In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.

Turn the backyard, patio, etc. into a special place, cozy and inviting, with this collection of decorative and functional woodworking projects. Add a bench, a flower box or even a fence.

Breathe new life into your garden! Maybe your garden isn't what it once was. Or maybe it's stunning during the full bloom of summer, but falls apart the rest of the year. Maybe it's crowded, sparse, boring, disjointed...or it just doesn't resonate with you, and you have no idea why or what to do about it. Don't retreat indoors! In this friendly guide, acclaimed landscape designer and best-selling author Rebecca Sweet offers simple strategies for transforming established plots and empty spaces into the garden of your dreams--a place that soothes your soul and revives your spirits year-round. Start by identifying problems with your current plantings (such as clashing colors, lack of flow and "one-of-each-itis"), then learn how to inject new life using artful combinations of color, texture and form. At the back of the book, you'll find a thoughtfully curated selection of 78 plants perfect for creating key elements of harmony in your garden. You don't need to be a professional landscaper to put these concepts into play. With this book as your guide, turning blah spaces into breathtaking places becomes fun, easy and perennially rewarding! Overflowing with creative examples of how to... Wake up boring beds. Make a cramped garden feel bigger, or bring a sense of intimacy to an expansive area. Downplay eyesores. Create moods ranging from serene to stimulating. Add four-seasons interest. Decide which plants to keep, and which to pull. Thoughtfully integrate hardscaping, structures and accessories. Transform an ordinary garden into one that's memorable and meaningful!

A beautiful, inspiring book featuring well-chosen examples of landscape designs that succeed. This book goes beyond pretty pictures to include specific information on plant and hardscaping options so you can make an informed decision on which options make sense for your yard. Subjects covered include: Understanding landscape styles, landscape materials, landscape elements, gardens & border plantings, landscape structures, firepits & fireplaces, landscape lighting, and many more.

Create a floral haven with help from a celebrated garden designer and flower lover. Jan Johnsen’s latest book, Floratopia: 110 Flower Garden Ideas for Your Yard, Patio, or Balcony showcases beautiful flower varieties and offers illustrated design ideas that will have you seeing the potential for colorful flowers, both annual and perennial, in all kinds of outdoor spaces, large or small. Essential advice—such as "Hot Weather Flower Garden Tips," "Tiny Space, Tiny Garden," and "Tips for Layering with Flowers"—is accompanied by lush photos and informative captions. Selected growing tips—such as "Become a Rake Master" and "Should I Cut Back in Winter?"—answer common questions and ensure success for gardeners of all skill levels. Floratopia both inspires and enlightens; it underscores the role of flowers as pollinator magnets and encourages the appreciation of flowers throughout their entire lifecycle. Choice tips for butterfly gardens, combining grasses and flowers, and deer-resistant combinations also include recommended cultivars and suggested soil conditions. This engaging book is divided into six chapters: Flowers in Pots and Planters Flower Garden Planting Tips Flower Garden Design Tips and Green Thoughts Themes for Flower Gardens A Few Choice Perennial Flowers to Try A Selection of Favorite Annual Flowers. Floratopia appeals to gardeners and flower lovers alike. Jan’s encouraging voice, experience, and contagious passion for flower garden design will inspire you to plant joyful blossoms wherever you live.

The Ultimate Flower Gardener's Guide gives home gardeners the confidence they need to create the flower-filled garden of their dreams. Jenny Rose Carey proposes a holistic approach to flower gardening with a refreshing twist. Instead of concentrating primarily on color, it brings flower shape and texture to the fore, helping homeowners make plant choices that come together in an aesthetically pleasing way. The featured plants include both perennials and annuals, and all have been chosen for their ease of care, attractiveness to pollinators, and environmental friendliness. Carey also shares information on planning for year-round color and design strategies for a range of spaces. The Ultimate Flower Gardener's Guide is a complete road map to a successful and satisfying flower-focused garden.

Creative strategies for gardens on balconies, ledges, fireescapes, planting beautiful borders and walkways, kids gardens, and much more!