I don't know how an experienced gardener would view this book, but for me it is just right. It has three sections: landscape plans for various common situations in city and suburb (in the shade, against a fence, at the curb, etc.), instructions for buiding features (paths, pools, trellises, etc.), descriptions and photos of plants (all chosen to be robust, low maintenance, non-invasive to neighbors). It's more a reference book than a reading book, but I did in fact read it from beginning to end, skimming the brief descriptions of plants that are repeated with each landscape plan that includes them (not a flaw in the book -- each landscape plan is intended to stand alone, and it'd be annoying to have to flip back and forth to the full descriptions). For me, a complete novice, the landscape plans are helpful. Not that I'll adhere to them precisely or anywhere near, but since I have no idea how to go about selecting one plant, let alone multiple plants that have to coexist in an aesthetically pleasing manner, I want very basic information and an array of pictures so I know what qualities I need to consider (e.g. relative heights and seasonal cycles) and can begin to decide what results I'm aiming for. With this book as a starting point, and another book for more detailed reference, I am now much better equipped to scout around on the internet without feeling scattered or overwhelmed. I also like that it is confined to this region of the US, and I'm not looking at lovely pictures and thinking yeah, but, um, winter? There are similar books for other regions.

(read 19 Feb 2009)