Garden Design

I was pleased to see so many areas covered with enough information to do it yourself without further research. Many design guides give you the ideas, but not the full "how to." This book helps you with determining what will work best for you, and then how to go about doing it. The only problem after reading through this book will be deciding which ideas you're going to use.

As the chairman of the Society of Landscape Designers, and a member of the Institute of Horticulture in England, Robin Williams summarized his professional experience and extensive knowledge in "Garden design." "Garden design" covers every aspect of garden design, including the basic of garden design, elements of design (principles, style, the formal garden, the informal garden, the combination garden), establishing priorities (take your time, decide what you want, anticipate change, source of inspiration, complete your checklist), the survey and related drawings, the analysis, the zoning plan, the finished design, the working plan and work schedule, getting started (shaping and contouring, water problems, drainage, irrigation, marking out, space and proportion, pattern and scale, character underfoot), horizontal planting (lawn, decorative ground cover, natural effect), flexible surfaces (softer surfaces, hard surfaces, wood), edging, rigid surfaces (natural stone, reconstructed stone and concrete, paving, bricks and tiles, concrete laid on site,), steps and ramps (planting steps, safety features, ramps), furnishing the garden, plants and containers, garden accessories, water and rock features, leisure and garden games, garden plants, family gardens, water gardens, rose gardens, rock gardens, grass gardens, seaside gardens, plant lover's gardens, country-style gardens, wildlife gardens, deck gardens, city gardens, and dry or Xeriscape gardens. "Garden design" has 208 pages and over 500 interior color photos and illustrations. It is one of the most comprehensive garden design books, and a must-have for both design professionals and ordinary garden lovers! Gang Chen, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Author of "LEED GA Exam Guide," "Architectural Practice Simplified," "Planting Design Illustrated," and other books on various LEED exams, architecture, and landscape architecture

This book not only contains wonderful landscape inspirations, but is a wonderful technical resource as well. The detail and diagrams provided help the novice attain professional results with structural elements in the garden.

Robin Williams takes the reader on a tour of the elements that make a garden complete. From making a survey of your property to designing a pergola, all types of gardens and garden elements are discussed and fully illustrated. Detailed descriptions and illustrations tell you how to prepare and lay a brick patio, design a special fence to enclosue your yard or even adding a gazebo. For those doing it themselves or those desiring to know how it is done this book is for you with full color illustrations and photographs.