Author:  Tim Newbury
Publisher: Cassell Illustrated
ISBN: -13: 978 1841881133  ISBN -10: 1 84188 113 9

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This is an impressive publication- a beautifully illustrated manual for the garden designer. The vast amount of talent stored between the covers of this book is what one would expect landscape architects to have developed before they receive their diplomas. The very ambitious home owner who is comfortable working with a back hoe and some help will also enjoy following this guide

The author is a respected and renowned garden designer. The essence of the advice he conveys to the student reader is that a garden is akin to a small park. What will make such a setting enjoyable is the path laid out by the designer to discover its contents. To create that experience, Mr. Newbury relies on the wandering, curving line that cleverly converts any small plot of land into an enchanting garden. This concept is repeated throughout the book, for practically every style of garden imaginable. The reader comes away understanding that a garden is about movement and travel both for the eye and the body. It is also about the importance of discovery and the need for camouflage.

For those landscapes that require a shed, a greenhouse, or a compost heap, the plans supplied by the author demonstrate how all of these features are tucked away ingeniously in locations that do not detract from the overall beauty of the property. One may create a garden using any of the one hundred ideas in this book and never notice these elements, no matter how small the garden.

The focus of the book is a collection of 15 basic styles of gardens that include a cottage garden, water garden and roof garden. Once the reader has selected a desired style, there are choices within that style. For example, if one would like to install a cottage garden, one may select a layout for a traditional treatment, a contemporary style or a version for a small urban back yard. Each of these choices comes with complete plans for their realization. These plans include
 

·       An over all view of the garden as seen from a deck.

·       An aerial blue print containing symbols and shapes to identify individual features to be installed in the garden.
 

·       A planting guide for the major plants to be used.

·       A plant list that is numerically cross-referenced to the planting guide.

·       A three dimensional view of the completed garden.

·       Four variations of the aerial blueprint that accommodate differences in the sizes and shapes of individual properties.

 This meticulous attention to detail is repeated 36 times before this section is complete. So thorough is the presentation that it also includes plans of gardens for the disabled.

Like most prominent garden designers, the author relies heavily on trees, ornamental shrubs, paths and borders to flesh out the structure of the gardens. The use of perennials is limited. For those clients who prefer more flowers, the plans leave room for modifications after establishing the overall structure and design.

The secondary section of the book deals with the placement of hardscapes and garden features such as pools, patio, pergolas and pots. While some technical information is supplied, this section presupposes that the reader is familiar with most of the technology and engineering necessary for their installation. This section, therefore, is not a how-to-install-it manual. Instead, it is a guide on how to install it beautifully.

The final portion of the book contains an abbreviated list of recommended plants. The list is understandably short because designers tend to edit their options in order to remain efficient. Those plants that deliver the best results are included.

Clearly, the author has used similar plants successfully in his projects because they work best with the garden designs he provides. The seasoned designer may chose to modify this list. For the neophyte, it is a reliable place to start.

Creating a new garden or overhauling an old one may be overwhelming for the uninitiated and even formidable for an experienced designer. However, with this beautifully illustrated color manual, as a guide, those challenges become easier.