This book blends numerous areas of interest: First is the basic how-to of desert gardening: heat, soils, water and wind. Second is the exploration of Palm Springs architecture from Spanish to Mid-century modern and how outdoor gardens are made to work with these styles. Third is a detailed presentation of the plants that will thrive here under ordinary care, and are naturally adapted to the dry climates of Australia, Mexico, Africa and South America. Rather than group plants by trees, shrubs, and perennials as most books are laid out, Palm Springs Gardening organizes plants according to their botanical associations and their aesthetic ones¿so readers go straight to the kinds of plants they find most appealing. The author also considers the aesthetic vernacular of local architecture and the plants that are best used with each one. Beautiful locations throughout the region offer a great deal of diversity, so that the book covers the full range of interests. They include public places with garden interest, like Moorten Botanical Gardens and The Living Desert.

Redwoods and Roses explores the special relationship California’s diverse peoples have shared with nature and the unique gardens and landscapes they have created over the years to nurture and enhance those bonds. From pre-colonial times to the Victorian era, California gardening expert Maureen Gilmer brings this garden history to life, showing how the gardens and landscapes were created and profiling the heirloom plants within them. But Redwoods and Roses is more than a book on gardening history. Here, the reader will discover how to recreate period designs in her own garden, from making a no-fuss adobe-look wall from the Mission era to finding heirloom plants for a cottage garden. Redwoods and Roses is a blend of natural history, California history, plants profiles, landscaping tips, and sensible garden advice, as well as an eloquent plea for the preservation of many remarkable plants.

Redwoods and Roses explores the special relationship California's diverse peoples have shared with nature and the unique gardens and landscapes they have created over the years to nurture and enhance those bonds. From pre-colonial times to the Victorian era, California gardening expert Maureen Gilmer brings this garden history to life, showing how the gardens and landscapes were created and profiling the heirloom plants within them. But Redwoods and Roses is more than a book on gardening history. Here, the reader will discover how to recreate period designs in her own garden, from making a no-fuss adobe-look wall from the Mission era to finding heirloom plants for a cottage garden. Redwoods and Roses is a blend of natural history, California history, plants profiles, landscaping tips, and sensible garden advice, as well as an eloquent plea for the preservation of many remarkable plants.

A sourcebook of approximately 200 easy-to-follow detailed structural plans of private gardens for gardeners to copy or reinterpret for their own gardens. The main features of all the plans can be easily adapted to different size gardens and climatic regions. Because good design is the key to a successful garden, this book has collected together some of the best of today's structural garden plans, providing practical solutions for sites of varying size and shape in both town and country. After an introduction that explains the basics of garden design, the book features about 200 structural garden plans divided into thematic chapters. The plans include those for problem sites, such as small, narrow, shaded, or sloping gardens, as well as key garden features such as steps, decking, boundaries, water features, lighting, and ornaments, and key planting. The book also includes a glossary of terms and techniques, as well as a directory of the designers' contact details.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of "House & Garden, this fully illustrated book presents important contemporary decorating trends in stunning homes. From one-room makeovers to complete renovations, home-decorating projects are flourishing across the country. House & Garden Book of Style explores seven of today's most popular looks, including the rustic charm of Country Luxe, the urban sophistication of New International, and the cross-cultural eclecticism of Bohemian Chic. Interweaving the stories of homeowners and the insights of professional decorators, each chapter features full-color pictures of four to six residences that typify the style, and the do's and don'ts of getting a style right. The first book from "House & Garden in more than 15 years, this is an irresistible combination of inspiration, innovative ideas, and practical know-how.

The design and planting of fine gardens is an art best learned by example. In this inspiring and beautiful book, renowned gardener, writer, and historian Penelope Hobhouse uses some of the finest gardens in the world to display how to lay out and plant natural, flower, patterned, and formal gardens. 250+ color photos.

No other gardening book better illustrates the vast cultural history and modern practicality of sustainability and permaculture.

This survey of twenty-one gardens by Steve Martino, whose work blends colorful, man-made elements with native plants to reflect the sun-drenched beauty of the desert, is sure to inspire gardeners, landscapers, and admirers of California and the Southwest. For more than thirty years, Steve Martino has been committed to the development and advancement of landscape architecture in the Southwest. His pioneering work with native plant material and the development of a desert-derived design aesthetic is widely recognized. A recurring theme of his work is the dramatic juxtaposition of man-made elements with ecological processes of the region. His love for the desert--the interplay of light and shadow, the colors, plants, and wildlife--inspires his work. As Martino explains, "Gardens consist of two worlds, the man-made and the natural one. I've described my design style as 'Weeds and Walls'--nature and man. I use native plants to make the transition from a building to the adjacent natural desert." Though Martino's work is deeply connected to the natural world, he also has a flair for the dramatic, which is apparent from his lively color selections, sculptural use of plants, and keen attention to lighting, shadows, and reflections. Boldly colored stucco walls frame compelling views of the desert and sky, expanding the outdoor living area while solving common site problems such as lack of privacy or shade. Interspersed are custom structures molded in translucent fiberglass in vivid hues--colorful arbors, outdoor showers, and internally lit benches.