Have you ever stared out your window at your back yard and dreamed of creating your very own Monet masterpiece? Have you ever looked out at your patch of grass and wondered where all those beautiful gardens in magazines come from? Have you ever given up and just closed your blinds? Then take this book home and get it dirty. It is an easy-to-follow guide to creating a garden that will be your unique masterpiece. Gardens that capture your eyes and heart don't come about by accident. Imagination as well as careful planning - before planting - intertwine in the process of designing inspiring gardens. Ruth Olde designs just this way. In "Landscaping Made Easy By Design", Ruth shares her planning methods and experiences in a delightful, readable way. You will view a multitude of garden designs that illustrate Ruth's basic premise - your garden is a space for living, made up of rooms. These outdoor rooms can be romantic, whimsical or formal, reflecting your personality.

Harness the power of permaculture to thrive, not just survive, the great transition from fossil fuels Caught between climate change and a fossil fuel-driven economy that demands ever more growth, the world faces a great transition--by design or disaster--away from fossil fuels to a less energy intensive future. But what proven tools are available to aid in making a successful, deliberate transition to a resilient, sustainable future? For the first time, the power of permaculture design has been brought to bear on the great transition problem. In the process, acclaimed permaculture teacher and designer Ross Mars has distilled his considerable knowledge into the ultimate resource for resilient living. The Permaculture Transition Manual is packed with information on permaculture design principles, soil building, nutrient-dense food growing, including top plant and tree selections for all climatic zones. Coverage extends to rainwater harvesting and irrigation, human waste management, and strategies for rural properties plus a unique focus on applying permaculture to small urban spaces for decluttering and efficient food growing. Also covered are hand tools, food preservation, energy production, and low-carbon housing and a plethora of nearly forgotten skills such as soap making, basket weaving, seed saving, and rope and candle making, and more. On the desert island of a world in decline this is the one-stop guide to vibrant, resilient living you'll want to take with you. Ross Mars is a scientist with a PhD in Environmental Science, entrepreneur and highly-regarded permaculture teacher and designer. Author of The Basics of Permaculture Design , he manages Candlelight Farm, a permaculture demonstration site and training center in Western Australia.

This is where Bob, with his 30 years' experience of organic gardening, comes in handy. Bob explains the best methods for removing and preventing a wide variety of common garden pests, from aphids and slugs to vine weevils and whitefly. He goes on to discuss the most effective and organic ways to avoid and cope with diseases, such as dieback, canker, silver leaf and rust. One in an indispensable series of books, Simple, Green Pest and Disease Control will answer all your queries in a clear, straightforward manner, leaving you to enjoy your garden, pest and disease-free.

Many people want to grow fruit on a small scale but lack the insight to be successful orchardists. Growing tree fruits and berries is something virtually anyone with space and passionate desire can do - given wise guidance and a personal commitment to observe the teachings of the trees. A holistic grower knows that producing fruit is not about manipulating nature but more importantly, fostering nature. Orcharding then becomes a fascinating adventure sure to provide your family with all sorts of mouth-watering fruit.

The Holistic Orchard demystifies the basic skills everybody should know about the inner-workings of the orchard ecosystem, as well as orchard design, soil biology, and organic health management. Detailed insights on grafting, planting, pruning, and choosing the right varieties for your climate are also included, along with a step-by-step instructional calendar to guide growers through the entire orchard year. The extensive profiles of pome fruits (apples, pears, asian pears, quinces), stone fruits (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums), and berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, gooseberries, currants, and elderberries) will quickly have you savoring the prospects.

Phillips completely changed the conversation about healthy orcharding with his first bestselling book, The Apple Grower, and now he takes that dialogue even further, drawing connections between home orcharding and permaculture; the importance of native pollinators; the world of understory plantings with shade-tolerant berry bushes and other insectary plants; detailed information on cover crops and biodiversity; and the newest research on safe, homegrown solutions to pest and disease challenges.

