Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 Extremely Useful August 28, 2008
I've purchased several landscaping books recently, and this is by far my favorite. There are hundreds of pictures for inspiration, so I often flip through it when I'm feeling bored. The organizational style is very user-friendly, which makes it easy to find ideas for specific landscaping projects. I really like the lists they include of their favorite types of plants for certain settings (broken down by region and specific use). The garden plans are very nice; however, they don't include dimensions, which would be extremely helpful. Overall a very valuable household resource. It also makes an excellent housewarming gift.
Best landscaping book ever August 17, 2008
This book has a host of sensible ideas for gardens and outdoor living spaces. Totally suitable for New Zealand lifestyle and climate.
 Very useful July 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book has some really good ideas for gardening and landscaping in the desert. Anyone who lives in the desert knows what a challenge it is to grow a beautiful garden AND be a good steward of the limited, precious resources. The only negative comment is that the garden examples are mostly from California. It would be more helpful to me if there were more examples and discussion on high desert gardening in places like Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A fine companion to "Sunset Western Garden Book" November 27, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Famous Landscape Architect Thomas Church once wrote: " Landscaping is logical, down-to-earth and aimed at making your plot of ground produce what you want and need from it."
The original bestseller, "Sunset Western Garden Book" is one of the best encyclopedia and is the "Bible" of Western Gardening. I am very happy to read its companion, "Sunset Western Landscaping Book." This new addition to the Sunset family is a great attempt in covering the design aspect of landscaping. It covers topography, climate, lifestyle, plants, and environment. It starts with the purpose, design and planning of gardens, microclimates, seasons, soils, understanding of site, Western garden styles, the process from plan to reality, and gardens in different regions of the West. It continues to explore the use of various garden structures (arbors, decks, fences, fireplaces, gazebos, kitchens, paths, patios, steps, walls, etc) and garden plants (trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, annuals, bulbs, herbs, fruits and vegetables, ornamental grasses, wild flowers, and succulents, etc) in landscaping. It also discusses finishing touches (lighting, containers, birdhouses, garden art, water features, etc), regional problems and solutions, materials and techniques, and landscape plans.
I like the color landscape plans in "Sunset Western Landscaping Book." I can tell Fiona Gilsenan and Kathleen Norris Brenzel and their team put in a lot of effort in creating and selecting the plans. They also have good, professionally trained eyes. The colors of the plans are harmonious and pleasant. They can be used as good samples for selecting colors for landscape presentation plans.
"Sunset Western Landscaping Book" has 416 pages and many color interior photographs. It is a fine companion to "Sunset Western Garden Book" and a must-have for personal, professional, academic, and community library Gardening & Landscaping reference collections.
Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA
Excellent December 9, 2001
16 out of 24 found this review helpful
The best garden book overall. A smart book. Creative. Great pics. VERY Comprensive. Wish Id bought hardback.Complete. Very readable. Projects are suberb. Voluminous. A must for every serious gardener.
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