Bare, stark swimming pools - those rectangular concrete holes in the ground surrounded by a chain link fence - are going the way of the dinosaurs. Pool owners have begun to see the pool and the area around it as an outdoor living space, a place for entertaining a crowd or relaxing alone. In response to this hot, new trend, gardener and landscape designer Catriona Tudor Erler has written POOLSCAPING, a one-of-a-kind handbook overflowing with inspiring ideas and practical advice on how to make your swimming pool the lovely, welcoming centrepiece of your property Illustrated with beautiful full-colour photographs of outstanding poolscapes, this unique guide demonstrates how any pool owner can transform the pool area into the showpiece of the neighbourhood

Concrete and steel may weigh as much, but nothing can rival stone for its beauty and durability. Building With Stone is an introduction to the art and craft of creating stone structures and projects by a man who has made stonework his vocation.

Throughout the book is Charles McRaven's stonebuilding philosophy -- that careful craftsmanship and time well spent during construction will repay itself many times over. The physical challenges will be offset by tremendous satisfaction and the knowledge that long after the builder is gone, the structure will stand as a personal and historical monument.

Based on years of experience, this book will educate the novice and inspire the seasonal artisan. A stonebuilder at any level will learn how to evaluate each stone and undertake each step in the procedure with an eye toward aesthetics and useful permanence.

In addition to introductory material on acquiring stone and what tools will be necessary, there are chapters with step-by-step instructions on how to build:

-- walls

-- buttresses

-- stone fireplaces

-- a barbecue pit

-- a stone dam

-- a stone bridge

-- a spring house

-- even a home or barn

The final chapter is on proper restoration techniques for stone structures.

Not just a how-to book, but also a good read, Building With Stone is sure to be a reference book and constant companion for all manner of stone journeymen, and will prove to be as enduring a volume as the structures it recommends.

What exactly is Bug Out Gardening? Having your own garden in your own back yard is great but what if you must evacuate and have to go to a remote location or start up a garden on a bunch of bad soil? Most Preppers have already realized that besides having dried foods stored foods for a disaster, one can also have fresh grown foods with a little effort supplementing their diets. This book will teach you how simple it can be to take along the materials with you to create a small survival garden. Learn to make your own DIY miracle grow and homemade insecticides and fertilizers! Learn about growing vegetables from scratch when it absolutely matters before you find the stores are all closed and that you lack basic materials. Envision a portable system of gardening that you can instantly create your homestead with or take along for a long-term bug out situation. Imagine that this system allows you to garden anywhere, compost anywhere and thrive everywhere.

Judith Lywood's aim is to offer a new approach to garden design. It need not be costly, complex nor daunting. This book is full of ideas and practical information that will help you to quickly and easily transform even the most unpromising patch into a charming area that you, your family and friends will cherish. Within this book, Judith Lywood has developed ten garden designs, with beautiful illustrations and plant descriptions. Several of the designs encompass areas for growing fruit and vegetables adding attraction and interest to the planting scheme. These designs can be reproduced as a complete design, or adapted to fit your outdoor space, be it a small, narrow, medium size or a full family garden. The book includes an easy to follow construction guide with detailed illustrations along with guidance and advice for successfully growing your crops. All the designs and planting schemes have been chosen with the aim of giving enchanting views from your home with an attractive place outside to relax in privacy.