All along the way, Phillips' expertise and enthusiasm for healthy growing shines through, as does his ability to put the usual horticultural facts into an integrated ecology perspective. This book will inspire beginners as well as provide deeper answers for experienced fruit growers looking for scientific organic approaches. Exciting times lie ahead for those who now have every reason in the world to confidently plant that very first fruit tree

With over 30 years' experience of organic gardening, Bob Flowerdew has tackled every kind of weed in a variety of ways to devise the best ways to remove them and maintain a weed-free garden. He discusses each group of weeds individually, as they all need a different approach. Even seemingly ineradicable weeds such as ground-elder, convolvulus and fat-hen can be successfully dealt with. One in an indispensable series of books, Weeding Without Chemicals will answer all your queries in a clear, straightforward manner, leaving you to enjoy your garden, weed-free.

The art of the Japanese garden is a 1,500-year-old landscape design tradition that is still evolving, still instructive. Secret Teachings in the Art of Japanese Gardens explains the fundamental principles of this tradition and describes how those principles may be applied to a much wider range of environments than exists in Japan. In the first section the author draws on his own experience as an apprentice to a master gardener in Kyoto, as well as his considerable knowledge of Japanese classical texts, to present the garden design process in terms of three primary aesthetic considerations: Scenic effects-reproductions of appealing natural landscape forms. Sensory effects-varieties of scale, framing, rhythm, motion, and spatial quality. Cultural effects-the incorporation of allusions to classical literature, poetry, and painting. The final section comprises a complete translation of a classic gardening manual used by Buddhist monks in medieval Japan. Its rules for planting trees and setting rocks still make good design sense today, and the author includes numerous garden descriptions as examples of how ancient masters practiced their craft. This clear, authoritative work, fully illustrated with diagrams and photographs, elucidates much about the Japanese compositional sense. But at the same time it is a plea for a more holistic approach to landscape design-a recognition that a garden should conform to certain natural principles as well as meet the emotional needs of those who view it.

In 2003 a MORI poll for the Royal Horticultural Society revealed that an extraordinary number of us are interested in attracting wildlife into our gardens. It also indicated, however, that many of us have no idea how to go about it. Information is sparse, and public opinion seems to suggest that gardens that are plentiful in wildlife are unattractive, expensive to upkeep and hard work to maintain. But this couldn't be further from the truth. In this illuminating book, Ken Thompson explains that encouraging wildlife is actually entirely compatible with ordinary gardening, costs next to nothing and is almost completely effortless. Packed with helpful hints and tips, the book shows us how easy it is to fill our gardens with everything from foxes, frogs and mice to butterflies, ladybirds and literally thousands of fascinating creepy-crawlies. Why should we? Because we'll be promoting the biodiversity of the UK, we'll be reconnecting with nature, getting more from our gardens, and we'll be doing our plants a favour.

In our ecologically aware times, composting is one smart way to minimize our carbon footprint and help the earth. This new entry in the highly successful Specialist series gives gardeners all the guidance they need to start making, storing, and using their own compost.It offers Information on different types of compost and their ingredients, advice on constructing a compost bin, and detailed explanations of wormeries, green manuring, and seed and potting composts. There's no better or easier-to-follow guide for the eco-smart gardener!

How do you design a landscape book suitable for its intended uses? How can the natural qualities of a landscape be enhanced with new features and focal points? How can you make pedestrians stay on the footpath? What kind of plant, path or wall should you put where, and what sort of contract should you choose for your client's contractor? This refreshingly down-to-earth introduction to the vast subject of landscape design and construction answers all these questions, guiding new students through the many facets of professional practice and welding together the artistic, legal, financial, environmental and management issues which can seem so dauntingly disconnected. Illustrated with original drawings, photographs, sample plans and facsimiles, including a new colour plate section, this readable classic has been fully revised and updated throughout. It opens with a completely new chapter which explains design and aesthetic principles, explores the history of our relationship to landscape, and shows how design principles can be applied to influence reactions to the finished site. The author then considers different elements of hard landscape and their relative merits in different situations. The soft landscape section includes coverage of the effects of mass and form, natural and abstract planting, and the difficult subject of plant selection. A step-by-step guide through all the stages of managing a project, from initial discussions with clients, site inspection, surveying and quoting, through tendering, contracting, contractual agreements, development from concept design to final plans and drawings, as well as maintenance, now includes the current information on CDM regulations and provides readers with a plain-speaking reference on client management and contractual administration. Added to the guide to drawing and lettering is an extensive section on computer-aided design. A bibliography and list of useful organization are also included.

