Mid-Atlantic Home Landscaping

I owned the previous edition of this book, and this updated version is even better than the original. The illustrations are particularly useful: what a specific garden would look like when just planted, 5 years later, and 15 years later--something that many people have difficulty envisioning. The book also devotes several pages each to specific situations, such as different treatments for a roadside mailbox, creating a seating area, and planning for a narrow space between a house and a fence. There are also specific instructions (and step-by-step illustrations) for creating walkways, patios, edging, and of course all shapes and sizes of garden beds. Species of recommended plants and trees are given, as well as information as to what soil, light, and water conditions work best for all plants mentioned. This book is useful not only in the very first stages of landscaping, but also in latter years, when other types of maintenance or treatments are needed.

This book is full of good ideas for improving the look of your yard. Plant lists are complete, directions are easy to follow. Illustrations are beautiful. I wish the authors would have put more emphasis on using native plants in their landscaping.