mar 2008
If you are looking for a book full of ideas on nice paths for your garden and how to make them yourself, it is not your book. It explains (very well, I won't deny this) how to make a two cars driveway like a pro. Very useful if it is what you are looking for. Not my case, though.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 12 Feb 2008
If you want to know how to do it, this book is superb! From questioning if you are fit enough, and realistically have the time, to setting out and showing different laying techniques.Reading this will help you through the whole process. Its for you to judge if you have the skill to complete your project.

Driveways, Paths and Patios, 17 Jun 2007
the "bible" of paths patios and driveways
absolutely essential for pros and amateurs alike for a great finish to your project


A descriptive detailed book on how to make trellises., 12 Jul 1998
The illustrations were very good as a first time person to trellis making, I found this book very exciting. The author made it simple for people to follow and do the project. I liked the detail he gave for making each project. Making arches to gates for your flower garden, they are all nice pieces of art. He tells also what is great to grow on the trellises. Thanks

The Garden DIY Expert, 28 Aug 2008
A great book to have with you in the garden, very easy to read and understand and if not a competent gardener.
Good basic instructions to follow with some useful information and hints and tips backed up with diagrams.
This book doesnt contain in depth knowledge for the profesional gardener but like I have said a must have collection of books for the keen gardener.

Excellent value for money with clear instructions, 31 Oct 1999
If you are new to DIY in the garden then this is the book for you. Although a little old fashioned in its style, its instructions are clear and helpful. For this price you won't find a better book on the market.

Beautiful, inspirational - but perhaps just in my dreams..., 28 Jun 2008
While I cannot deny that this is a beautifully photographed book, with some idyllic suggestions for children's outdoor play spaces, I was very disappointed to find it wholly impractical for what you might call the 'everyday garden'. I chose to buy this book, out of the numerous other guides to family gardening on offer, based on the previous two reviews - which I think miss out on some crucial points. Yes, I could build a willow teepee, or a sandpit, and the stone sink barbecue is fabulous and I'm going to attempt one this weekend, but without an available woodland, ancient tree, terrace or orchard, I would say that 75% of this book is but a pipe dream for me to indulge myself in. My own garden is not particularly small, but neither is it particularly large, and even the 'small city garden' suggestions (with a pool and summerhouse on stilts) are more ambitious in scale than most city - or even town- gardens I know could seek to adopt.
I've got an ordinary rectangular plot backing onto a Victorian cottage, a reasonable size patio, maybe 25 ft of lawn and a stone outbuilding, so I have some scope to play with even if it's a little limited -and I will certainly be attempting to recreate some of the more modest projects in 'Family Gardens'. However, this isn't the 'one stop shop' book I was hoping for... I'll need to carry on looking to find ideas that I can realistically recreate in my little bit of England's green and pleasant land. I can't fault the magic of this book, or the quality of its images and text, but I think the statement 'Whatever the size of your outdoor space...' is just a bit misleading. If I had seen this in a bookshop, I would have picked it up with interest, felt rather excited flicking through, but ultimately returned it to the shelf realising the fantasy treehouses, wild flower meadows and water gardens were, sadly, just out of my league.


For those with children - and those without!, 24 Apr 2001
This book is inpirational. It is overflowing with wonderfull ideas to make your garden a place for everyone. From topiary to treehouses, from barbecues to borders - this book discusses everything you may ask, and a lot more besides. it doesn't matter on the size or shape or location of your garden, 'Family Gardens' address all. With beautiful photographs, wonderful yet simple diagrams, and an easy reading style Bunny Guinness has created a fabulous must have.

Inspirational and practical, 17 Aug 1999
Bunny Guinness writes from personal experience about the joys and difficulties of making a garden, not just for children, but the whole family, to enjoy. We've had enormous fun planting a few dead sticks in a circle and watching them grow into a real live willow wigwam, based on an idea in the book. Our two children love sitting inside - and so does their father - to sneak a quiet read of the Sunday papers. The only downside on this wonderful outdoor house, has been the plague of wasps which for some reason appear attracted to something exuded from the willow. Glad to say, the wasps have now gone.... Great book.

Eager to be Creative, 08 Oct 2004
Ms.MacKay's enlightening book on the multifacted uses of mosaic art is proving to be a valuable asset in my attempts to be creative in this art form. No longer is mosaic work limited to floor and wall coverings. The author introduces us to unique applications, using a variety of tiles, stones, glass, buttons, etc.to enhance our gardens and patios. This "how to" book takes you step-by-step in the selection of the materials required for each project, including detailed information on the process,and illustrations to assist the creator. Ms. MacKay's "Creative Garden Mosaics" affords the reader an opportunity to work in this medium with a clear understanding of the entire process.

Truly a must have for anyone who like a challenge made easy, 21 Feb 2004
From the very first page I was enthralled with not only the images but the text.
I wanted to read and learn how to create my own projects.
Never having done anything like this it made the task of learning very very exciting;I could not wait to start
The instuctions are easy to follow and the limits I now feel are boundless.
The back of the book has templates for projects to start you off if you dont have your own ideas ,but the images make you want to create your own sculptures.
The book goes beyond the usual thoughts you have of mosaics and introduces new and enthralling ideas of making mosaics out of any found material. pebbles, stones etc it even tells you how to make your own gold leaf glass.
A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS CREATIVE PURSUITS

A Gorgeous Book about Garden Railroads, 29 Mar 2007
Marc Horovitz has edited Garden Railways magazine forever. He has contributed to or cowritten several books on the subject as well. And despite Marc's ability to "get his hands dirty" with a gardening or railroading project, he never forgets that the best garden railroads are more than the sum of their parts.

Marc and his cowriter Pat Hayward have put together the best "coffeetable book" on Garden Railroading ever. The emphasis is on the many dozens of "gorgeous" photographs, which range from the charming to the awe-inspiring.

But nobody, even the newest beginner, should be intimidated by this book. Rather Marc and Pat hope the book will encourage more and more people to get involved when they see what is possible. When you take a close look, you'll see that to the authors, the word "gorgeous" doesn't mean "unattainable by normal people," but "well-conceived, balanced, and attractive."

Marc's overall concern seems to be that each garden railroad should have integrity, that is, it should be designed, built, and planted in a way that is true, not only to the preferences of the gardener/railroader, but also to itself and to the land it occupies. In other words, Marc looks for a naturalistic setting and a consistent vision that is supported by the accessories and plantings.

True, some of the railroads shown in the book border on spectacular, but majority of them are simply well-conceived and well-executed versions of the garden railroads that many thousands of folks have already put into their back yards. Marc includes the disclaimer: "The railways shown in this book were built by experienced, dedicated hobbyists. But don't let that stop you; they were all beginners once."
In other words, nothing in this book has "Don't try this at home" stamped on it.

The contribution of Marc's coauthor, Pat Hayward, is visible, not only in her descriptions of appropriate garden railroad plants, but also in the choice of photographs that show effective use of plantings for each garden railroad.

Although Pat doesn't call out many of the species illustrated, the vast majority of plants shown in the book are readily available to most gardeners in North America. If you see something you like, chances are that if you take the book to a full-service nursery, they will be able to tell you the name of what you want, and whether it will survive in your region.

In short, Gorgeous Garden Railways allows readers to see many entirely different kinds of railroads and to see what is possible. Again, nothing in this book is labeled "Don't try this at home." The inspirational value alone is worth the investment.

Paul Race - Lead Editor for Family Garden Trains