You don't even need a garden to enjoy growing beautiful plants as a pot or window box can be squeezed in anywhere. Whether you want to have colourful flowers or homegrown veg, Gardeners' World 101 Pots is packed with fantastic planting recipes to try. All are easy to do and will produce great results without any hassle. There are ideas to create stunning displays for each season of the year, plus easy ways to grow veg in pots so your own homegrown produce is just outside your kitchen. You'll never be stuck for ideas of what to plant with this handy little book. Gardeners' World Magazine is Britain's biggest selling gardening magazine, providing fresh ideas and clear advice every month. From plants and flowers to gardens and design, allotments and kitchen gardens to shopping guides and tried and tested reviews, Gardeners' World Magazine features the top names in BBC gardening, such as Monty Don, Alan Titchmarsh, Carol Klein and the Gardeners' Question Time team. Find out more at www.gardenersworld.com

Who knew modern civilization may be brought down, not by plagues or war, but by bees? Or, more correctly, by no bees? This book investigates the growing problem of bee mortality and offers practical measures we can all take to help. In ecological terms, bees play a critical role in the survival of many plant communities and continuation of life on this planet. No pollination, no seeds. No seeds, no future. Now that bees are facing unprecedented levels of die-off caused by a toxic mixture of environmental stresses, a community-based effort is needed to make gardens, fields and landscapes healthy sanctuaries for bees. Just as citizens banded together to produce Victory Gardens to offset the perilous food shortages of World Wars I and II, now a similarly vital level of collective effort is needed to make our gardens into lifesaving shelters for these essential creatures. Planning a bee-friendly space can provide a beautiful and bountiful selection of edible crops, native plants and fragrant ornamentals, as well as herbs that have medicinal properties for both pollinators and people. With the help of ten inspiring garden plans and planting guides, Weidenhammer shows how bee-friendly plants can be used in creative combinations for plots and pots of all sizes, and are easily grown by novices and seasoned gardeners alike. In the spirit of the history-making Victory Gardens, readers will learn how to pack optimum benefits into a limited space for the survival of hive and home, and backyard beekeepers will learn great planting strategies for making sure their honeybees are healthy and have ample food to overwinter. Victory Gardens for Bees is also buzzing with DIY projects that will provide nesting sites and essential supplies for precious pollinators. With plenty of photographs to help readers identify bees of all stripes, beekeeping tips and other interesting bee-phemera, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to do their part to save bees.

Grow up! If you have limited outdoor space and would like to grow your food, this practical illustrated guide will help you transform previously plant-free zones into thriving, beneficial and utterly beautiful food-growing areas. Using special containers, either bought or home-made, as well as conventional methods such as containers on a roof or growing plants up walls, you can grow a wide range of edible crops - and grab a salad for lunch without getting your feet wet. This book includes: * Creating edible roof gardens * Planning and growing crops on green roofs, including on sheds * Using a wide variety of containers, e.g. ladder allotments and growing frames, with details of how to make them * Making the most of wall boxes and hanging baskets * A directory of plants suitable for vertical growing - fruit, flowers and herbs as well as vegetables - with advice on how to cultivate them. Whether you have an apartment with just a wall, windowsill, balcony or small flat roof; a school with nothing but a tarmac playground; or just a paved courtyard in your community centre, this book will get you started on a new way of growing.

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson explains why we should welcome wildlife to our yards and provides foundational advice for doing so. Through personal narratives, profiles of home gardeners and interviews with scientists, the book applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own backyards.

Bring the flavor, aroma and beauty of herbs into your home with minimal time and expense. Tips on how to construct and grow your own herb garden and how to store your harvest are included.

Once a fringe topic, permaculture is moving to the mainstream as gardeners who are ready to take their organic gardening to the next level are discovering the wisdom of a simple system that emphasizes the idea that by taking care of the earth, the earth takes care of you.

"The Vegetable Gardener's Guide to Permaculture" teaches gardeners of every skill -- with any size space -- how to live in harmony with both nature and neighbors to produce and share an abundant food supply with minimal effort. Permaculture teacher Christopher Shein highlights everything you need to know to start living off the land lightly, including how to create rich, healthy, and low-cost soil, blend a functional food garden and decorative landscape, share the bounty with others, and much more.

This inspiring, easy-to-follow, information-packed, practical guide will help you transform your garden into a food forest that feeds you for years to come.

An informative step-by-step guide to a series of landscape architecture projects, from the first sketched ideas through to the final transformation, and covering everything inbetween. This beautifully illustrated book takes the reader on a journey through a number of outstanding gardens that have been landscaped by one of Australia's leading landscape designers, Dean Herald of Rolling Stone Landscapes. '21st Century Residential Landscape Design' showcases over 20 designs produced by Dean, who specialises in integrating garden design with the living space of the modern home and includes projects for the Mediterranean and for cold climate. The modern residential landscape has changed so dramatically over the last 20 years with the indoor-outdoor concept becoming a living space of the family home. Mixed with entertaining areas for alfresco cooking/dining and the added excitement of a swimming pool design, you have a relaxing atmosphere and a private retreat in your own backyard - this is "21st Century Residential Landscape Design." SELLING POINTS: - Dean Herald has achieved the pinnacle of the landscape design industry: a gold medal at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show in London - Between 2003 and 2011 Dean Herald and his highly skilled team have built seven show gardens and been awarded a gold medal on each occasion, together with three design excellence awards at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - Herald has been awarded Australian Landscaper of the year 500 col.

A guide to the magic of modern hydroponics for the home gardener. The author seeks to write from experience, using basic, easy-to-use methods.

A step-by-step guide that gives any gardener all the information needed to make garden furnishings that are both simple and beautiful. This book includes 50 complete plans for trellises, raised beds, planters, window boxes, and just about any imaginable project you can make to train and display plants in your garden and around your home. Featured projects are created using a host of easily found materials, including wood, metal, hypertufa, upcycled barrels, clay pots, sticks, latticework, copper tubing, re-rod, wire, landscape timbers, retaining wall block, and natural stone. Each plan includes photographs, a scaled plan drawing, cutting and shopping lists, and thorough step-by-step instructions.

Ponds and water features have been popular in gardens for thousands of years. This book is aimed at anyone who is thinking of building a pond, anyone who has bought some of the materials but doesn't know how to start or anyone who has a pond and needs to know how to keep it at its best.The book starts with the basics of assessing the garden, checking the site, planning and preparation, tools and materials and electrical wiring and safety. With the basics established the authors introduce the many different types of pond and how they can be created, maintained and enhanced.From split-level ponds to wildlife ponds, plant and fish and adding sculptures, bird houses, stones and bridges, each subject is presented in a clear way with box features, lists and questions and answers. The final chapter looks at water features - a rock pool or stream for a large garden or a small wall mask or trough for a tiny back garden.

Tailored to meet the needs of the first time bonsai owner, this book is an extensive directory of every major bonsai type.
"Bonsai Basics explains in detail all the techniques needed to keep a bonsai alive and in good shape. Clear text and step-by-step illustrations ensure that even the most nervous newcomer can approach looking after bonsai with confidence. Filled with over 120 specially commissioned photographs and illustrations, the New Pyramid Bonsai Basics is an extensive directory of both indoor and outdoor trees and their characteristics."